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EBONY’S BLOG - July 2009
Living with the Herd and People at
The Shelley Centre for Therapeutic Riding (RDA)
Welcome to the first edition of my Blog. I know some of you will know of me, my name is Ebony as in the title but, for those who don’t, this is the lowdown. I’m the latest of the Shelley Herd; I do a wonderful walk: a terrific trot: a captivating canter and a great gallop but, I never move? On the other hand, I don’t eat grass or hay and definitely don’t need a poop scoop? I do drink a lot of juice though (Electric Current that is). Yes, I’m an Electro Mechanical Horse, not your normal hairy hoofed type. Surprised you didn’t it? Well, so much for me, perhaps a bit more at a later time?
Presently, there has been and is, to come, a lot of activity of various sorts at The Shelley Centre, so much to tell you about but, for now, I’m going to tell you about the event of the year at Shelley which happened on Sunday 14th June, The Shelley Show. It’s the event when the Herd, our great Riders and of course dedicated Helpers can let their hair down and show the Parents, Family and Friends of our Riders just how good we are and have a bit of fun too; this year we even held a fancy dress parade!
Both Margaret and Lyn, with the help of the Instructors, have been busy for months planning this event as it takes time to organise us all for the day. We, The Herd, our Riders and Helpers have not been idle either. We have all put in a lot of hard work practicing for the day for the two important serious events, which are Dressage and The Countryside Challenge. We, The Herd, take it in our stride (Oh, the pun!) but for the Riders it is a challenge not only of their stamina but, to perform tasks and memorise the course, which on the day will take place under the scrutiny of the Judges, is no mean feat for anyone.
The week leading up to our show was frantic, with saddles and tack to be cleaned and polished; boots to be sparkling and safety hats to be just right. The Helpers who lead us have given us (Not me) a bath, hair clipped, hooves polished and so forth. There have been the fields to cut and clean; weeds to be taken out and a great “Spring Clean” to ensure we look our best. The Countryside Challenge course has had to be set up in one of the fields too. I’m feeling tired just telling you; don’t know about those who have to do the work?
The day has arrived, sunny and warm too. Much early morning activity and then it all begins! The first is Dressage, with both horses and Riders looking splendid in their tack and outfits; a credit to all. In Class I the winners were: 1st, Shannon, 2nd, Benjamin, 3rd, Oliver. In Class II the winners were: 1st Rowan, 2nd, Nathanial. We next move out to the fields for the Countryside Challenge, an event which requires manoeuvring through gates, under arches, collecting and depositing items from various stands. In Class III the winners were: 1st, David, Joint 2nd, Shannon and George, 3rd, Oliver. In Class IV the winners were: 1st, Evie, 2nd, Maria, 3rd, Rowan. By the way, there were two Olivers competing, so I’m sure they will know who is who? In each event the standard of all contestants was very high and I am sure their supporters were proud of them all as are their Helpers and we, The Herd.
After a break for lunch, we had the fun bit. First there was fancy dress, with To Ride a Cock Horse: The Four Musketeers: Robin Hood and his Merry Men: A Pirate with Fairy Tinkerbelle: Athena: Pocahontas. Everyone looked great and I think we were all surprised at the high standard of the outfits. Again, much hard work had gone into the event. Last, but not least, was the Pony Club games with Riders and Helpers racing through obstacles and collecting and depositing various items; great fun! But, I’m sorry to say that there was some cheating by those two mischievous Shetland Ponies, Camilla and Squidgy, egged on, I must say, by that Lyn of all people (She is the Stable Manager, our Boss). Well, what more can I say?
Finally, after all of that excitement, we were able to rest and have a drink and sample the mouth watering selection of cakes on offer. I’m glad I was not able to eat those otherwise my circuits would burst? And now, everyone heads for home but, not until we have been fed, watered and put into the fields for the night (Not me of course). I’m now alone in my room. I can see the shadows lengthening and the Swallows flying to and fro from their nests in the Stable roof, feeding their young; it’s so quiet now. I’m going into sleep mode, will talk again, goodnighttttttttttt…………
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