Well it’s that time of year, the weather is great and we have now started collecting bottles. Our crowd favourite stall will be back at Ashington and is always very popular. We are looking for 100 in date bottles of all shapes and sizes, it doesn’t need to be expensive it just needs to be in a bottle and something you would like to win yourself. We get all sorts donated each year but … Continue reading →
Our birthday celebrations continued this week as we rolled out the red carpet for our special guests who came to celebrate with us. We were thrilled that Pauline, South-East Region Chair, and British Olympic, World and European gold medallist Tina Cook were able to join us and their presence made an already special session even more so. Each rider completed an imaginative obstacle course against the clock, well done to everyone, for “knocking it … Continue reading →
We all love a rosette and these yellow and gold beauties are warming things up here at LFRDA HQ! 😎 This week it will be rosettes all round for our lovely riders. Let the summer sessions bloom brightly, who’s excited?!
Continue reading →This week marks not only National Volunteers’ Week but also UK Coaching week and, as we come to the end of this special week, we would like to shine the spotlight and say thank you to our brilliant coaches here at LFRDA. Full credit to them as without their dedication we couldn’t do what we do. The coaches, along with the volunteer teams, make everything we do possible. Today let’s celebrate the invaluable contributions and … Continue reading →
Today marks the start of Volunteers’ Week which is a week-long celebration of the incredible difference volunteers make across the UK. Our dedicated volunteers are without a doubt the backbone of our organisation and we value them enormously. We appreciate everything they do to make LFRDA feel welcoming and like a home from home where everyone feels supported and loved. A massive thank you this week, and every week, to our volunteers, the unsung heroes … Continue reading →
Well done everyone for our super sessions this week, we had the perfect weather for a gentle walk in nature to put a smile on our faces. Even the horses were smiling and glowing with ‘health dapples’ – who doesn’t love a shiny dappled dude. With nature’s blossom falling like confetti into their tails, they looked like they were preparing for an equine wedding photoshoot. We spotted a swarm of bees across the … Continue reading →
Following some serious party planning the Trustees organised a 10th birthday lunch for the volunteers. It’s not often the purple teams get together in a large group without a horse or pony being there! Volunteer Val kindly masterminded not only one cake but two – they tasted as lovely as they looked. They were so detailed, even down to the quirky detail of a pony poop in the corner of the field shelter! A commemorative … Continue reading →
We’re celebrating our 10th birthday in a big way! We have to pinch ourselves that it was 10 years ago this new RDA group came on the block, starting from humble beginnings and, as they say, the rest is history. Our achievements are a credit to the collective efforts of immensely dedicated and talented people, and ponies, who have helped us get to where we are today and where we are going tomorrow. Whether you’re … Continue reading →
Thank you to the South-East Region for organising a training day on Saddlery Fitting which coaches Louise and Sarah-Jane attended. The course was delivered by Frances Roche, SMS Qualified Bridle Fitter, Master Bridle and Harness Maker, registered with the Society of Master Saddlers, and a Fellow of the Society of Master Saddlers and also Catherine Baker, Master Saddler, Master Bridle Maker, Registered Qualified Saddle Fitter, and Registered Qualified Bridle Fitter with the Society of Master … Continue reading →
We hope everybody had a good Easter like these equine superstars who have been enjoying a break from their usual RDA routines. Just like humans a holiday does wonders for their headspace, whether they’re cantering round the field enjoying springtime zoomies, or having moments of stillness lying in the grass watching the clouds drift by. They are receiving excellent daily care keeping them happy, healthy and safe. Just the sight of them with their … Continue reading →
Darcy absolutely rocking the Easter spirit – nothing says Easter like a pair of cute bunny ears 🐰 What a wonderful end to a terrific term. For over a month we’ve been lucky with the weather with wall-to-wall sunshine for our sessions. We’ve been making the most of the sun and getting outdoors, riding under blue skies surrounded by miles of stunning scenery. Well done to our … Continue reading →
Well folks, this week we made our RDA sessions egg-stra special and it’s an absolute pleasure to announce that our Treasurer and coach Sarah-Jane was our very worthy winner of the raffle. Rider Jayne, who won the raffle last Easter, picked out the winning ticket. On receiving the basket SJ declared “I never win anything” well SJ, let it be said you have now! Congratulations, we are so happy for your win, you totally deserve … Continue reading →
It’s a big round of applause to coach Sarah-Jane for successfully renewing her First Aid at Work certificate with flying colours. Thank you SJ for getting back in the classroom to attend the course with trainer Lee who delivers very informative and interesting courses and, despite the serious nature of the subject, always brings a sense of humour with him. The refresher courses are designed to reinforce what has previously been learnt and to keep … Continue reading →
We’ve made it through the winter and it’s great to be finally entering Spring with the promise of drier weather and more riding outside. What a lovely start to the season, a case of hello Spring – cue sunshine! Good to see everyone cheerful and full of the joys of Spring, with the sun giving us a little bright spot of healthy vitamin D. Our four-legged bringers of smiles and laughter, … Continue reading →
How would you like the chance to win this egg-cellent Easter basket whilst also supporting Long Furlong RDA?! Tickets are £1 and will be available at our riding sessions with the draw taking place on 09 April. The basket is filled with a selection of seasonal themed goodies with a touch of equine of course. Here at LFRDA HQ we are very taken with Shaggy the Shetland but not sure we could bring ourselves to … Continue reading →