Story

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. 😊

I was lucky enough to obtain a ballot place in the London marathon, but I immediately could think of no better charity to run on behalf of than Sugarloaf RDA. 

My now 20 year old daughter, Ella, was born with a complex genetic disorder meaning, not only does she face health challenges, she also has severe learning disabilities and autism. However, Ella loves to ride, and we have been riding with Sugarloaf since our return to live in the UK.  I became a trustee in 2017, and now currently occupy the role of treasurer. 

Ella has benefitted enormously through the therapeutic benefits of horseriding. Sugarloaf coaches and horses are calm, relaxed and friendly and the ethos we promote at Sugarloaf is one of inclusion, encouragement and confidence, while having lots of fun!! 

We currently have two RDA horses; Bess and Del Boy.  We would love a third, to be able to offer more rides and opportunities for the community, hence my taking to the streets to pound the pavements!! A new horse would be magical, and after the difficulties presented by the pandemic and lockdowns, would give the charity a much needed boost. 

Please check out the gallery for some beautiful pic of Bess and Del, and Ella enjoying her horseriding. 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Please show your support by clicking on the link below, thank you.

Colette Knight is fundraising for Sugarloaf RDA (justgiving.com)

In 2020 we said goodbye to one of our coaches as he sold his house and moved on to pastures new. Sugarloaf would like to wish Laurie and his wife, Marilyn, lots of luck and best wishes in their new home.

Laurie had volunteered for over 25 years + with Sugarloaf RDA and he will be very sadly missed by everyone who knew him. He really brought the best out of our riders abilities. Everyone that knew him felt confident in knowing that he was the best coach and friend.

I’m sure this won’t be the last time he works with an RDA group and will certainly go and help another group nearby as he loves it so much. Our loss will be their gain.

Good luck Laurie!

This year riders got the chance to have their very own pony/horse for the whole day. We decided to have 2 whole days so that everyone could have a chance to participate, which is what they do when they go to Wales but not everyone has the chance to go so this way they could. They rode twice in the day, were shown how to groom, feed and look after the horse which they were given. After lunch they had there second ride and then it was all sitting down to clean tack and then turning the horses out before they went home.

Riders and volunteers alike really enjoyed the 2 days, though all very worn out by the time they went home. All looking forward to this again next year.

Feeding time                                           Tack cleaning                                        Grooming

We had a brilliant time when the Rumford Morris came and raised money for us in June   2012, raising £101.82p for our group when they came to The Dog & Partridge Pub, North Stifford.

Due to the great time we had they have agreed to raise money again for us on the 11th July and will be dancing at The Ship Pub, Princess Margaret Road, East Tilbury.

Please come and have fun with us all.

On the 15th June 2013, we will be having a race night at St Thomas Parish Hall, Johns Street, Grays, Essex. RM17 6SR.

Starts at 7pm

£4 Adults and £1.50 Children. Buy a horse (choose a name too) for £3.00 and receive a prize if your horse wins.

Several volunteers will be raising money at Asda, Tilbury by helping with bag packing on the 14th July 2013. There will also be a small stand showing people what we do here at Sugarloaf. Please show your  support and come over and talk to us 🙂

One of our riders was allowed to carry the Paralympic torch through the street. He was very excited about this and enjoyed his moment. All his family and friends, including us at Sugarloaf are immensely proud of him. Well done!

Big well done to our 2 riders who have now completed their Grade 4 Horse Care.

Next step is Bronze award, wonder if they’ll decide to go for it 🙂

Due to the success of our quiz nights we have decided to hold another one at the Welcome Club in Stanford-Le-Hope on the 21st September @ 7 pm. Teams of up to eight people per table. There is always a raffle with some wonderful prizes to  choose from.

Everyone welcome!

On the 22nd of August, starting  at 10 am and finnishing at 2.30 pm, we will be holding our own little show and funday for our riders. We will be having Dressage in the indoor school at Tallyho riding school and the Countryside Challenge will take place in the out door menage at Tallyho. There will be stalls selling cakes etc and refreshmentswll be available.

All spectators are most welcome to bring encouragement to our riders. Also any help will be much apprieciated.