The Pony Express

Summer Edition

Chairmans Report 2010 AGM

At Thornton Rose our aim is to provide a quality learning, therapeutic and recreational experience, in a relaxed atmosphere of fun and companionship.

During the last year we have had many more referrals from other organisations and agencies in the area. It is great that the value of riding is being more recognised by these professionals but it does mean we have ever more riders on the waiting list.

As always we hope to have a regular intake of volunteers however demand does not always equal the supply at each session. Numbers remain buoyant on Wednesday morning, but at present we struggle a bit for help on a Friday Morning. Saturday morning we have lots of juniors but we could do with a few more mature helpers.

I would like to thank Pauline for her hard work and commitment in keeping the Wednesday& Friday volunteers focused and organised. Joyce and Ann I am sure are very grateful that she is there to assist in the preparation prior to the riding sessions taking place. We also now have a considerable amount of junior volunteers under the wings of Fiona Karyn and Lorraine.

While encouraging all volunteers to continually learn by attending Training Days, Instructors are also on a continual learning curve. Several attended the regional training day at the Drum, and a lot of very interesting topics were covered Joyce and Fiona attended an ASDAN training scheme aimed at school age children by encouraging learning through riding and horse care.

Over the years we have noticed an amazing transformation in the confidence of our riders and enthusiasm of our volunteers. Our goal is to enable our riders to become as independent as possible and to challenge them to retain and use what they learn.

Competition gives them that opportunity as it allows them to show off their acquired skills.
Several of the ponies have taken their riders out to dressage competitions such as the Drum Regional Dressage Competition and the Scottish Championships these events can only happen with a lot of extra work on the part of the volunteers involved. Due to this hard work we have achieved 3 Scottish Champions and numerous rosette placings.

I am sure that everyone who works with our riders will agree with me that it is fascinating to see the changes riding can bring about especially the youngsters, on a Saturday who are a pleasure to work with.

On the equine front we have been running with fewer ponies in regular work as Ozzy was retired, Bobby& Misty were recuperating and this had a knock on effect as we were unable to take on new riders for a time.

Currently we have 2 group Instructors and 3 Log Book Holders. This is very encouraging and means that they can all help each other out from time to time. We are very grateful to them for their time and skills.

In March 10 volunteers completed an Equine First Aid course which will enable them to deal with accidents resulting from horse riding.

Communication within the group continues to be a major challenge but technology is making it a bit easier – hopefully we can encourage people to keep up to date with group news and events. I would like to introduce email billing to cut down on paper, time and ink.

I would also like "news and views" from all. to keep the web pages vibrant and fresh!

As you will hear from Ann our treasurer that 2009 has been a good year financially however several funders have intimated this year (2010) that they are not in a position to continue funding our Group. Due to this I have to research other sources of funding to cover the shortfall, this will encourage us to do more group fundraising.

Our volunteers are vital to the whole operation. The work you all do is exemplary and very few organisations of this size would cope as we do.

We have a terrific team here, but it is great for people out with the Group to recognise the commitment of our members, so we need to “blow our trumpet a bit louder”.

Of course as the Group grows it will face challenges. We as individuals will face challenges. But I think what inspires us to continue to strive to improve the service we offer to our riders is witnessing, first hand, on a weekly basis, the real challenges our riders and families face every living day.

In closing I would like to say a heartfelt "thank you" to everybody, whatever his or her role or task has been within Thornton Rose especially for your commitment, loyalty and the sense of humour, that you bring to Thornton Rose!
Thank you!

Bill Johnston (Chair)

Regional Dressage Competition Drum RDA Centre May 2010

On Sunday 30th May 2010 we took we took 13 of our riders to the Regional RDA Dressage Competition and won 10 rosettes in total.

In class 1, we got 2nd, and 5th place.
In class 2, we got 1st 2nd and 3rd place.
In class3, we got 1st and 5th place.
In class 4, we got 4th place
In Class 7, we got 2nd place.
Walk trot to music, we got 1st place

At this competition 2 of our riders were talent spotted for advanced competitions; both are selected for training for the Para Olympics 2012,

This was a fantastic achievement for our riders and the group and to see the smiles on everyone’s faces including the riders their parents and carer’s made all the hard work worthwhile.

Pentland Hills Sponsored Ride

We are hoping to raise funds by holding a sponsored ride across the Pentland Hills on Saturday 19th June 2010.

We did this in 2008 and had a very successful day. Remember and get as much sponsorship as you can, every penny counts.

After the ride finishes there will be a BBQ at the yard from 4pm, family members are welcome to attend, please advise us of numbers attending the BBQ.