Newsletter
Kesteven group has fabulous week in Wales
(September 21, 2009)Kesteven Rideability Residential Week At
The Clywd Special Riding Centre Near Wrexham North Wales
17th – 21st September 2009
8 riders and 6 volunteer helpers and 2 group instructors have just returned from a 4-day riding holiday. We arrived on Thursday after stopping off for lunch at Bickerton and everyone was in good spirits.
The weather was super which enabled us to ride on the all weather track and make good use of the outdoor school.
After unpacking the riders were given an initial assessment and a suitable horse for them to enjoy. The horses were situated in a paddock in front of the superb accommodation.
Each morning the volunteers brought the horses into the indoor school, the riders then poo-picked the paddock and groomed their horses after a quick drink the riders were mounted and ready for their lesson.
The group split into 2 groups with Martin and Peter F. warming up in the outdoor school before going on a hack and trot around the track with 2 escort riders, which they enjoyed very much. The remainder of the group Susie, Annie, Hayley, Carla, John and Peter B.
had a lesson in the outdoor school before going on the track over looking the Welsh valley and enjoyed the many buzzards soaring overhead. After riding the riders had to clean their tack and put it away correctly.
On Saturday morning we had a treasure hunt and light refreshments at the BBQ area where we could dismount and tie our horses up, what a treat.
The social side included a trip into Wrexham where we took part in ten-pin bowling, the riders were very competitive and showed the volunteers up! We played dismounted games in
the indoor school, which was hilarious. During the evenings some of us went for a walk and we and could hear the screech owls in the distant while the others played games. On Saturday evening we all had a most enjoyable meal at the local pub.
Liz our cook did a great job feeding us 3 meals a day. Tess the centre manager complimented us on our well-mannered riders and said there was a lovely feel and atmosphere on the yard. We hadn't realised that we are the largest group that goes to the centre and the first group ever to have poo picked the paddock!
We had a very successful time with everyone looking out for each other. The riders enjoyed themselves very much gaining confidence in their grooming and riding abilities as the days progressed. The look on their faces said it all, and they will all have many photographs to remind them of the lovely time they had.
I would like to thank the 2 sponsors the Wilpeg Trustees and Grantham Rotary Club Swimmarathon donation. A special thank you to the volunteers who gave up their time, without them the trip would not have been possible.
We thoroughly recommend this venue and experience to all groups.
Vicki Strawson
Group Organiser