Success in the Sunshine for Court Meadow Riders

Brownbread Horse Rescue Open Day

Words and pictures by Val Jackson

Words and pictures by Tony Smith

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rownbread Horse Rescue Centre held its annual Spring Open day on 16th May when the perfect weather ensured a fine turnout of visitors from all over the South East. The queue for pony rides was busy throughout and was kept moving by a band of volunteers that included Wendy Cornwell and Cherry. Mandy Gardner, our Ashford-based Field Officer, ran the popular tack shop where bargains were eagerly snapped up, along with donations that were gratefully accepted. The Charity stall which provided information about the centre as well as running the tombola and raffle was supervised by our North Kent Field Officer, Jane Brown together with her daughter, Chloe. The horses and ponies on show represented some of the biggest and most difficult cases we have experienced. One pony, Tina was part of a 25-pony rescue that took two years to complete. Stabled next to her, was Petal who came to the centre as part of a 40-pony rescue, she was very emaciated having only just survived the winter while feeding her yearling. This latter herd rescue is still on-going with eight described as emaciated, seven very poor and the rest poor. Tragically Brownbread Rescue was called too late to save all of them. Dinty Steains, Head of Welfare: said, “We are currently in the process of stopping another big breeder who has caused unimaginable cruelty over the years, and again, this involves large numbers of horses.” Other horses stabled for the day had come from as far away as Scotland and the Isle of Wight.

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onies, children, adult helpers and sunshine – what a formula for success. And they all turned up at the Felbridge Showground when Court Meadow RDA took part in the South East Region RDA Annual Fun Day. Chloe won first place in both her events, Senior Countryside Challenge and Dressage and Charlotte did likewise in the junior section. As a result Chloe was first overall with Charlotte runner up. They both qualified to compete at the National Championships at Hartpury in July. Other riders won lots of rosettes for successfully competing various challenges and winning gymkana games. Summer term is always a busy one for the group. As well as the weekly riding sessions and competitions, camp week is on the programme. This is an annual activity which takes place at Ditchling Common Stud. The children attend for two days and have the opportunity to hone their skills in grooming, tacking up, and general horse knowledge, as well as the normal riding time. They also take part in gymkhana games and quizzes, have a picnic lunch together and then bath the ponies (and most of the helpers too!) Court Meadow RDA Group is solely dependent on the generosity of sponsors, fund raisers, donations and volunteers to continue its work with the children of Court Meadow School and needs to raise £10,000 a year to cover running costs. Any offers of support will be most welcome. For further information contact 0845 241 4346; email info@courtmeadow-rda.org.uk

The next Open Day is 12th September, 10.30 to 4pm. 01424 892381 (24 hrs help line) tony.brownbread@tesco.net Volunteer Field Officers in any area are invited to contact the Centre. Hamish and Cate Worseley holding their twin daughters, Ruby and Claudia, pictured with the one-eyed rescued horse, Tammy

Enjoying the sunshine at Felbridge Showground The prize winners included, left to right: James, Chloe, Charlotte, Laura and Nick

Grace Lynn Kung stroking Seasham

Will Harwood and Boysie In the April issue, Will Harwood told readers about his wonderful pony Boysie and their quest to compete at the Pony Club National Dengie Finals, having qualified at Golden Cross in February. Will sent us this picture and said: “I was pleased with the calm way Boysie travelled and he tried very hard for me on the day, given the run up not going as planned I was really pleased to finish 17th. The Nationals were an amazing experience and I was very proud to be there and would love to go again.” AUGUST 2010 Localrider 17 16-17rrup_aug10.indd 2

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