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Quiet corners helping to meet demand for riding
RIDING
VOLUNTEERS at the Riding for the Disabled group in Wellow are taking part in a project to help fill the gap whilst Covid-19 prevents their usual activities from taking place. Quiet Corners offer users the chance to spend time with ponies and learn grooming and other skills. The Wellow group is using Anne Allen’s yard on the edge
Quiet Corners are providing a vital opportunity for RDA users to enjoy spending time with ponies and horses
Ed Bracher and Lucy Nelson during their visit to Kilkenny Stables
of Bath for the sessions which are currently attended by people aged from four to 35, including a couple of wheelchair users. A recent session was visited by RDA chief executive Ed Bracher and Lucy Nelson, Deputy Lieutenant of Somerset. Wellow RDA hopes its usual sessions will resume in June and is appealing for more volunteers to help out both at the Quiet Corners.
For details, call Anne on 07713 639125 or email: anneallen9@me.com
Expansion plans at riding school
DIVOKY Riding School at Downhead, near Shepton Mallet, is seeking to increase its staffing levels as well as its number of horses to cope with the current level of demand. As lockdown continues to ease, the team at Divoky, headed by Pat Divoky proprietor Pat Bishop, has seen a particular increase Bishop in families wanting to start lessons for very young children and also mature adults returning to riding. Some other schools have surrendered their licences in the wake of the pandemic and new legislation. Pat said: “It is always tricky to find the right sort of horses that will cope with the demands of the work, but they have a very good home for life with us. We are very careful to make sure everything is right before they even start to work so new members of the horse team will see the vet, the dentist, the saddler, the loriner and have a full MOT before being schooled by our staff riders. This ensures the horses are used to working together and familiar with the surroundings.” Pat said recent months had been challenging but added: “Running a riding school is demanding, the new licensing rules have put many proprietors off running this type of business but with the guidance and training we receive from the British Horse Society and with the support of a very understanding bank we have made it through the pandemic and we are looking forward to the future.”
An award-winning riding school in the heart of Mendip
WANTED
We are looking to buy horses and ponies for the school. Must be fit and well and able to pass a vetting to work immediately. Aged over 5 years, no vices
WANTED
We are looking for a full-time groom. Ideally qualified to BHS level 2 willing to work towards level 3. Sunday-ursday (40hr week). CV: pat.divoky@gmail.com
WANTED
We are looking for a full-time instructor. BHS qualified coach level 2 (min), must have first aid, safeguarding and DBS. Sunday - ursday (40hr week). *No accommodation so own transport is essential. CV: pat.divoky@gmail.com
Divoky Riding School, Manor Farm, Downhead, Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 4LG www.divoky.co.uk T: 01749 880233 • M: 07971 207037
MENDIP TIMES • JUNE 2021 • PAGE 81
