Summer at Shelley

     Ebony’s Blog

          Life at The Shelley Centre 

The Summer holidays mean that we don’t have any riders at the Centre, but that doesn’t mean we can put our feet up.  Far from it!  This is the time of year when we do all the maintenance jobs such as renewing fencing, cleaning and painting the stables, tidying everything up and this year we’ve also had the riding arena resurfaced.   (Photo shows our team painting the front of the Centre).  Our wonderful team of volunteers have been working hard, (but also having fun) and when our riders come back in September they will notice many improvements.  Do you have skills and a few hours to spare to be part of our volunteer team?  If so, please get in touch as we’d love to have you with us.

It is also the time when we try out new horses with a view to adding to our stable.  Horses have to be very special to be suitable for our activities and have to be rigorously tested to ensure they will be happy doing this work.  We have two on trial, making our current tally of ten horses to look after over the summer.  That’s a lot of muck for our volunteer team to pick up so the fields don’t go stale, and of course, they all need to be fed, watered and exercised.   

As mentioned in a previous blog Bryn has been nominated for the BBC Radio Suffolk ‘Make a Difference Awards’ in the animal category. He made his radio debut the other day and we’re pleased to say didn’t eat the microphone! Luke Deal from the radio interviewed Val who nominated him and then Jackie demonstrated how Bryn helps with improving her mobility and confidence (see photo).   Listen out for the result after the award ceremony on 4th September. 

Sadly, we’ve had to retire our lovely Welsh D chestnut mare, Tilly, after ten years of excellent service.  Tilly is now nearly 20 and unable to be worked due to back and leg problems.  She’s been a great RDA pony and apart from being rather feisty with other horses, she’s been a lovely mare to have around and will be sadly missed.

And finally, we’ve more fundraising events coming up soon.  We hope you will give us your support as these are essential to keep the Centre running.  Everyone is very welcome,

Family Dog Show:  Sunday 22nd September noon - 4.00pm, at the Centre, Shelley, IP7 5QY.  Bring your dogs and join in the fun.  Lots of not too serious classes, dog agility course, childrens’ games, homemade cakes and much more.

Jazz in the Yard:  Saturday 28th September, 7.00pm.  Tickets £20 including light supper.  Bring your own drinks.  More information and booking at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/jazzintheyard or phone 03336 663366

Reservoir Jogs:  Sunday 29th September.  Walkers, joggers and runners who enjoy the Suffolk countryside trails can choose distances of between 5 and 15 miles starting and finishing in the village of Tattingstone.  Why not take part with a group of friends?  For more information visit www.entrycentral.com/reservoirjogs  In aid of Shelley and Ipswich RDAs.

Website: www.shelleyrda.com                                             Telephone: 01473 824172