Ebony's Blog - Life at The Shelley Centre

We survived February despite the Easterly winds, the frozen surface of the arena, Alfie and Parys having mobility issues and lots of volunteers being off sick or on holiday! What complicated lives you humans lead. The herd is missing its ‘mum’, Lyn who is recovering from illness at home but her friend Abi is helping the Team look after all the equine interests. Naturally Babs and I are no bother, we just listen to the gossip and try to report on Shelley happenings.

My photo this month shows the intrepid pupils from Chalk Hill Academy being taught by our Chairman Jan. A rare moment of sun and warmth has them competing in two-aside races to fetch objects from one end of the arena and hand over to their partner at the other end. The boys may claim that they can trot canter and gallop like all the good cowboys do, but the mere fact of being mounted on a live animal and under instruction from no-nonsense Jan focusses them on the realities of behaving well, listening to instructions, being responsible and treating volunteers and ponies with respect. It’s a great Thursday morning showcase for what we do. Thanks chaps!

Here's hoping you are all feeling a Spring in your steps now that those two dismal months are behind us. The live herd is beginning to taste new grass, and the daffs are struggling to appear on our drive way (where everyone parks...)

Website: www.rda-east.org.uk/shelley.html Telephone: 01473 824172