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

Its been a whole year since moving to Grange Farm and things have not moved as fast as we had hoped. We have finally been given permission by the local Council to put in a road/track from Buckles Lane to the stable block we are still waiting to move over to. Now all we need to do is have the land surveyed and then get the lease signed over to us, so we can get started on building the road.

At the present time we have been in temporary  stables over the back and everyone has been very patient with us as there has been lots of things to get used to like: mucking out horses, feeding them and as well as poo picking and ragworting the fields etc. Don’t think some of our volunteers realised how much hard work this can be, but they have been wonderful and taking turns to help, with some coming down extra days to school horses. Even some of the riders parents and carers have given us a hand, which we are truly grateful for.

We have still managed to keep up with some of the other things we used to do before moving including introducing ‘Pony for the day’, which was a big hit by all. This year we had our fun day where all riders got rosettes for competing in the Countryside Challenge. A group of riders, carers and volunteers enjoyed another year at the lovely Special Riding Centre in Clwyd and this time they got the experience of driving a pony and carriage around the grounds. They have all, including some volunteers who had a go, got the carriage bug and are eager to see if we can introduce this into our group in the future.

More up dates to follow I’m sure

As from the 22nd November (Saturday) we will be riding at Grange Farm, Mollands Lane, South Ockendon RM15 6RT.

We are still organising dates for riding, with Wednesdays staying the same 10-2.30pm. We have cancelled Friday evenings and decided to ride Saturday mornings instead. Unfortunately we understand that this may not be good for some riders, carers and parents. We are very interested in your views and comments as we may be able to arrange another day which is convenient, we certainly don’t want to lose anyone.

Chaffie and Bess will be there along with Punch (yes his coming back!). One of our volunteers has kindly offered her 2 horses, Cash and Fruit to use in lessons and hopefully they will fit in with our routines.

Riding for old Friday riders will start on 22nd November and Wednesday riders will start back on 27th November.

Unfortunately we haven’t got a indoor school as of yet, so will be riding outside, so please wear suitable waterproof and warm clothing. Might be an idea to bring a change of clothes just in case. We hope the weather wont spoil your riding and look forward to seeing you all very soon

For a couple of years now we have been scouring Thurrock, Essex for a place to have our own Special Riding Centre and now it seems that we may have finally succeeded in this.

Grange Farm stables in South Ockendon seems to be right for us and we are now in the process of seeking planning permission for a indoor riding arena and all the other legal formalities that are involved but so far all looks good.

This would be such a great thing for the disabled people in Thurrock and be a great asset for the community as a whole.

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!