Carriage Driving For Disabled Adults In Dorset

New Year's Day 2012

2012-01-23T13:21:00.006Z

It has become traditional for our horses to have a pint of Guinness on Christmas morning and another to welcome the New Year. By an unfortunate (?) oversight, they also had a pint on Boxing Day morning - far from complaining, the four of them were eagerly awaiting the arrival of their feed buckets the following morning! However, they had to wait until Denise arrived to play Barman on New Year's Day.

HAPPY NEW YEAR to one and all!!

Christmas Lunches 2011

2012-01-16T11:15:00.018Z

Some of the happy eaters

Was that 9 or 10 Christmas puds??!

I am so very grateful to Jo Winfield, our secretary, for these contrbutions to the blog while I was away visiting my two sons and their families near Brisbane in Australia over Christmas (lucky me!!). I had a fantastic time out there.
The support from Jane, Gill, and Jo Corr in filling the gap of caring for the horses with John Newell was magnificent.

Both Wally & Denise were indisposed for the month of December when Wally underwent surgery to replace his aortic heart valve and a single heart by-pass. While I was away for 6 weeks from mid-November visiting friends and family in the southern hemisphere!
I'm happy to report that Wally is making an excellent recovery and we are all looking forward to a new season of carriage driving starting, weather permitting, in a few weeks time. I think we can expect Wally to be a bit moo...dy at times as his heart valve came from a cow!!

This year there were two “sittings”, and on each occasion Joy and Peter arranged the seating to ensure easy access for wheel-chair users. The restaurant and tables (and staff) were beautifully decorated, and the food was excellent. In all, about 60 had lunch, and Joy and Peter coped amazingly with “crises”, which started with the Secretary paying a last minute visit the night before the first sitting, and saying dramatically to Joy, “It's been cancelled!!”. She then apologised for her twisted sense of humour, and Joy remarked she was very relieved as she had just finished peeling 6 kg sprouts! And then when extra people arrived at intervals for the second sitting, tables were shifted and additional ones laid, extra chairs and meals found, all with the greatest good humour.

and a last thought . . .
For those of you who have not had the doubtful pleasure of meeting the Secretary, she is currently trying to persuade the Group Organiser to allow her to resign, volunteers welcome . . .

Group Organiser's and Chairman's response...."resignation not an option!!!" :-)

Our Oldest Passenger?

2012-01-16T11:09:00.004Z

Eve was 93 when these photos were taken in August (thank you, Connie!). Eve spent many of her school holidays on the family farm in Surrey, where she helped with the farm work, starting each morning with catching the two reluctant cart-horses. Sadly Eve lived most of her life away from the horses which she loved; so it was to achieve a long-held ambition that she came for a drive. She has arthritis and very poor short-term memory, but this is one experience which she still remembers with great pleasure.

Carriage Driving Season Over

2011-10-18T16:02:00.005Z

We had our last carriage driving for the 2011 season on Friday last week with our lovely ladies from The Grange in Poole.

On Monday this week, Keith, our farrier came removed the horses' shoes and trimmed their feet in preparation for the winter break.

Keith also assessed the lameness in Maggie, for which she has been confined to a stable for several weeks on an ample bed of shavings to give the laminitis a chance to heal. She has also had to be on a restricted diet and in order to restrict her grazing in the next few weeks the other three horses have the task of grazing down the small paddock that will be hers for daytime feed.

No complaints from these three, that's for sure!!

Maggie Lame Again!

2011-09-18T18:22:00.003Z

A sad day for Maggie!

It was a sad day when we brought Maggie in for a drive last week only to discover that she was slightly lame. Wally called the vet immediately and on close inspection it was decided that it was almost certainly laminitis again.

This has yet to be confirmed next week with a possible X-ray and a visit from Keith, our farrier, who has a wealth of experience in his field.

For the time being she has come off the grass and is stabled on restricted diet of hay and twice daily "bute" (pain-killer) on a deep bed of shavings.

Margaret Newell Day, 2011

2011-08-11T10:42:00.004Z

An Organiser's point of view.

They say, never volunteer! - well, I didn't, it just sort of came my way and I carried on, much as one automatically catches a ball thrown in one's direction. I am, of course, talking about Margaret Newell Day, 2011. My initial reaction when asked to do the organising at short notice was sheer panic, but with Wally and Denise refusing to allow me to back out, and massive help from others especially Liz, the Treasurer who travelled all the way from North Wales to be with us, all was well. They say the devil makes work for idle hands, and I'm afraid that from the moment Liz set foot in my house, the devil never stood a chance!

I wanted to do something a bit different, as the feed-back I had from last year's Margaret Newell Day made two very relevant points, the first being that with the Tombola, cake stall and book stall being in the cart-shed, they were not very obvious. The second was that there was nothing to “do”!

So! My first thought was to stand each stall outside a covered area (a stable, the tunnel, the cart-shed), with a large fascia “board” over the top to announce its presence, and a detailed chart at the side listing what that stall was all about. Being close to a covered area, if it rained the stall table could be pulled back into shelter. However, just to allow for all eventualities, I took large sheets of polythene to cover the tables and contents, and half a dozen umbrellas for hire to the visitors. Yes, yes, I know you all kept telling me that Margaret Newell Day is always fine, but I am one of Nature's natural pessimists . . . but next year I'll listen to you, because the weather was perfect.

The Open Day was from 10am until 4pm. Visitors were very slow to arrive, and were still thin on the ground at 11 am, when I started to panic. However, things then took off quite rapidly, and we had a yard full of delicious appetite-inducing barbecue smoke through which we could see people “Dunking the Dog”, looking for the Fiver, and the Treasure Hunt, leafing through books, buying cakes (Hey! Who pinched the gorgeous iced cakes I had my eye on?? - beautifully finished and decorated, it would have been a shame to eat them, but when did I ever have any shame where cakes are concerned??), buying tombola and raffle tickets, and visiting the Bargain Basement – and of course munching beefburgers and hot dogs washed down by lots of tea, coffee and cold drinks. The Mystery Objects caused quite a lot of interest, and as I anticipated, some were readily identifiable by the older generation (eg, the cobblers' last and the typists' correcting eraser) but a total mystery to the younger ones.

I tried to have something for everyone, and certainly the “Dunk” was popular with the children and some less able visitors, to the extent that when two youngsters got home, they put one of their soft toys on a low branch in their garden, and spent the rest of the afternoon knocking it off!

“Find the Fiver” was also popular. The first visitor to that stall picked the mug with the fiver in it! I thought, if he's psychic and going to spot all the best prizes, he'll have to go! However, his next tries were less successful. One of the day's highlights for me was the anticipation on the face of a young lady with wheels as she picked a mug, and then her joy when she found she had won a box of chocolates, which she said she would give to her Mum.

I have had a number of complimentary comments, one of which referred to the “lovely atmosphere”. That comment rebounds to the credit of those who work tirelessly day after day at the stables to put into practice the ethos defined by Wally – Ash Tree Stables is certainly a magical, peaceful place. I am not a “religious” person, but I hope you will not be offended if I say that it is almost as if the Stables are saying, “come unto me all ye who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”.

Thank you to all who helped, and to those who visited. I hope you all enjoyed the day as much as I did, and we all look forward to seeing you at next year's Margaret Newell Day – make a note in your diaries – it's Sunday 5th August. Unfortunately there is something else going on from 27th July to 12th August, but I don't have to tell you which is more important!

Jo
EHDC Secretary

Mid June - Lush Affair

2011-06-24T20:20:00.006Z

Camping Village

Jane, from The Grange, gets a conducted tour of the camping facilities springing up like mushrooms in the fields we drive in.

This week Lush cosmetics firm has been on site erecting a vast array of tents end huge marquees in preparation for a week of corporate activity (the only way I can describe it just now) with some 600 business delegates from all over the world we understand! It is a huge affair, and it gives the horses a lot of interesting flapping canvas to brighten the drives we do in the fields, but they are quite unperturbed by all this activity.

The horses have had to give up their grazing area for campers, but we are fortunate to have alternative areas with plenty of grass, so they are very happy to go somewhere with fresh grazing!

A Wedding

2011-06-20T21:17:00.007Z

Marmite gets a preparatory wash & shampoo

Marmite with his wardrobe team, Gill, Jane & Karen.

Ready for the Bride & Groom with Wally & Denise.

On Saturday 18th June a carriage drive for a wedding at Holton Lee was arranged for Marmite. A lot of work goes in to preparing for the day and a dedicated team of Jane, Gill, & Karen turned out on Saturday morning to Help Wally & Denise to prepare Marmite and carriage for a smart turnout.
All the hard work was well worthwhile for the admiration and pleasure shown by the bride and groom and members of the wedding party that were celebrating at Holton Lee, not to mention the generous three figure donation that goes into our funds.

2011-05-27T18:53:00.006Z

Martin Sets About Cleaning Marmite's Harness After Morning Session

The season is progressing extremely well with some very welcome new volunteers. The weather has been fantastic for us and as the days fly by we have to turn our thoughts to our AGM which will be held on 16th June at the stables, and to preparing for Holton Lee's Summer Fair on Saturday 18th June when we have a chance to boost our funds. The Margaret Newell Memorial Day on 7th August is another major event in our calendar to be planned for.

I feel that I must address the issue of the wearing of hard hats. A comment "Hats?" was made on last month's posting with a picture of Martin and Wally seen hatless! We, as a group, offer all our adults the choice to wear or not to wear a helmet and they can sign a form of exemption which they do at their own risk. A risk assessment is made for every drive that we do and we do have a very good safety record.

If we were to travel on a public highway it would be compulsory to wear safety helmets, but since we have the good fortune to operate off-road on a 350 acre estate that rule does not apply. We do carry a range of helmet sizes to offer our disabled drivers. An ill-fitting helmet could be more dangerous than without. Some of our disabled drivers have exemption forms signed by a doctor, otherwise all our adults have a choice and are made aware that signing the form does not affect their statutory rights. Each drive is a leisure drive and is conducted to the standards of safety recommended by the Riding for the Disabled Association incorporating Carriage Driving, and in as safe an environment as possible.

The question of protective hats is under review by the RDA and details will be released at a carriage driving conference in mid October this year.

Spring Has Sprung!!

2011-04-09T11:56:00.006Z

Martin takes Wally for a drive with Marmite

Martin has been helping at the stables for quite a few years now and has become a proficient driver, besides being a very useful helper.

Spring has truly sprung! We started driving at the beginning of March, which has been the driest March for many years, so, though cold at times, we have been able to drive most days.

April has started out on a very warm note and there is prolific blossom everywhere. The horses are all shedding their winter coats in handfuls to cope with this rare warm spell which makes easy picking of nesting material for a variety of birds from Goldfinches to Jackdaws.
Surprisingly we haven't seen our Swallows yet, but I'm sure they aren't far away now.

Now is the time for anyone who has a little spare time on their hands to come down and take advantage of an outdoor activity on this wonderful site at Holton Lee and make new friends. We are always pleased to welcome volunteers to help in any way they can.

Our All-terrain Mobility Scooter

2011-03-06T13:45:00.008Z

In March 2008 we took delivery of an electric Tramper that was generously donated by the Valentine Trust, a charitable trust based in Poole.
Some of our volunteer helpers find that escorting the drives on a bicycle is a bit too much so this electric buggy is an absolute godsend!

Made by Salisbury based Beamer Limited, the Tramper electric scooter is unlike anything you will see in the high street.
The "Tramper" is a real outdoor activity electric buggy designed specifically to cover rough ground, mud and grass safely.

There is not day goes by that we are not reminded what a blessing this vehicle is to us who are all getting on in years(!) and so very thankful to the Valentine Trust.
It is very important that we keep the pastures clear of the horses' manure to maximise their grazing area and to reduce the chance of a likely worm burden on the pasture.
So, first thing each day we we go out and clear up the droppings of the previous day. In the past it was a case of three of us each pushing a wheelbarrow, but now it easily accomplished by two of us in a very short time using the Tramper towing a trailer.
The manure is used by the horticultural part of Holton Lee.
Moving the heavy water trough, taking the cones out to the field for driving skills are just some of the tasks for this versatile vehicle of ours.

Holton Lee provide several of these machines for their guests to explore the 350 acres of the estate and they are well used!
For more information about these wonderful buggies visit www.tramper.co.uk

Season 2011 Has Started!

2011-03-02T20:27:00.005Z

We did our first drives out at a gentle pace on 1st March (St David's Day).

We should be grateful for the dry weather, but with a bitter NE breeze it was oh... so cold!!

Marmite was very keen and forward going, but we are very aware of the need to ease the horses into work gently.

We desperately want to welcome new volunteers to our happy band of helpers! Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays are days when we are light on helpers.

Birthday Celebrations!!

2011-01-15T20:15:00.010Z

Wally's birthday today started at the stables with a romantic proposal of marriage to Denise standing by the wagonnette where they first met almost 6 years ago. It was Denise's birthday yesterday, so the ensuing lunch at Dylans in the Courtyard Centre with close friends was a triple celebration!

Wally & Denise. A very happy couple!

We all wish them well and look forward to a fantastic year ahead. Now that we have the harsh cold of December behind us and half way through January, spring is really only just round the corner!? With a wedding imminent and plans to start driving as soon as the weather permits at the beginning of March, the year ahead is beginning to look rosy!

Happy New Year!!

2010-12-27T09:20:00.003Z

Our feathered friends at Holton Lee share a Digestive biscuit each morning.

Here's wishing everyone a very happy and prosperous New Year!

A slow thaw, though making walking in the yard extremely treacherous, is encouraging.
I think the novelty of our very beautiful snow-clad countryside is beginning to wear off as we look forward to thoughts of spring and warmer weather!

The horses are enjoying the extra acres we allowed them when the snow cover made it difficult to find enough to eat. They have been receiving a hard feed of Hi-Fi (chaff), bran and a little pasture mix while the snow has covered the ground, but when we took the electric fence back to allow them the whole field of about 20 acres their excitement was a delight to watch as they galloped round, up and back with 'airs above the ground' , heels in the air like a bunch of yearlings that have been stabled all winter and are experiencing freedom for the first time!

Once this weather clears up we shall have to restrict the grazing area again to avoid them coming out of the winter too fit as they did last year, with the sad consequence of Maggie getting laminitis and missing most of the driving season.

Roll on Spring!!

EHDC Christmas Lunch

2010-12-16T15:23:00.011Z

Seating for 75 in the Medieval Barn at Dylans Restaurant

The proprietors and staff of Dylans Restaurant in the courtyard Craft Centre at Lytchett Minster really did us proud on Wednesday for our Christmas lunch.

In previous years we have limited invitations to our helpers in the restaurant, but this year we opened the invitation to all our regular carriage drivers with their carers and our volunteer helpers, and received a wonderful response. All these lovely people that have become our friends over the years and that we consider to be a part of one big family!

All credit to Wally, as our Group Organiser, for the way he runs the East Holton Driving Centre.

Winter Weather

2010-12-04T16:32:00.006Z

Twin Oaks Field

Charlie Brown unconcerned by the snow

Marmite & Maggie browsing gorse on the fence line

Twin Oaks field is blessed with natural shelter alongside the woods. It was sheer luck that, as we had been strip grazing, the last move was to take up the electric fence leaving a generous strip against the woods a day or two earlier. As you can see the snow was light in the shelter of the woods, so the horses had no problem finding easy grazing, though John did put out a little hay for them for two days.

The weekend saw a dramatic change with heavy rain dispersing all the snow overnight. I wonder what the weather holds for us for our Carols & Candlelight evening on Thurs 9th December??!

Coffee Mornings at Dylans Restaurant

2010-11-08T12:23:00.010Z

Now that the horses are taking their well earned holiday we have started regular coffee mornings at Dylans Restaurant within the Courtyard Craft Centre in Lytchett Minster. We hope to see as many of our volunteers, disabled drivers, carers and any people thinking of becoming a volunteer as often as possible throughout the winter months. This is our way of keeping in touch.

We are already taking bookings to join us for a slap-up Christmas lunch in the Mediaeval Barn at Dylans Restaurant on December 15th. It should be great day with at least 50 already booked. The 3 course meal is great value at £14.95 and has received such high praise for quality for the past two years that we have enjoyed their service. Check out my blog for Jan 2009.(I seemed to have missed a reference for 2010!)

2010 Season's End

2010-10-31T11:44:00.004Z

At the end of a 35 week season at the East Holton Driving Centre and 875 drives under our belts for the 2010 season. Our drivers, our support workers, our RDA whips and committee.

We are fortunate to have the 350acre site and the ability to operate five days a week, enough support workers to cover that period of time. I feel fortunate that, after standing down to be their Group organiser at this years AGM, the group agreed to re-elect me for the next three years.

I feel I don’t have to apologise for my stand to achieve equal standing for disabled and non-disabled people and offering them access to all areas of the group. The EHDC is an adult group: I respect our members, their views, their needs, their independence, and a say in the group's and their own destiny.

· We are open and honest

· Our service users are varied, and we all benefit from the environment of ‘Holton Lee’.

. Disabled people

. Non-disabled people

. Year 10 students from local schools come to learn about equitation, and disability awareness.

. Kingston Maurward agricultural college the same.

Risk Assessments have been carried out and our mentoring methods have been approved safe for all concerned.

I had a vision that became a mission. I ruffled feathers and upset a few people. While making a stand for the equality of people, it is the people that are important not whether they are disabled or not. If only we could go back to basics, rid ourselves of materialism, and greed. The important part we play at EHDC is having the ability to share our time, our care, our problems, the horses and the environment, and our Christian acts. We accept people as they are, any religion or none.

Justifiably proud,

Wally Pitt – Group Organiser EHDC

The following is an e-mail that warms our hearts! Messages like this confirm to me that what we do is right for the group.

Dear Wally,

When guests come along to stay in the Old Barn/Cottages they always come back from a trip to the stables with brilliant stories of the way they are made to feel so welcome and how much they learn from their visits.

Guests are so pleased to hear carriage driving is available, but don’t know the unique way in which they will be invited to become involved ‘in all areas’ until they have had a visit with you. Their stories always tell of how much they have enjoyed the visit. Being around horses again reinstates confidence, but the way guests are included/involved when they visit acts as a major confidence boost. Guests who have been involved with horses in a ‘previous life’ career wise or as an interest suddenly find that the door is still open to them in the same way, not in a patronising way.

Louise

Facilities Bookings

Visit to EHDC by Mrs Annette Brooke, MP

2010-09-05T13:06:00.008Z

Annette Brooke receives a horse-shoe as a souvenir of her visit.

Annette Brooke gets a quick tour in a carriage with Wally, our Group Organiser, down to the Holton Lee viewpoint that looks over Poole Harbour to the RSPB Reserve on the other side.

On Thursday last week, as a small local charity, it was a privilege to receive a visit by local MP, Mrs Annette Brooke.

Our regular disabled drivers suffered only a minor delay in good spirit for Annette's drive . Meanwhile she was able to gain a valuable insight to all that we do for disabled people by talking to Wally and seeing first-hand the smooth operations carried out by our team of dedicated volunteers as we continued with our regular drives.

Wally presented Annette with a souvenir of her visit - a horse shoe beautifully gift wrapped thanks to the courtesy of "Something Special" in Broadstone. I bet that's the most unusual item they've gift wrapped at "Something Special" !!

Be Nice Halter

2010-08-11T15:41:00.006Z

Marmite has proved to be a rogue and a bit of a handful at times. When it suited him he knew that nobody could match his strength if he chose to dash off on his own for some fresh grass or some other bit of mischief in the yard! This only happened when he was being lead on a head-collar (he is perfectly behaved in harness).

We were at our wits end how to control his exuberant bad manners until Sal, one of our volunteer helpers, suggested we should try a Be Nice Halter.

The Be Nice Halter is an excellent and humane training device imported from America. The design is patented and although there have been some imitations manufactured, nothing else is as effective.

The halter works on the simple principle that when the horse resists, pressure is automatically applied and when the animal begins to co-operate, the pressure is automatically released. Therefore, it is not just a restraint, but a very effective training device as well.

Since we introduced him to the Be Nice Halter we have had no trouble controlling Marmite whatsoever. At the first sign of an impulse by Marmite to shoot off, gentle but firm pressure on the lead rope reminds him of who’s in charge and he is unbelievably accepting and cooperative!!

If anyone reading this has a problem horse we highly recommend that they check out this remarkable halter and learn about it and how to use it from Monty Roberts by clicking on this link:
http://www.horseweb-uk.com/features/benice.htm

Margaret Newell Day Sun 1st August 2010

2010-08-10T15:47:00.010Z

Can't find instructions!! Which tube connects to which tube??!

The first Sunday in August this year has come and gone in the blink of an eye it seems.... well it seems that way now!!

A lot of hard work and preparation went into the day and we are very grateful to all those concerned. Our thanks also to those who were generous in the supply of raffle prizes, items for tombola, cakes, books, toys and food for the BBQ.

The weather was kind to us, if not very generous with sunshine! Although fewer people attended this year, it is thanks to their generosity that we made a very pleasing amount in excess of £400.

We need some help with more fund-raising ideas!!

Work Experience for School Sudents

2010-07-10T20:46:00.009Z

Lauren, seen holding Marmite, and Kayleigh, are two girls from local schools undertaking two weeks work experience with us at the Ash Tree Stables. Both girls picked up the work very quickly and are a tremendous asset to us. Marmite acquired a fancy hair-do on this occasion whilst we were waiting for our disabled drivers to arrive!!

Every one of the students who have come to us for work experience have enjoyed their time with us, and we hope to see them coming back to us occasionally in their holidays. There is always work that they can do, and enjoy themselves at the same time.

For participants in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme, time spent helping with RDA on a regular basis qualifies for the Service element of the award.
Students planning a career in the caring professions will find that experience as an RDA helper is highly valued by admissions tutors and potential employers.

The students not only learn about horse care and carriage driving but they learn all about disability and to interact with people with a range of disabilities. We encourage disabiliy equality and therefore have disabled people working in the yard.

For more information you need to contact Wally on 077909 12770

Maggie Gone Lame

2010-07-09T16:04:00.006Z

Keith, our farrier, applies shoes with a special gel insert to support the frog and sole of both front feet that are affected by laminitis.

Poor Maggie was discovered to be suffering from laminitis a few weeks ago and has been receiving treatment by the vet in conjunction with the farrier.
This entails box rest with a comfortable soft bedding of wood shavings, pain killers and a strict diet.

Laminitis is one of the most serious, crippling diseases of horses, ponies and donkeys. Severe and recurring cases of laminitis can reduce a horse's usefulness or result in the horse being destroyed to prevent further suffering. Treatment can require a lot of time and money (whether successful or not) and requires a good deal of energy from the carer for an extended period of time.

What is Laminitis?
Laminitis is a painful inflammatory condition of the tissues (laminae) that bond the hoof wall to the pedal (coffin) bone in the horses hoof. It can affect any horse, of any age or sex, at any time of the year. Although it is traditionally considered a disease of fat ponies, laminitis can be triggered by a variety of metabolic or physical causes in any horse.
Laminitis is caused by weakening of the supporting lamina within the hoof, leading to painful tearing of the support structure suspending the pedal bone within the hoof. If laminitis is not treated promptly, the pedal bone drops (these cases are described as "sinkers") or the pedal bone can rotate downwards.

The laminar bond is made up of two layers:
* The insensitive nonliving layer that grows from the coronary band (comparable to our finger nail).
* This is attached to the sensitive laminae (similar to the sensitive skin under our finger nails), which interlocks with insensitive tissue forming a remarkably strong bond.

Some horses show tremendous pain while they are laminitic, and others show very little. Maggie is one of the latter, and we were not really sure until it was confirmed by the vet and the farrier. Apparently a lot of horses and ponies in Dorset are affected. The vagaries of this year's spring on unusual grass growth may have something to do with it.

The prognosis for Maggie is optimistic, providing we continue to work closely with the vet and farrier, and pray hard for a good recovery!

Charlie Brown Gets A Drive

2010-06-18T17:59:00.004Z

Charlie Brown. Picture of health for a 31 year old!

Denise takes David for a drive with Charlie Brown between the shafts.

It has been noticeable recently that 'Charlie Brown' has appeared keen to work; so yesterday we gave him the chance, Jonnie and Denise being the lightest did the driving and I hovered arround checking on 'Charlie's wellbeing.

At any sign of stress the exercise would have ended. No signs of that though....... Charlie remained keen throughout, and enjoyed the opportunity...... Equal opportunities right across the board at EHDC no discrimination or prejudice anywhere insight!!

After a year off 'Charlie Brown' looks full of life and has cantered round his field with the others, so when the farrier came last time I had him shod, with this in mind. He is retired but the occasional drive will keep him interested, and he loved his afternoon drives today.

Wally Pitt (Group Organiser)

New Tracks

2010-06-11T17:08:00.011Z

Recent improvements have been made to the roads and tracks that are welcomed by all regular users of Holton Lee facilities after years of negotiating the dreadful potholes on the mile long drive and the short road down to the stables from the Barn. The drive received excellent resurfacing with a good layer of tarmac on top a layer of road planings which should last a considerable number of years.

The short unmetalled stretch of road down to the stables has been resurfaced with a good layer of stone and now provides a smooth drive for both cars and the carriages. The ditches have been cleared and all looks very tidy.

On top of that maintence job, the contractors have created a gravel track in the woods behind the Camp field which will add another route adding to the variety for our carriage drives when the path has settled. We have had a long dry spell which makes it very difficult to compact adequately even using a heavy vibrating roller.

Holton Lee Summer Fair

2010-06-05T19:35:00.009Z

Jo & Sue manned a table up by The Barn to provide information and direct folk to the stables.

Perfect weather was forecast, and perfect weather was delivered for Holton Lee's summer fair, an exercise to both raise money, but probably more importantly, a PR exercise to put Holton Lee permanently on the local map. Judging by the crowds and a lot of comments that came our way, it was a great success. For more about the event click HERE to go on the Holton Lee website for their report and list of raffle ticket winners.

There were all manner of stalls, competitions, go-carts, demonstrations, tours of the estate, and a great attraction was sponsoring a Teddybear for a parachute jump!! The Dorset Fire & Rescue Service extended a ladder on one of its vehicles to its full extent infront of The Barn and a member of the Fire Service dispatched brave Teddies that were hauled up to him in a basket, on a parachute to float gracefully down to earth!

There was a lot more going on that we were not able to see as we were busy down at the stables.

Our aim, that of the East Holton Driving Centre, was to hopefully attract the interest of some more willing volunteers to help out at the stables.

We ran some short carriage drives with Marmite in the morning, taking several families round in the 4-wheel waggonnette for two hours and, after lunch, we used Felix.

We had quite a lot of interest and felt that the day was very worthwhile.

I should remind interested parties to give Wally a call on 07790912770. We welcome all comers, whether you have a disability or not.

Future Events

2010-05-09T15:06:00.002Z

On Saturday 5th June Holton Lee are holding a summer fair/fundraising day from 11.oo am until 5.00 pm.

‘Ashtree Stables’ will be open to the public during this period of time.

We would like to enlist as much help as possible to man the yard and organise fund raising events for the East Holton Driving Centre during this time.

Please help us to raise funds if you are able. Please publicise the event and attend if you can.

Looking further ahead, we shall be organising our annual Margaret Newell Memorial fund-raising day on SUNDAY 1st AUGUST 2010. Be sure to put these dates in your diaries!!

Spring? Summer?

2010-04-04T20:51:00.002Z

Nigel brightens our day at the stables!

On one of the better days weatherwise a cheerful Nigel arrived with a gift of two pots of lovely colourful Violas to grace the entrance to the chalet.

Spring or summer seem to be a long time reaching us this year!!

We have had a few good driving days, but just as the ground was drying up from a week of sunshine and bitter cold northerly winds, back came the rain to undo all the good dry spell!
Talk about frustration!!

With Easter on us and the promise of fair weather for the week ahead perhaps we can turn our backs on what has been a long, cold, tiresome winter and look forward to happy driving with more confidence.

The new tarmac is a dream come true for all, and when it dries up sufficiently to allow cars to use the fields, the last bit of road down to the stables will be repaired...yippeee!

New Carriage Driving Season 2010

2010-02-18T19:14:00.007Z

On 11th Feb Keith, our farrier put new shoes on the horses. We were optimistic after a week of cold dry weather that we would be able to start driving by March 1st.

However, since then we have been plagued by wet weather, which means that there hasn't been a day when we could think of putting a horse between the shafts!!

The occasional day of sunshine and blue sky is not enough to dry out the tracks and fields sufficient to allow us risk taking the carriages out without forming deep, permanent tramlines with their very narrow wheels. These tramlines are very difficult to avoid in the summer when they are baked hard!

So we all just have to be patient and pray that this spell of wet weather will soon get tired and dry up and compensate us with some lovely dry weather in the month of March!?

Wet Winter

2010-01-24T20:59:00.004Z

Tree felling started before Christmas.

The tree felling is part of the plan to harvest the softwood timber that was planted some 50 to 60 years ago for this purpose, and to restore the original heathland at Holton Lee.

This will make Marmite wonder where he's going!!

This whole area was planted up to pine woodland through which one of our tracks wound.

One of our woodland tracks now looking very different, and very WET!!

All this wet weather is very frustrating and it looks as if, like last year, it is going to be a while before we can can start getting the horses between the shafts again. Our coffee mornings at Dylans will continue until we start driving.

Winter 2010

2010-01-12T11:52:00.002Z

Charlie Brown enjoying a light breakfast.

We are often asked by concerned friends how the horses are faring in this harsh weather, particularly as they aren't wrapped up in warm rugs and stabled!

The short answer is .... very well indeed!! Just look at Charlie Brown, our veteran in the region of 30 years old. He is very well covered, wearing nature's best furry coat. The grease sheds the rain a treat and, if you part the hair, you will find the skin quite dry. You can warm your hands between their front legs and at the base of their ears on the coldest of days!.

In the autumn, after the 'blackberry moult', we stop deep grooming and allow the natural grease to build up in their coats, and their coats get thicker as the days get shorter and colder. Since we don't work the horses in the winter there is no need clip or molly-coddle them.

They have free range of some 20 acres or more, so there is no need to feed hay unless we get a deep covering of snow, and mercifully we have escaped that down here! They do, however, receive a light breakfast of a handful of Hifi Light, bran and pasture mix plus some oil, garlic and additives so we get to have a good look at them each day and this is followed up by a check before dark in the afternoons.

There we have it! We have four healthy, happy horses and there is natural shelter on all boundaries of the field to account for any wind direction, especially the 'lazy' wind from the east that tends to go through you rather than go round!

Happy New Year!!

2009-12-31T21:48:00.002Z

A Bright Start To Year 2010

Expectant.....'Where's our breakfast?'

Wait a minute! New Year Treat ....a can of Guiness for each! (horse that is!)

DE-LIC-IOUS !!! Worth waiting for!!

Dear Members and friends of the EHDC,

On behalf of the Chairman and Committee may I take this opportunity to wish you all a very HAPPY NEW YEAR and all very best during 2010. We have had a very busy and successful 2009, and we will take time right now to thank you all for your help. It is all the horses, drivers, helpers, RDA whips and friends of the group, supported by the committee members. All these people combined have determined the groups success. Your efforts how ever large or small are very much appreciated.

Thank you to the people who have helped, despite taking courses, looking after family members who are suffering ill health, but still managed to help whenever they can. We were very sorry to lose Val Barber, our secretary during the year, due to ill health. We hope she is recovering and getting better.

It is wonderful to have John Newell as a trustee in his 81st year, John still attends daily and plays a very active roll in the day to day running of the stables. John turned the derelict farm yard into the stable yard it is now. John supported Margaret when she was Helper, AB Whip, Group Organiser, and Chairman of the EHDC. He has had a major input for 16 years. We thank you John!

I discovered that at the Volunteer Centre in Poole, the information for prospective volunteers said that the volunteers had to be "Able Bodied" I have change that to suit our group policies, of disability equality. We now will except people whether they are disabled or non-disabled. Age is the most common disability there is, and our helpers are getting more disabled as the years go by. For instance I used to run the Mile and 800 yds, for the Army, and now I can't run for a bus. We all have lots to offer and share with the people we help, within the RDA. We accept people as they are, we enable and empower people with disabilities and this is a good ethos to have.

Continue to enjoy Holton Lee and I hope you will support us again during 2010.

with best wishes and kind regards

Wally Pitt Group Organiser EHDC.

Xmas Carol & Lantern Walk 2009

2009-12-13T21:23:00.005Z

Carols in the stable yard.

After all the unceasing rain of late we were blessed with a heaven sent dry, yes a bit chilly, evening with a clear sky. The turnout of friends and supporters of Holton Lee and the EHDC was beyond all expectation! I failed to get photos of the crib scene and the candle-lit pathway from Faith House down to the stable yard, but they were both very spectacular.

We all assembled outside Faith House where candles in jars and carol sheets were issued, Bridget Green and Theresa Veith, Holton Lee trustee and Director welcomed everyone and we opened the carols with ' O Come All Ye Faithful' and then set off in a long procession down to the studios where another carol was sung before filing into the stable yard where Mary & Joseph could be viewed with baby Jesus in a simple crib scene flanked on one side by Charlie Brown who took a great interst with his head over the stable door. Felix was in the next stable and they both enjoyed the attention they received from so many people.

Accompanied by a volunteer on a keyboard we sang 'Away In A Manger' and 'Silent Night'. Bridget thanked everyone and welcomed everyone to return to Faith House for mulled wine and mince pies. The big raffle was drawn while everyone was able to socialise.

Our thanks go to Angela who gainfully entertained children in the warmth of the farmhouse with some craft making.

All in all a very successful evening; and our thanks go out to all those who helped and turned out to support our efforts to make it the success it was.

EHDC Mission Statement

2009-11-29T20:35:00.002Z

Mission Statement as per the charity commission web site;

TO PROMOTE THE OBJECTS OF THE RIDING FOR THE DISABLED ASSOCIATION INCORPORATING CARRIAGE DRIVING A CHARITY REGISTERED UNDER CHARITY NUMBER 244108 ("THE ASSOCIATION") BY PROVIDING DISABLED PEOPLE WITH THE OPPORTUNITY TO RIDE AND/OR CARRIAGE DRIVE TO BENEFIT THEIR HEALTH AND WELL BEING IN THE DORSET AREA.

The East Holton Driving Centre is staffed entirely by volunteers, both disabled and non disabled people.

Our ethos is to accept people as they are;

* To enable and empower people with or without disability.
* We give people a larger say in their own destiny.
* We promote and are trained in Disability Equality and Diversity.
* All staff is CRB checked and are familiar with the EHDC child and Vulnerable Adult Protection policy.
* We have up to eight first aid trained staff, who attend our sessions. All our qualified RDA whips are first aid trained.

Health and Safety and Insurance

* We have full insurance provided by the RDA membership. This also covers employers' insurance, because we take year 10 and 11 school students on work experience, also students from Kingston Mauward, the local agricultural college.
* Risk assessments at EHDC are done prior to every session.
* People with disability attend, along with their carer, and initially work in unison with a mentor a fully trained member of the EHDC staff.
* Stables are run to a routine that is beneficial to horses and staff alike. Disabled people particularly respond well to routine.
* All our fire regulations are met and kept up to date and are regularly check by The Bourne Fire Prevention Company and the check certificates are displayed. We also have a no smoking policy at the stables.
* Using these methods we have satisfied all the requirements on Health and Safety checks thus far.

Training

· During training, we progress at what ever pace is necessary for the individual trainee’s needs.
· Our new volunteers usually begin work with cleaning tasks,e.g. yard, stables, and tack. Unless they have previous equine experience. Even then they are mentored by trained staff until their competence is assured.
· Training is progressive and is taken forward a pace that is comfortable for the trainee.
· We don’t have expectations at EHDC. Many disabled people, particularly the people suffering mental illness have had too many expectations put on them which has inflamed their condition. Expectations only lead to apparent failure and disappointment, which stands in the way of success and confidence when people want to achieve their goals.
· At EHDC we have a disabled person who is qualified to instruct carriage driving, and a disabled person who after the same period of time, can sweep out and manage stable work unsupervised, can, with a mentor, groom a horse, head hold and ride a bicycle to escort a drive.
· People’s ability is that diverse. With patience and persistence, people’s individual goals and ambitions can be and are met.

It is our aim to promote the EHDC at Ashtree Stables a safe haven for disabled people, with no stigma, discrimination or prejudice. We make a concerted effort to take the "dis" out of disability. Raise personal confidence and promote self esteem.

Funding

In 2008 we lost the financial support of the Household Cavalry Association Dorset when they changed their chosen charity to the Household Cavalry Combat Soldiers Injuries Fund, a charity we couldn’t oppose. Our income for the year was £9800 and our expenditure totalled £9600 but still a small profit.

Income

* Income from drives.
* Generous donations.
* Fund raising.

Expenditure

* Forage
* Farrier
* Vet (wormer and medication when needed)
* Maintenance of Harness, Carriages, Fencing, Buildings and yard.
* Membership and Insurance

Definition

We are a Horse and Carriage driving group for disabled people and we do not do any riding.

End of season Group Organisers Report 2009

2009-10-31T09:49:00.000Z

We have arrived at the end of another driving season at the East Holton Driving Centre.

2009 has been very successful. We have had some terrific support from all our service users and helpers alike;

* We have done more drives
* We have had good weather conditions so missed less driving time.
* We have much more grazing 120 acres more in fact.
* We have extended our tenancy from 12 monthly to unlimited. Thanks to Sir Tom Lees.
* We have broken down the final barriers between Holton Lee and the EHDC.
* We have given more opportunities to people with disability through mentoring to be more hands on with the horses.
* We have work on going with reducing discrimination and prejudice for disabled people.
* We have eliminated expectations and that has reduced our failure rate.
* We are reasonably happy with things overall financially. We remain solvent anyway.

We strive to let disabled people be more independent and have a much larger say in there own destiny, our friends are disabled not unable.

I wish to thank all involved for their help to make 2009 so successful and will hope to see you at the closed season events over Christmas especially. Please stay in touch and we look forward to your continued support next season. If you are reading this and not a helper already, please feel free to make contact with us and join us, disabled or non disabled we have a place for you. Contact :-Wally on 07790912770.

Wally Pitt

End Of Carriage Driving Season

2009-10-25T15:16:00.008Z

It was time to consider replacing the shoes for another 4 to 6 weeks at considerable cost just when the weather is becoming rather fickle and it was decided that it wasn't worthwhile.
Keith, our farrier, removed all the shoes and trimmed the feet and the horses were turned back out in the field for their winter holiday.

The new season will start with the shoes going back on in January or February 2010, depending on the weather.

We now turn our attention to planning our Christmas Carol and Lantern walk scheduled for Thurs 10th December at 6.30 pm.

Ed Bracher Visit

2009-10-25T11:56:00.004Z

A few weeks ago we were pleased to receive a visit by the Chief Executive of the RDA, Mr. Ed Bracher.
Wally seized on the opportunity to show Ed around the site with Marmite and give Ed a good impression of a normal working day for us. He also had the chance to talk face-to-face about some grievances and pointers to improvements within the RDA over lunch in the Barn where he also met the Director of Holton Lee, Theresa Veith, and Ed Bracher went away with some good idea of the potential that Holton Lee might be able to offer other groups within the RDA.

Nearing The End of Our Driving Season

2009-09-17T16:17:00.002Z

I'll let you put your own captions to Felix's actions!!

How time flies!! Autumn already, shortening days and dropping temperatures signal the approach to winter - perish the thought! Now our thoughts turn to planning Christmas lunches and Christmas Carols not so very far away.

The end of the driving season will be on the 19th October 2009. This is when the farrier attends the horses, because of the cost of the new shoes, with the approach of winter, shorter daylight hours, and the possibility of poor weather.

The committee has decided to have the horses shoes removed and give the horses their winter break. The new season will start as soon as the weather allows in the New Year.

During the break we would invite you to keep up with the news, meet your friends from the EHDC, on Wednesday mornings at 11am at Dylans Restaurant, The Court Yard Craft Centre, Lychett Minster, for a Coffee Morning. Denise and Wally would also like the chance to visit you at your home, if this is what you would like us to do.

On Thursday 10th December at 6.30 pm, in conjunction Holton Lee we are having the usual Carols and Lantern walk, Mulled Wine plus Mince Pies and Holton Lee’s Charity draw, for further information ring Wally on 07790912770.

Without of the financial support of the Household Cavalry Association Dorset (£2,000) during 2009, we have continued to give the service you are used to. Our budget is tight but with your support we have got through the season. I would like to thank the people who donated the money for the drive when they had to cancel at short notice. My thanks go to the people who attended the Margaret Newell Memorial Day in August for raising a total of £607.00 on the day. God bless you all.

Wally Pitt Group Organiser EHDC

Margaret Newell Day 2009

2009-08-13T21:33:00.009Z

Laura displaying one of the calendars that were created by Bonny Cother, using photographs that she took when she visited us earlier in the year. Bonny was over from Florida, visiting her brother John, who is one of our regular helpers. The calendars are selling for £5.00 and are considered a brilliant idea for contributing to our fund raising efforts - thank you Bonny!

Dear All my friends all over the world, 09/08/2009

We held the Margaret Newell Memorial day Sausage Sizzle to day besides which we had;

A raffle.
Tombola,
Cake stall.
Books and calendar stall.
Bric-a-brac puzzles and toy stall.

This event is held to raise funds for the EAST HOLTON DRIVING CENTRE @ Holton Lee. The total raised so far is £607.00.

Denise and I have to attend The Conservative Club in Swanage this evening to receive a cheque for cash they have collected for us totalling £300.00 this is the best earning day for a long while £907 pounds in total.

To see so many of our friends and supporters was wonderful, Sir Tom Lees, came and spent an hour or two with us and was delighted to see the success we have with the group the fact we have disabled people and nondisabled people working with us and it is so difficult to spot one from the other. There is total integration, just how it should be. Critics will say that if this is the case these people should be working and be off benefits. If only they could be they would be so happy. I can only praise the nondisabled who support them as they tire, or have to go and rest. Remember that we have no expectations, therefore everything that is done, no matter how much or how little is a success. They are able to do as much or as little as they are comfortable with, unlike a normal job.

Some of our helpers with disability may not be seen as much of next week after today, but it doesn’t matter. We try to take the dis out of disability, we try to empower and enable disabled people. We try to give them self worth, build self esteem and create self confidence. I spend so much time trying to educate people about disability equality. Get rid of the dreaded stigma that brings discrimination and prejudice. There is no such thing as poor disabled people, rather people with disability. For those who couldn’t attend today but gave books, cakes, preserves prizes for the Tombola and raffle a huge thank you. For the others who helped from early morning to the close an even larger thank you.

A special mention must go to Angela Bolton who arrived back from holiday last night but managed the best Cream Teas ever for us today; Chris Shaw who cycled from Corfe Mullen to help John Newell with the BBQ, Geoff Lonsdale with his arm in a sling but still manned a stall with toys and bric-a-brac and last but not least the Juniors Jenny, Becky, and Bradee. Who did too many tasks to mention?

Thank you all and those I failed to mention.

Wally Pitt Group Organiser, EHDC

MARGARET NEWELL MEMORIAL DAY.

2009-07-29T19:21:00.000Z

10.30am Sunday 9th August 2009.

EAST HOLTON DRIVING CENTRE

@ Holton Lee

This event is a fund raising event, please can you help on the day, or by providing anything listed below !

We urgently require the following,

Cakes small and large, for the cake stall.
Preserves.
Squash and Fizzy drinks.
Books, for the book stall.....Gill Symes.
Prizes suitable for the raffle and tombola.......Alex, Ju and Julie.
Wally, Denise, and Jonnie will provide the Meat and Rolls for the BBQ...Chris Shaw, John Newell.
Angela will do Cream teas and hot drinks.
Face painting.... Helen (James Burns House).

Thank you all for your help in anticipation,

The committee EHDC.

Woodland Encounter

2009-06-17T20:01:00.003Z

It may be a squirrel, it may be deer, or in this case, it is a small mob of free-roaming New Forest ponies (supplied by a local grazier) running loose on the heathland, that we encounter on some of our drives with disabled people, much to their delight! Ours too I might add. We are so grateful to Holton Lee for the privilege of being able to drive all over this lovely estate.

A Generous Donation

2009-05-06T21:26:00.004Z

Simon Shave seen here presenting Wally Pitt with a very generous donation.

Simon had been saving up to go on holiday to America, but when he learnt that he could not go he decided to donate his holiday savings to three deserving charities, and the East Holton Driving Centre was one of them. Simon is supported by Dorset Scope in Poole and a number of their members enjoy regular carriage driving in the peaceful countryside of Holton Lee. Dorset Scope is a charity supporting children and adults with Cerebral Palsy and associated disabilities working in the county of Dorset.

Equine Hairdressing Clinic!

2009-04-19T12:42:00.005Z

Signs of spring!! Our girls give all the horses' manes, tails and feathers a jolly good shampoo on a sunny Saturday morning. The warmer weather has all the horses shedding their winter coats in handfuls every day.

Remembering Paul Stevens

2009-04-04T20:49:00.008Z

Paul receiving his prize from Sir Tom Lees in August 2008.

Paul completes a faultless round the cones driving Marmite at the first Margaret Newell Memorial Day in Aug 2008.

On Friday 3rd April we joined friends and family to say "Good-bye" to Paul at Poole Crematorium and to celebrate his very full life. Paul was much loved by everyone and brought so much joy to all who knew him.

At East Holton Driving Centre he will always be remembered for his skilful driving of Marmite, and although he could say "trot on" he always preferred "prrod on" and Marmite responded!

He was always so cheerful and bright, taking control of his escorts once he was in the driving seat and had hold of the reins, and very focussed on his driving. He would give Marmite detailed instructions for the entire route he had chosen, but keep the escorts guessing until he directed at each turn!!

Paul will be sorely missed.

Point-To-Point Fund Raising Event at Badbury Rings

2009-02-22T20:20:00.007Z

John and I loaded the waggonette into Judy's horse box at 8 o'clock with a little help from Angela & Jenny who had kindly offered to feed and see to the horses for us, so we were in good time to unload in front of the RDA tent and park the lorry back in the lorry park. The wind was cold at times, but when the sun shone there was some warmth; all in all it turned out to be grand day out for an awful lot of people.

By 10.00 am the public were arriving and though the interest in our display was slow, it soon built up and the Tombola was drawing people in in droves. We were very well positioned alongside the collecting paddock so the huge crowds streamed past us to see the horses and back to the bookies and racing for each of the six races! The racing was very good with firm going.

With fourteen RDA groups in Dorset the tent was well staffed and we felt the day was very worthwhile. It was good to meet Ed Bracher (RDA Chief Executive) and Mrs Jane Holderness-Roddam (Chairman) who had come down to support the event.

Then The Snow!

2009-02-14T22:20:00.002Z

Then the snow and big freeze came as forecast. Horses completely comfortable with it all. The snow settled on their backs is a good indicator of the insulating property of their winter coats and they were all warm at the base of their ears and between the forelegs, even Charlie Brown, the old man of the bunch. Extra hay was made available.

This was followed by rain and the field was flooded in the lower parts. However, with the recent change to a few dry days the ground is drying out nicely, and perhaps now we can look forward to the business of starting to work them. Judging by some of their antics they will enjoy a bit of work now.

Countryside Alliance Point-to-Point

2009-02-01T13:53:00.004Z

On Sunday 22nd February Badbury Rings is the venue for The Jackson-Stops & Staff Countryside Alliance Point-To-Point meeting and the Dorset branch of the RDA will be there to raise awareness and money.

This year the Dorset Branch of Riding For The Disabled celebrates 40 years. There are at present 14 groups in Dorset and each of these groups has its own individual charity status, running under the national association's umbrella. Each group has it's own trustees and a wonderful band of enthusiastic , well trained volunteer helpers. East Holton Driving Centre is the only carriage driving group in Dorset.

We shall be in attendance all day with one of our carriages adapted for wheelchair users and would love to meet and talk to anyone, particularly anyone considering healthy outdoor voluntary work!!

False Start!

2009-01-31T14:28:00.003Z

Red Sky In The Morning!

Two weeks on since the shoes went on for the new season, and we still have found it too wet to start exercising the horses!
Perhaps this new spell of cold dry winds from the east will dry the ground out enough for us to make a start in February. However, the farming forecast is for possibility of snow and a very cold week, so we shall just have to see.

Shoeing For The 2009 Season

2009-01-16T20:06:00.003Z

Shoes are fitted for the new season.

Monday 12th January 2009. Keith, our farrier prepares Charlie Brown's hooves for shoeing. Charlies woolly winter coat is ample protection for the winter weather. This photo was from last year which belies the cruel persistent rain that plagued Keith all morning this year!!

We now hope and pray that the wet weather doesn't hang around too long and hamper our efforts to start getting the horses fit again!

January Freeze!

2009-01-11T19:40:00.005Z

Call this cold?

The cold snap is infinitely preferable to rain! All the horses are looking extremely healthy and we are looking forward to the shoes going on and a chance to start working them next week.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

2009-01-01T17:09:00.005Z

Our horses had their breakfast feed mixed with Guinness on both Christmas Day and New Year's Day as a special treat from the people who appreciate their service throughout the year.

The horses, the members and trustees of the East Holton Driving Centre join in wishing everyone a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.

Happy driving in 2009.

EHDC Christmas Lunch

2009-01-01T16:39:00.006Z

On Wednesday 17th December Carol and her team at Dylans Restaurant in the Courtyard Centre in Lytchett Minster certainly did us proud this year with a first class Christmas lunch for 24 supporters and users of the EHDC.

We all enjoyed a wonderful atmosphere of bonhomie and Christmas spirit with enthusiastic anticipation of another year of driving at Holton Lee.

Lantern Walk With Carols.

2009-01-01T15:36:00.006Z

On 11th December we were blessed with a lovely dry, if somewhat chilly evening for our annual Holton Lee / EHDC lantern walk with Christmas carols. Organising an outdoor event at this time of year it pays to not consider the weather, just pray it will be okay on the day!!

It was lovely to see such a wonderful turnout of supporters of Holton Lee and the driving group. We were lucky to obtain the services of Colin on his keyboard for musical accompaniment and he did an excellent job moving his keyboard three times on our walk down to the stables and back!

Starting at Faith House we sang two carols after an introductory prayer and welcome messages by Bridget Green and Holton Lee's new director, Theresa Veith, with Wally Pitt on behalf of the East Holton Driving Centre. We followed the winding pathway, lit most effectively by candles in jars on either side, down to stop outside the art studios for another carol before proceeding to our humble stable yard where it seemed hard not to think what Christmas is all about - a celebration of the birth of Jesus, born in a humble stable more than 2000 years ago.

Here we gathered round patio heaters for a bit of warmth loaned by A1 Hire in front of a simple crib scene for a few more carols before returning to Faith House for a last rousing "We Wish You A Merry Christmas".

Children were entertained to a little treasure hunt and various activities back in the warmth of Faith House by Angela and her family.

Warm mulled wine and mince pies generously donated by Sainsburys' Pitwines store were enjoyed by all as we gathered in Faith House to socialise and collect raffle prizes drawn by Theresa. Among the prizes was a luxury organic hamper generously donated by Goldys Farm Shop at Lytchett Minster, a family carriage drive, a bottle of wine from Majestic wines in Poole.

A fine Christmas tree outside the Farmhouse was generously donated by the Cooper family at Mannington Heath Farm was decorated with handsome blue tree lights donated by B & Q at Fleetsbridge.

Our thanks go out to all those who helped with this lovely event in our calender.

Year End Report

2008-12-20T21:20:00.005Z

It has been a positive year, over all.

With the departure of The Miss Bush Memorial Group we are driving five days a week and still have a waiting list of service users.

We are elated that the Riding for the Disabled Association have been flexible enough to change rules, and move goal posts which allows people with disabilities to hold RDA whip (new name for the old Able Bodied Whip) positions. Thus getting rid of Discrimination and Prejudice.

Holton Lee our hosts in March introduced a Forum titled “Open Space”, opening the door for all aspects of Holton Lee and service users like us put items forward for discussion. This has produced a much closer relationship with them. We are now planning joint ventures like the Carol and Lantern walk held in early December and a proposed Joint Open day in June, not a horse show(!!) for instance.

Margaret and John Newell gave so much time and so much effort into the shows at Holton Lee. They took it from a handful of horses to seven rings, plus vintage cars, and a dog show. John Newell is still one of our trustees and extremely active.

Our energies are now directed at the group, and maximising our service.
As well as our regular users we also are committed to drive people on respite care at Holton Lee, the Green Island Trust, plus schools and disability organisations spread right across the south of England. Time to thank our volunteers for making all this possible . What wonderful people they are.

It is with sadness that we have lost the financial support of the Household Cavalry Association Dorset for the year 2009. When we heard that they had been approached to support the Household Cavalry Combat Injuries Fund, a new charity to support injured soldiers, we withdrew our application to allow it to go through unopposed. So, much fund raising needed.

All this and I still managed to travel as carer for Martin Hiscocks on a trip to Wyoming and drive a three different pairs of horses and a covered wagon down the Trails in the Teton Forest with a wagon train and Wagons West, the J box dot ranch. The Madsel family allowed us to work with the wranglers and I learned so much about their methods of keeping horses. After that Denise and I managed to get away for a break. I am so lucky to live life to the full like I do. I have too many people to thank for that here, but the people know who they are and they have been thanked by me personally any way.

We still are looking for the right minded people to join our friendly team. Right minded is anyone who thinks they will get something from it for themselves, not just doing their bit for charity.

Posted by: Wally Pitt Group Organiser EHDC

A Poorly Charlie Brown

2008-11-16T19:35:00.003Z

Charlie Brown certainly knows how to choose his moments. On Monday 3rd November at 6.30 am John dropped Wally & Denise off at Bournemouth airport for a well earned two week holiday in Tunisia.

At 7.30 John and I took the breakfast feed up to the horses in the camping field to find Charlie Brown rooted to the spot on the far side of the field. He just did not want to move, and had no interest in food. It took us nearly half an hour to coax him into walking very gently down to the stable to await a visit from the vet.

10.00 am Mel arrived from the Damory Equine practice in Blandford. She gave him a very thorough examination but could find no reason for his high temperature, so the diagnosis was an all too common PUO ( Pyrexia of Unknown Origin)!
A course of antibiotics was prescribed for 5 days and an anti-imflammatory given in the vein.

2.15 pm I returned to find Charlie munching hay and a different horse. The temperature returned to normal in the next few days and he never looked back. He returned to his mates by the weekend and was welcomed back into the fold with great enthusiasm.

Today Charlie is a picture of health judging by his enthusiastic 'Airs Above The Ground' antics before breakfast that belie his true age!!

2008 Season Draws To A Close

2008-10-05T18:55:00.002Z

Felix limbering up!

As the season draws to a close we start looking ahead. The horses shoes will be coming off on Monday 13th when driving will cease and the horses start a well deserved holiday.

Extracts from the EHDC Trustee Meeting on 1st October 2008:

To start with, Wally received an invitation from the Household Cavalry Association to re-submit our application for charity funds at the HCA AGM in October, but when he discovered that there would also be another submission from the Household Cavalry Operational Casualty Fund it was unanimously agreed by all trustees that we should withdraw our application in favour of the Casualty Fund. The East Holton Driving Centre has been receiving very generous support from the HCA for many years for which we are most grateful, so we wll be looking around for other funding sources.

September has seen quite a healthy income due mainly to donations.

Coffee Mornings.
It was decided that coffee mornings would feature regularly on Wednesdays at 11.00am during the closed season. These sessions are open to members, all disabled drivers and their carers, volunteers and prospective volunteers at The Courtyard Centre in Lytchett Minster. It will provide a good opportunity for everyone to keep in touch during the winter and for prospective volunteers to check us out!

Christmas Lunch
To be held on Wednesday 17th December at 12.30 at the Courtyard Centre.

Carols and Lantern Walk
Holton Lee was delighted with the success of this event last year and have proposed date of 11th December at 6.30pm.

September Notes

2008-09-15T16:58:00.004Z

Being an outdoor activity, the weather plays an important part in our ability to deliver a reliable service for our disabled drivers. August has been one of the wettest for years and September seems to be following the same pattern, so it's no surprise that we have disappointed volunteer helpers and disabled drivers too.

With less work and the September flush of rapidly growing grass, the horses are full of high spirits more familiar with springtime!

The farrier is due on 13th October and it has been decided that, with the cost of shoeing, it is not worth new shoes for a dodgy few weeks so they will come off for the horses' winter break. The shoes will go on again in the New Year when we start getting them fit again for the new season. This will be a time when we can train Judy up to the standard to become a qualified whip. The exam is quite intensive and can take up to four hours of theory and practical test.

Over the winter we hope to keep in touch with all our volunteers and disabled drivers with coffee morning get-togethers or suchlike.

Wagons West - Wyoming

2008-09-03T21:07:00.020Z

Wally & Martin Driving. What a picture! Photo by Colleen Drury.

Resting Up - One Of The Six Wagons On The Trail

Wagons Ready To Roll! Wally in the driving seat.

Two 'pardners', Wally, and Martin (on Cindy,a Quarter horse), with 'the Colonel'

Wagons West Holiday for Martin Hiscocks by Wally Pitt.

Martin is a man who helps at East Holton Driving Centre. He has Cerebral Palsy and he is 47 years of age. Martin loves horses and has worked for us for the last 3 years. Martin and I have formed a friendship and Martin has opened many doors for me. Martin was invited to a reception at 10 Downing St., to meet Prime Minister Blair in December 2006 and Martin invited me to accompany him to help him along the way. I phoned the Adjutant of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment and was able to take him to see the horses combined with a tour of the barracks. Martin never fails to surprise me; this year he took part in a 5 km charity run raising £65 for the charity Mencap.

This year Martin wanted a holiday involving horses!From the selection he chose a Wagon Train in Wyoming based at Jackson Hole. He once again asked if I would go with him, to assist with travel arrangements and to help him with his money etc.and once again I said I would.

I would like to say a very big 'thank you' to all the staff from Wagons West for a holiday of a lifetime; the kindness to Martin by the Wranglers making it possible for Martin to ride every day, and for me to experience the driving of three different teams of horses during the week. We learned how they look after their horses, and manage the horse lines. Martin struck up a friendship with many of the Staff in the Chuck Wagon, Wranglers, Wagon Master, and Master of the Draft Horses, Tom Angle, with whom we spent many hours exchanging notes and experiences. Unfortunately the Teams were far too strong for Martin to drive; it is quite different handling a pair of draft horses from a folding aluminium chair on the rough trails, and crossing creeks with deep holes in them!

We had many laughs along the way on the first night. Having been told by Kay, the Wagon Master, not to sleep under the stars because of the Grizzly Bears and Coyotes that might either come around the camp or scare the horses causing them to gallop through the camp site!! Martin chose that we sleep in a tent. At four o’clock in the morning I went to the toilet and when I returned to the tent it had collapsed. I found a sparkled Martin walking round it. We made one quick attempt to resurrect it and failed. It was decided we would get the kit and poles out of it and sleep on top and take pot luck. Fortunately it was the warmest night of the holiday. We had no wet weather at all, but after the first night every morning the ground was white over with frost. Day time temperatures were in the 80 f.

One morning I sat on a log with Martin wondering if I was in heaven - we had 32 horses on the horse line, very warm temperatures, beautiful views of the Teton Mountains, the scent of the wild sage bushes and breakfast cooking what more can you want?

Martin and I shared a holiday of a lifetime, the journey, hotel room, and the tent, the love of horses, the wagon and the whole experience. I thank Martin for giving me this opportunity.

Green Island Holiday Trust

2008-08-25T19:53:00.005Z

Each year the Green Island Holiday Trust provide a week's holiday for 30 disabled people at Holton Lee, staying in The Barn. They come in groups of 5 with volunteer carers between May and August and they enjoy a range of activities, one of which is a carriage drive with us at the Ash Tree Stables. It always gives us great pleasure to take these holiday makers out driving with us.

Today was the last of the six groups to enjoy a carriage drive with us this year. With a skeleton staff we used Marmite in the 4-wheeler to do three drives in the morning, and Charlie Brown did two drives after lunch, and the weather held out reasonably dry. Bank Holiday Monday is a difficult day for us to have enough volunteers, but two of our loyal juniors gave up a day of their school holidays to come in to support us - thank you so much, Jenny and Felicity.

We were missing Wally, our Group Organiser, who accompanied Martin Hiscocks as his carer on a trip to Jackson Hole, Wyoming for a covered wagon trek at the foot of the Teton Range in the Rockies. Martin has Cerebral Palsy and helps us in the yard three days a week and it was in December 2006 that Martin with Wally was invited to No. 10 Downing Street to be presented to the Prime Minister. We can't wait to see them return with their ten-gallon hats!!

Margaret Newell Fund-Raising Day 2008

2008-08-10T18:33:00.009Z

The yard fills up with so many of our friends and supporters.

John, Chris and Peter get the barbecue under way in Maggie's stable.

Face Painting by Ali - one of our disabled drivers gets a fancy new face!

Cakes, books, tombola, and raffle all very popular in the cart shed.

We owe an enormous debt of gratitude to all our loyal supporters who turned out, many with their carers to attend our annual fund-raising day in memory of Margaret Newell who died last year.
This year it was decided to organise a simple barbecue with a few stalls and a raffle with the emphasis on a friendly get-together with a bit of fun and, from the people I saw and spoke to, everyone enjoyed the day. Margaret's great granddaughter came up from Cornwall with her grandmother(Margaret's daughter) and drew the first raffle ticket. A lot of our guests went home with a prize from either the raffle or the tombola which was lovely.

A quick count up of the day's takings added up to £548.35 which is just staggering, and we offer our heartfelt thanks to the enormous generosity of all those who contributed to this wonderful day. After Saturday's soggy weather the day turned out to be a real bonus, remaining warm with a lot of sunshine and spirits were high.

The cost of keeping 4 horses and maintaining all their equipment is rising each year and none more so than this year as I'm sure everyone is experiencing in their own lives; so we find the need to raise funds becomes more pressing. The hay bill alone for this year is £1,000 so we'll be looking for more ways to raise money before the year is out.

If anyone reading this blog would like to become a "Friend" of East Holton Driving Centre and give a regular donation, however small, by Banker's Standing Order, a form can be downloaded for you to print off by clicking HERE.
Simply fill it in and send it to the address at the bottom of the form.

New Forest Show

2008-08-02T14:44:00.006Z

This handsome Manx Loghtan ram caught John's eye as we travelled through the livestock lines.

Some Donkey this one - huge!

This is one of the fifteen pairs of heavy horses that performed a most entertaining musical drive which absolutely made my day.

Surprise,surprise, the key feature we, from the stables, wanted to watch was the heavy horses!!
This year it was decided that all those helpers that wished to visit the show should be able to do so by arranging for one carload on Wednesday and a carload on Thursday so that we had enough volunteers to take care of the horses each day. In fact we had enough volunteers to do 5 drives on the Thursday for guests staying in The Barn, which was great. The Green Island Trust bring several groups of disabled people to Holton Lee each year for a week's holiday in The Barn and it gives us great pleasure to take their guests out for a carriage drive.

Fund Raising

2008-07-22T19:38:00.007Z

Marmite - determined to prove he's a cut above the rest!

This year to celebrate Margaret Newell Memorial Day we have decided to organise a fund raising day with the emphasis on fun for all and a barbecue on Sunday 10th August starting at 10.30 am.

With costs rising daily we find it necessary to pass the hat round in order to keep the four horses and the driving going in the manner to which we are all accustomed. We have a wonderful group of volunteer helpers, all giving us their valuable time free, but it costs a lot to keep the horses each year and these costs are rising at an alarming rate.

If anyone who is unable to come but would like to donate please contact Wally on 07790 912770

Volunteer Helpers

2008-06-27T22:07:00.007Z

Just some of our happy volunteer helpers take a break before the first drives of the morning.

We welcome anyone and everyone who wants to get something out of working as a volunteer in the wonderful environment we enjoy here at Holton Lee. As a charity working to provide carriage driving for disabled adults in Dorset we open our doors to anyone regardless of background or disability, be it mental or physical, to help us in the yard or just come to do as much or little as you like. There's a welcome for everyone!

We embrace Holton Lee's mission statement: "...empowering and resourcing people, particularly carers and disabled people, through creativity, environmental awareness, personal growth and spirituality."

WANTED URGENTLY - Treasurer.

There would be a very special welcome to someone with accounts experience who would be prepared to take on the task of Treasurer.

Ragwort Season Again!

2008-06-27T21:11:00.007Z

What a depressing sight!! Ragwort taking over the grazing area for our four horses.
A single plant is capable of producing up to 150,000 seeds which can remain viable in the soil for up to seven years, so imagine what this lot can do!! What we have here is the result of being down-wind of fields in set-aside that have not been topped in time to prevent seed dispersal, so we have a very dense seed bank. We cleared the ragwort last year with the help of a unit of soldiers, but this year the season is obviously very favourable for plant growth and it is worse than ever.

On the recommendation from a friend we have invested in the purchase of four Ragforks and we are absolutely delighted with the usefulness of this simple little tool - very happy to recommend it to anyone with a ragwort problem. This tool enables one to remove ragwort by the roots, which is so important because, if left in the ground, they will produce plants in the next year. With the ground hard and dry it is hard work getting the roots up and I'm sure many broke off in our efforts last year.
For more information visit Ragwort Facts and Controlling Ragwort.
To find a stockist near you click HERE.

Household Cavalry Link With Ash Tree Stables

2008-06-15T15:31:00.005Z

I watched the Trooping of the Colour to mark the Queen's birthday this weekend. Claire Balding was covering the mounted part of the event and summed it up as " a vast display of sheer excellence!" I couldn't have put it better.

I can't help feeling moved to say how very fortunate and privileged we are to have a man of Wally Pitt's calibre as Group Organiser for the East Holton Driving Centre.

Wally spent 22 years with the Household Cavalry with all the training that goes into producing spectacles like this. He didn't just take part in the riding and driving; he was involved in every aspect of horse management and training of both horse and rider, and now here he is able to share all his accumulated knowledge and experience with us. I just can't believe how lucky we are!

Also it is all down to Wally that we receive very useful financial support from the Dorset Household Cavalry Association.

Waiting Times.

2008-06-14T14:42:00.003Z

Why Are We Waiting?

This Is Boring - Let's Get This Show On The Road For Pete's Sake!!

Some times our disabled drivers catch us out with delays like this. Two horses ready to drive, but the prospective drivers are somewhere en route from Bournemouth! Or perhaps taking longer to get ready: one must allow for the fact that getting three wheelchair users ready for an outing is quite a job for the carers involved.

June Update.

2008-06-07T21:42:00.006Z

Felix saving himself!!

"I guess I better get up now."

It's been a while since I last wrote on the blog; how time flies.
Life at the stables continues at a good pace with a few new faces among our disabled drivers, and the horses are in fine fettle, looking great now that they have got rid of their winter coats.

Rain and warm sunshine have been a blessing for grass growth this year, which means that we haven't had to feed any hay for some time now. Unfortunately Ragwort has also been growing apace and we are going to have to start tackling this dreadful weed as it takes over more and more of the horses' precious pasture. The problem is finding enough time to fit in another task in an already busy week.

Our AGM is looming up on 16th June. We are sad to be losing both our secretary and our treasurer, Tim and Shirley, who have done a sterling job this last year.
We have found our secretary in Val who has volunteered to fill the post, but we are still looking for a treasurer. Any volunteers?

Road Drive To Courtyard Centre

2008-05-12T19:53:00.002Z

Marmite takes a breather in the courtyard.

On Friday we had a free afternoon due to a cancellation, so Wally decided that it was a good opportunity to do a road drive with Marmite up to the Courtyard Centre in Lytchett Minster, which just over 2.5 miles away. Driving in traffic is a new experience for Denise and myself so we each took a turn, one on the outward journey and the other the return journey with Wally to supervise.

Marmite is familiar with the route having made visits to the school and the Church in previous years. He wasn't quite so sure about the cycle route signs painted on the road(!) which are recent, but was quite unconcerned about any of the traffic, which was all very patient and considerate.

Dylans Restaurant in the Courtyard Centre have offered discount cream teas for disabled people that we bring to them with any of our carriages, so we hope to make this happen for some during the summer. The journey is only 35 minutes each way and it will make a nice treat for all concerned.

News And Views Of The Group Organiser

2008-05-05T12:19:00.004Z

I thought that as we start the 2008 season for the group I would like to enter a few words on the Blog. The group is run like family, and in the chalet is a plaque which says “Friends Are The Family We Choose”, and at EHDC is very apt; we are open with each other, and share the problems we have and we help each other through tough times. This fits in to the spirituality and personal growth aspect of our hosts Holton Lee.

When I took over from Margaret Newell it looked like it was the end of the road at Holton Lee for this group, and we were given twelve months to relocate. The direction and arrogance of the then trustees did not take into account the ethos of our hosts. When I tried to point out what we needed to change to remain here they said, “We can’t have disabled people in the yard because disability could a liability”…. what a negative thought… and at the AGM 2006 the trustees resigned on block.

The need to relocate was removed by our wonderful hosts because we work very closely with their ethos and this has been better for the group. We have taken disabled people into the yard to work, as well as to ride and drive. One of those disabled people progressed to be an A/B Whip, able to teach carriage driving, no rules where broken no questions asked. She was assessed by Caroline Douglas and found a very competent driver. She was then put forward for the four hour exam and passed with flying colours.

Another part of the ethos of Holton Lee is that we are enabling and resourcing disabled people. It was another success for the group as we thought. What we did not know was someone had mischievously reported us to the RDA national body about disabled people being on the wrong side of the fence so to speak. So the policy of the old trustees reared its head again, this time from headquarters.

I wish to apologise to the old trustees if they were only applying the rules of the association. Rules like this are very hard to apply with the much needed discrimination and prejudice acts which govern what you can and can’t do today.

The RDA sent two senior area reps to see what was going on and report back. They brought me the news that the RDA were concerned about what I was doing, but left at the end of the day completely happy that I run a good group, and that health and safety was very well applied. Nothing was to change until they duly reported back to RDA national, and the carriage driving committee who have confirmed that things can continue unchanged. Ed Brasher, Chief Executive of the RDA phoned me with the news. He also said that lots of changes were in the pipe-line and a lot of my points would be applied in the new regulations. Thank God for common sense.

To end my report, it is with sadness that the Miss Bush Memorial Riding Group are moving on to pastures new. Our horses are getting older and need protecting against carrying to much weight. As humans get older they tend to put on weight this combination, plus rising costs to keep the horses means the riding group must find a yard with horses larger than 15.2 hands. If anyone knows of somewhere please contact Di Tubbs on 01202 874092 and we all wish them the best of luck.

The driving program is a busy one and is five days a week now. Any help we can get is welcome.

Posted by Wally Pitt.

April Spruce Up

2008-04-13T12:48:00.007Z

There are so many ways that volunteers can help and find personal reward in what they do. Eddie loves to visit AshTree Stables for the company, but hates to be idle for long, so, offered a paintbrush and some wood preservative he sets about applying a much needed coat to the chalet.

People who help out here at Holton Lee all have their own reasons for doing so and we believe that we all need to derive some benefit for ourselves while helping others. We all need help at times and something to feel good about, as most of us have problems of our own. There is a wonderful family atmosphere at the stables and everyone is encouraged to share their problems if they wish, and this can be a great help when there's no prejudice or judgement, just friendly support.

I am so grateful for all the training that I've received and it is great to feel that I can now pass on some of that training to others.

Valentine Trust Gift

2008-03-13T00:01:00.011Z

We're In The Echo!
From left : Marmite, Martin, Denise, John, Tim, Mrs Scott, myself, David Westbrook.

The official Echo photo followed by my photo taken later.

Mrs Scott, representing the Valentine Trust, seen here with Tim Worner, our secretary, and John Newell aboard the new "Tramper" electric buggy for escort duty generously donated by the Valentine Trust, a charitable trust based in Poole.
Some of our volunteer helpers find that escorting the drives on a bicycle is a bit too much so this electric buggy is an absolute godsend!
Made by Salisbury based Beamer Limited, the Tramper electric scooter is unlike anything you will see in the high street.
The "Tramper" is a real outdoor activity electric buggy designed specifically to cover rough ground, mud and grass safely. Holton Lee provide several of these machines for their guests to explore the 350 acres of the estate and they are well used!
For more information about these wonderful buggies visit www.tramper.co.uk

The weather for this month is making it very difficult to get any regular driving established and, with the ground so wet, we tend to use the road more than usual. Jean followed by Nigel take their first drive out of the new season in bright sunshine but with a keen NW wind making it very chilly.

Equine Dental Maintenance

2008-02-25T17:26:00.007Z

First a gag is fitted for Charlie Brown by Julian Radburn of Damory Veterinary Clinic in Blandford.

Next - inspection

Treatment!

Each year at this time the horses get a thorough health check by Damory Vet Clinic's equine specialist, Julian Radburn, and any booster vaccinations that are required. Teeth are particularly important for our ageing horses. All four horses needed sharp edges rasping down of their molars to maintain efficient grinding of feedstuffs; Charlie and Felix needed the use of an electric burring tool to help grind off the hard enamel and received a mild sedative to help them.

To treat all four horses took around three hours, and Julian declared that all four horses were in excellent condition and fine fettle after the winter months, which is all down to Wally and Denise whose knowledge of horses and their care is second to none.

Time To Relax.

2008-02-13T21:46:00.002Z

Sarah, one of our volunteer helpers, finds time to relax with her sketch pad while Marmite poses patiently!

Down at Ashtree Stables we like to feel that we can offer something for everyone. We encourage people to come along if only to visit us for a coffee and a chat, or simple contact with the horses, or just to watch the activities in these wonderful peaceful surroundings. On a fine day it is such a pleasure to sit outside the chalet over lunch or at the end of the day, basking in the sun, watching the variety of birds that visit the bird feeder in the Ash tree. Of course, any help with the cleaning of harness or sweeping up is always welcome!

Royal Visit - HRH Princess Anne

2008-02-13T20:22:00.008Z

Wally Pitt meets HRH The Princess Royal

Princess Anne chatting to Wally and Tony Heaton (Director for the Arts & Environment of Holton Lee) with Maggie and many of our helpers in support.

Princess Anne having a word with Tim Worner, our secretary.

John Newell, hidden behind Wally, has a word, reminding the Princess that he was present when she opened the Barn 12 years ago. Denise, at Maggie's head has no worries about Maggie who looks too bored for words! The Princess did give Maggie a royal pat on the neck!

On the 7th February HRH Princess Anne opened the new wing of the Barn at Holton Lee and, at very short notice, members of the East Holton Driving Centre were requested to be presented.P
As Patron of the RDA it was no surprise that the Princess wanted to meet some of us, and we felt very proud to be recognised and presented to Her Royal Highness.

Our morning was spent cleaning the Bennington cart and harness after feeding and grooming the other three who were turned out in the school. Maggie received a bit of extra attention to grooming of course.

The schedule was very precise and we had to be at the top of the lane by 1 o'clock ready to move into position in the car park area in front of the Barn as soon as the Princess walked up to the arts pavillion, where she was due to spend only 10 minutes. Bang on cue she emerged and walked down with her party of local dignitaries to be presented to Wally and our group.

Maggie was perfectly behaved and stood patiently, unmoved by everything going on, and Wally, no stranger to the Royal Family, ( Princess Anne happens to be the Colonel of the Blues & Royals Household Cavalry in which Wally served for many years) introduced us. Princess Anne was very relaxed and chatted easily with several of the group for her allotted 10 minutes before moving on to meet the Green Team and then into Faith House before she was finally whisked off in a helicopter. I feel it was a very successful and fulfilling day.

Slow Start

2008-02-01T16:58:00.000Z

We are all impatient to start exercising, horses and drivers, since the horses' shoes went on on the 8th.
We've now lost nearly 3 weeks in January this year due to the weather, so the season is getting off to a very slow start. Last week, after a short spell of dry weather, the ground was beginning to dry out quite nicely, and we managed to get in the first few gentle drives on the firmer tracks. It was quite a job keeping them to a walk - they were raring to go, but it is important to start gently and walking out is the best way to start.

However, these last few days have been a great disappointment, especially the deluge on Thursday. It's important to keep off the popular field tracks because the narrow rims of the wheels risk creating tramlines that remain for the whole year, so we plan to be using the metalled road down the driveway and along to the Holton Heath industrial estate which will be a change for the horses and drivers alike, but will no doubt take its toll on the shoes.

Water, Water Everywhere!!

2008-01-18T23:15:00.000Z

Two weeks have slipped by since the horses' shoes went on, and it has just been too wet to start working the horses. It's a very frustrating time for everyone. Judging by the spirits of the horses at feeding times, they, too, are looking forward to getting down to some work now.

When the rain does eventually cease the ground is going to take a while before we'll be able to take the carriages, with their narrow solid rubber tyres, on the field tracks without creating serious tram-lines!

On the 7th February HRH Princess Anne is due to perform the official opening of the new wing at the Barn and has expressed a wish to meet members of the RDA of which she is Patron. We hope to be able to provide a horse and carriage for a short drive if she has time.
It is almost 12 years since Her Royal Highness opened the original "Barn" at Holton Lee on 14th June 1996. John Newell recalls escorting, with his wife Margaret, the Princess who was transported in one of the RDA carriages down to visit the bird hide that Margaret cared for so passionately up to her death on the 2nd March last year.

So, rain, rain go away and come another time later when we really need it!!

Happy New Year 2008

2008-01-02T18:15:00.001Z

December Sunrise Over Holton Lee

Red sky in the morning.....? I'd really like to think that this sort of dawn is a sign of a cracking good year ahead! The horses are in fine fettle and thanks to a wonderful band of volunteer helpers we are all rested with everyone getting a measure of time off from the daily care of the horses.
Next week the horses get their new shoes and, weather permitting will start gentle exercise to get them fit.
The time will also be used to train up any new volunteers for the new season. We need more volunteer helpers. Please spread the word. If you know anyone who can spare a few hours - no experience needed, just come along. You don't have to be mad to work with us, but it helps!! All that we ask is that you possess a sensible pair of boots and a good sense of humour!

The people you meet while at East Holton Driving Centre are, like you, caring and compassionate individuals with a love of animals and their fellow people.

Join us today and start:

Making new friends
Learning new skills
Living a healthier lifestyle
Having fun with like-minded people.

For more information contact Wally Pitt on: 07790 912770

For anyone feeling low or pessimistic about the year ahead I'd like to share a couple of inspirational videos with you that I came across recently. You can watch them here by clicking on the links below:

Nick Vujicic - No Arms, No Legs, No Limits! (Age 23)
Nick Vujicic (A little younger)

2 Seasonal Events

2007-12-20T15:52:00.000Z

Christmas Carols

First off was our evening of carols, mince pies & mulled wine on Wednesday 12th December.
We couldn't have wished for better weather and people were turning up in unexpected numbers. There's always a dread that no-one will turn up when you're organising something for the first time. It turned out to be a great success, though we hope to improve on it next year, learning from the lessons of this year's efforts. For a start, 6.00pm was probably too early for many, and the traffic is a nightmare at this time with commuters rushing home from work. However, we feel it is a lovely way to start off the festive spirit of Christmas.

First arrivals before 6.00pm were entertained by a display of fire dance and spectacle followed by three hand-bell ringers who gave the musical accompaniment for the first carols. Then we were all led down the lantern walk to the stables for a prayer, followed by more carols.

The crib scene set in the stables area with one of the horses, Maggie, in the stable next door (Felix kept her company in the next stable, both enjoying the extra attention) was admired, and the two youngsters featuring as Mary and Joseph gave a lovely touch to a scene that depicted the quiet isolation of parents and baby Jesus before the arrival of nearby shepherds and the Wise Men.

The pathway from Holton Lee Farmhouse to the stable yard was lit with more than a hundred little tea lights in jars and paper lanterns. The effect was quite stunning and created a safe route to and from the stables.

After carols and a few words from Sarah Lees and Wally everyone made their way back up the lantern walk to Faith House for mince pies, mulled wine and a chance to socialise. A raffle and general donations raised in excess of £100 to be shared with Holton Lee.

Christmas Lunch for helpers at the Courtyard Centre in Lytchett was held at midday on Tuesday 18th. This was another enjoyable get-together for everyone for an excellent meal; there were twenty one of us all very well catered for.

Carols, Mince Pies & Mulled Wine.

2007-12-06T18:50:00.000Z

WE have joined forces with Holton Lee to get into the spirit of Christmas by organising an evening with carols starting in the Ash Tree Stable yard at 6.00pm on Wednesday 12th December with a crib scene before forming a lantern lit procession up to the Farm House for more carols. Hand bell ringers and a choir will lead the carols which will be followed by festive mince pies, and hot punch.

The weather is a questionable factor, but a note of optimism in the weather forecaster for Meridian this evening suggested that we might be due for a drier week after the recent succession of wet days! We can but hope and pray.

Some excellent prizes are up for grabs in the Christmas raffle. A half hour carriage drive for up to 4 persons, followed by a cream tea on a Saturday morning of the winner's choice during the 2008 driving season will be a worthy prize to aim for!

2007 Driving Season Over

2007-11-22T19:45:00.000Z

On Monday 12th Nov. our farrier, Keith, came to remove the horses' shoes. At this stage of the season we cannot justify the expense of replacing them for a short time. As it happens Keith backed our decision to close the season by telling us that their feet really needed the rest to give a chance for the horn to spread a bit and grow down as there was very little room to get nails into fresh horn.

By the weekend the weather that has been so kind for so long, decided it was time for a change and to make up for a shortage of rainfall. Suddenly the thick woolly coats full of natural grease were put to the test! A close check of all the horses in the constant deluge on Sunday morning found all the horses to be lovely and warm around the brisket between their front legs and at the base of their ears....more than can be said for Wally and Denise who were covering the weekend duties and chilled to the bone!!

Now we start to look at all the maintenance jobs that need to be done around the carriages and harnesses in readiness for the next season.
On Monday the four wheels were removed from the waggonette and parcelled up to be sent away to Bennington Carriages to have the rubber rims renewed.

At this time of the year we are allowed to graze the horses on the Holton Lee camping field. Electric fencing was erected on Wednesday and four happy horses were very pleased to move in for a change of ground. Little Mead was getting very tired and very muddy. The camping field is ideal at this time of year as it is perfectly sheltered by woods from the prevailing SW and northerly weather and they can get right into the shelter of a strip of the woodland if they choose.

Our Link With Holton Lee

2007-11-05T23:28:00.000Z

"What we do is more important than what we believe" says Brigid Bowen - Holton Lee's new Spirituality Manager.

Holton Lee is a place of refuge and discovery - a place to bring together the physical, spiritual and emotional aspects of our lives. It is a safe place where we can be ourselves completely, not being judged or judging others.

Holton Lee is about doing rather than just believing. We are only as spiritual as our actions and the way we behave to the people we meet each day. At Holton Lee we try to encourage and support that action - so guests, staff, volunteers and visitors can experience a sense of open-hearted connection.

Sixty years ago, Lady Madeline Lees (Tom Lees mother) said that her wish was that the Lees Estate be used for the glory of God, that must have contributed to Tom and his wife Faith's decision to found the Post Green community. They wanted to create a City of Refuge where everyone was welcome, and so they opened their hearts and houses to those that needed it. Post Green was an ecumenical Christian community and it gathered people from many different denominations. It was the Post Green community who had the vision to found Holton Lee, and it was the community who nurtured its early years.

So this is a charity which has grown from Christian roots. But we are absolutely committed to welcoming people from all faiths and none. An active spirituality is the recognition that each person is a gem of great value - you don't need a set of beliefs - just a loving heart and a respect for the ways in which we are all different. Ours is a theology of friendship and kindness, and we remember Faith Lees words when she told us that 'Creative love is where there is no gap between what we profess about toying and the reality of what we live out". (Lees 1987).

Yes, it is a challenge sometimes, but it is vital that we try to tread mindfully on the earth and into each other's worlds. Holton Lee's mission is to remove the barriers that disable people in a society not set up for everyone's needs. We try to make the environment accessible, and to enable people to discover the beautiful 350 acres that surround us. Many people come closest to spiritual presence while out and about in Nature, and what better way to do that than in one of Ashtree Stables' carriages...?

End of Driving Season

2007-11-04T15:28:00.000Z

It's been a while since I posted here.
I confess that I have been spending quite a bit of time recently with my feet up!!
On 17th October I received my new knee joint in Bournemouth Hospital, and now it is just a matter of time and the right exercises for the swelling to subside so that I can get back to helping out down at the stables.

Meanwhile, here is Wally's end of season report:

At the start of the season it was intended that our season this year would be extended until the end of November, depending on the weather. However in recent days I have noticed that both the horses and the helpers are getting tired. The change GMT from BST has made a difference to our daylight period.

If you are a helper who attends once a week and we really appreciate the time you spend with us, the Mums who take children to school and then dedicate time for us, some until it is time to collect them. This is terrific! The two helpers who travel from Portland and Eastleigh what can you say? The man who takes time out from his garden or allotment, you are the salt of the earth and your busy lives make you tired. Thanks to you all.

The band of people though, I call the dawn to duskers who help, feed, maintain the pasture and keep our animals in the condition they are in, These people do the early and late work, and escort or drive in between on most days, including weekends, bank holidays. It would be nice if another team or two could be found to relieve them Saturday afternoon and Sunday so that they get a break. We have one team who have offered to do the first Sunday every month. Thanks to them! This work in all weathers takes its toll, the Dawn to Duskers don’t complain but the fatigue of the season is beginning to show. A special thank you to the dawn to duskers and their reliefs.

I feel that now at end of October that it is time to lessen the work load by asking the groups not to come for driving any more until next season, and their place on our calendar will be kept for them, and say that on nice days get in contact come and have coffee with us. Individual drives will continue a little longer but not past the end of November when the horses will be roughed off, turned out for eight weeks. After the break until they are fit. I ask that no ridden school work is done and weight limits are very strictly adhered to.

For the group members this is the time to maintain harness, carriages and equipment also start training days for the helpers and potential A/B whips. For people who don’t know us, life goes on every day of the year. The program for Christmas Day is to do the horses (breakfast mixed with Guinness, or other brands of Stout are available) clean the paddock, fill the hay nets, then Dinner at the Court Yard Centre Lytchett Minster then back to check and feed the horses at tea time. We wish you all a very Merry Christmas.

From the committee of East Holton Driving Centre at Holton Lee

A Very Popular Loo!

2007-10-10T21:27:00.000Z

Today we had the official state opening of a portable disabled toilet that has been generously supplied by Brandon Hire rent free.
Phil Tizzard , the area manager for Brandon Hire, came down to the yard, and Corin Messer from the Bournemouth Echo, brought his cameras along to record the event.
Corin told me that he would put a video on the Bournemouth Echo website by tomorrow, so imagine my surprise when I clicked on the website this evening to be greeted by a frame of Wally giving his interview seated in the loo!!
To see the short video clip that he made CLICK HERE.
We were all too busy to take any photos of our own.

Thoughts are turning towards Christmas!!

2007-10-03T21:22:00.000Z

On Monday, the first day of October, the swallows were conspicuous by their absence. On Friday they had been gathering in their hundreds, darting about overhead practising complex aerobatics and then forming up in lines on the fences and garden pergolas to catch their breath before taking off again for another spectacular display; a truly wonderful sight!
However, after a weekend off, I found there was not a swallow to be seen – they were probably well over the Channel heading south by then!

With plans afoot to arrange and book a Christmas meal for all our volunteers in December at the Court Yard Centre in Lytchett Minster, there has been a suggestion made about organising a carols & nativity evening (mince pies, mulled wine?) in early December. With the idea of raising funds, getting some exposure to the public, and having some good festive cheer, members of Holton Lee have suggested that we might arrange a joint evening, which seems an excellent plan!

We have a few ideas but any suggestions very welcome.

Autumn Reflections

2007-09-29T17:22:00.000Z

The last two months have been a joy to everyone involved at the Ash Tree Stables thanks to the prolonged spell of good dry weather (not so good for the grazing area, but then we can’t have everything!). We’ve been feeding hay right through this summer except for a few short spells during the wetter times when there was a little more grass about.

The "Blackberry moult" is pretty well over now and it is time once more to stop deep grooming to allow the horses' coats to build for the winter, and time to up their hard feed ration to allow them to put on some extra condition too.

I would like to thank everyone for fantastic support that I’ve received as a very green new chairman of the EHDC. This support was particularly evident and very much appreciated in the one week’s well-deserved holiday that Wally and Denise had recently (first in 3 years!). The “team” kept a lot of the drives going, and we were able to include drives for five lovely people staying at the Barn sponsored by the Green Island Trust and one other lady staying in one of the cottages, due to a cancellation.

All in all, the joy and laughter in the yard and on the drives tells me that this is a very happy, fulfilling place to be! Long may it continue.

Wedding Drive At Holton Lee

2007-09-08T18:22:00.000Z

Occasionally Marmite's services are required for a local wedding. Today the happy couple are having their wedding reception at Holton Lee and Marmite will collect the bride and groom some way up the private road and transport them the last half mile in the 4-wheel waggonette.

The first task is to shampoo the heavy feathers on Marmite's feet. Claudia , Becky and Jenny make an excellent job. He then gets a very thorough grooming with special attention from the girls to his mane and tail. He really looks very handsome and smart.

Wally attaches the traditional ribbons to the waggonette which has undergone a thorough cleaning for the occasion.

All dressed up and ready to go. Marmite, resplendant with plume, with Bradee at his head is now ready to leave the yard to go up the road to meet bride & groom.

A very happy bride steps up into her carriage while an equally happy groom waits his turn.

The happy couple on their way to the reception in the camping field with marquee.

The weather is perfect and the day offers the happy couple a fantastic start to married life - may God bless them.

It has been a busy day, but the enthusiastic help by our five junior helpers made light work of it all. A job well done and a generous donation all helps make our work worth while.

August Update

2007-09-01T21:36:00.000Z

We've been pretty busy since the show. What with the fair weather giving us four driving days each week, we have had extra drives to do for members of the Green Island Trust who come to stay at the Barn each year in August and September.

By fitting them in with our regular drivers we managed ten and eleven drives for two of the days, using all four horses which means pretty slick teamwork by our trusty volunteers. Exhausting days, but so worthwhile for the fun and appreciation shown by all concerned.

Last week two potential AB Whips with their chairman, travelled up from Tavistock and spent two days to help us, and to observe how our group operates; also to get some driving tuition from Wally & Denise with two of our horses, Maggie and Charlie Brown.

Margaret Newell Ashes Ceremony

2007-08-13T22:04:00.000Z

A wonderful day was rounded off by friends and family of Margaret taking her ashes down to the bird hide to be scattered there as she wished. Besides running the Ash Tree Stables, Margaret had looked after the birds and the hide with great affection.
Besides the sunny day, Margaret seemed to have had a hand in organising the day. When an ice-cream van turned up uninvited as we all thought, we learnt from the man that Margaret had in fact organised him back in January, unknown to anyone else!! It was a lovely touch, and the hot sunshine was very definitely ice-cream weather!

The day was never intended to be a fund-raising event but a raffle, a 'Guess the weight of a Westie' competition and donations totalled around a staggering £250.
All in all, a very memorable day which will be held next year on the first Sunday in August again in her memory.

Show Day - BBQ

2007-08-13T21:07:00.000Z

It was a delight to see so many friends and supporters fill the stable yard to enjoy the barbecue in the two hour lunch break.

Dave Pollard and his band "Eclipse" very generously donated their time to entertain us with live music during the lunch break.

More About Show Day

2007-08-12T21:24:00.000Z

Some of the members of the Miss Bush Memorial Riding Group putting Charlie Brown and Felix through their paces.

Jenny & Becky, two of our juniors, gave a little musical display riding Charlie Brown and Felix in the dressage arena after the lunch break.

Fun Show Day

2007-08-09T22:25:00.000Z

Wally Pitt (Group Organiser), Mrs. Jackie Abbott (County Chairman RDA), & Sir Tom Lees of Holton Lee presenting a rosette to Robert for his participation in driving Marmite with the 4-wheeler waggonette. Robert had his girlfriend and family as passengers.

Sir Tom Lees presenting Tim, our secretary, who drove Maggie with a 2-wheeler cart seen below.

Sir Tom Lees presents Paul with a rosette for his skilful execution of the cones course with Marmite pulling the 4-wheeler seen below.

These are just a few of the photos kindly taken by Julie Newman. I will try to get the rest of the photos can up on a website; meanwhile a large selection of prints will be on a board in the chalet at the Ash Tree Stables.

It was a fantastic day and we were overwhelmed by the support of everyone who attended.

Margaret Newell Memorial Horse Show

2007-07-29T20:06:00.000Z

SUNDAY 5TH AUGUST 2007 we are planning a "Fun Day" for families, friends, helpers and disabled riders and drivers of the East Holton Driving and Riding Centre in memory of a great lady "Margaret Newell."

For the last ten years Margaret organised the East Holton horse show on the first Sunday in August, so it is a fitting tribute to have this little show. I'd just ask everyone to pray for a dry day!!
John tells me that in those ten years it only rained once, and that only lasted for ten minutes, so let's hope that record continues!!

Last week the farmer mowed the long grass , and we have set out a dressage arena and a cones course for some of our riders and drivers to display their skills. It is non-competitive and all we hope is that everyone has some fun.

The morning will start at 10.00 with driving and riding to be followed by a barbecue in the yard. During the lunch break Dave and his band will provide live music; there will a chance to mingle and there will be small fund-raising items like a raffle, and one or two ideas to appear on the day.

A small ceremony will be had to mark Martin's sponsoring Marmite and a plaque will be attached to Marmite's stable.

Some time after lunch Margaret's ashes will be taken down to the bird hide to be scattered there by John and the family and friends.

Pippa - R.I.P

2007-07-18T21:14:00.000Z

It is with great sadness for me to pass on the news that Pippa died very suddenly on the weekend from a massive haemorrhage in her liver due to a tumour. It was totally unexpected and I'm sure she will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Holton Lee Magic

2007-07-11T16:47:00.002Z

View looking south west from Little Mead in early July.

Okay, so there's a bit of Ragwort; but the wonderful hues that these fine Fescues, flowering now, add to the meadows are quite breath-taking. I don't think this photo does justice to the true colours of the early morning view that I enjoyed today. A large number of Sika deer had vacated the area a little earlier as we approached with our wheelbarrows to collect the previous night's horse pooh. The deer are quite shy at this time of the year, especially where the group have their fawns in tow.

Martin Adopts Marmite

2007-07-09T17:15:00.001Z

Martin takes the reins to drive Marmite with Denise teaching him.

Martin gets the attention of The Daily Echo, our local newspaper. This is a magnificent gesture by a willing volunteer who was invited to meet the Prime Minister in No. 10 Downing Street (see blog in December - A Day With Martin Hiscocks In London).

Martin is a popular member of our group who cheerfully helps in all sorts of ways, from sweeping out stables, grooming the horses (his favourite, need I say, is Marmite!), cleaning harness and general tasks that help the smooth running of the yard. He's a real rock!

Adopting or sponsoring a horse is a wonderful way to help a group like ours. Martin knows that the money from his savings is helping to feed and keep his mate Marmite.

Whenever there is spare slot in the driving or riding schedule he gets the chance of a ride in the carriage drawn by Marmite or a ride on a riding day. Since he works at the stables four days a week he can take advantage of these opportunities, and he loves it.

Pippa

2007-07-05T18:04:00.001Z

Pippa greets Chrissie.

Regular visitors to the Ash Tree Stables will be familiar with my beloved lifelong best friend and constant companion...Pippa.

It has been a difficult week with the fickle weather making driving uncertain. One or two people set out from home in the dry after a dry morning only to find the rain set in or a torrential localised downpour on their arrival.

It has been suggested to me that I introduce and tell you something about Pippa.

In 1996 I acquired Pippa as a 6 week old pup to train up to take over the farm duties of another loving friend and faithful working Collie, Jan, who was coming to the end of her working life at 12 years old.

At that time, on the farm on the northern edge of Swanage we had a flock of 500 ewes and a dairy herd of some 90 Friesian cows and their followers, so there was plenty of work for a working dog. I trained Pippa to work both sheep and cattle and my job was made a little easier as she was able to learn some of her skills from Jan, who was also blessed with a very similar gentle nature, especially with children. We had four grandchildren as regular visitors to our home on the farm, and we also held frequent schools visits.

It was a sad day when we left the farm in November 2001 and moved to an urban environment in Poole, but Pippa has adapted well to the change. The opportunity for me to bring Pippa to Holton Lee has been a blessing for us both as she has always been with me all her life, and Pippa has endeared herself many. In fact I believe she is now recognised as a valuable member of the team!

Dogs are not encouraged in the yard around horses for reasons of safety, but Pippa has proved herself not to be a hazard and both Pippa and I are grateful for the approval of Wally, the Group Organiser/yard manager for this special dispensation, as safety in the yard is of prime importance.

Pippa has become a familiar character in the yard and a number of our regular drivers look forward to being greeted by Pippa who is always game for a bit of fuss & love! Chrissie, in a wheelchair, comes on a Wednesday and if Pippa is not there to greet her she will ask where she is. Sometimes, if I have been out on a drive, she will be tied up as she is not allowed to follow the horses on a drive for safety reasons. (I'm sure she'd love the role of carriage dog even though the spots aren't quite right!)

For those who don't know about carriage dogs, Dalmatians were trained to run along with horse and carriages in the mid 1800s, and became known as carriage dogs. Their job was to guard from other dogs which would chase the carriage and frighten the horses. Fire departments also used dalmatians to guard their carriages and the Dalmatian became mascot of the fire service.
The Tyrodal Carriage Dogs is an interesting website.

Martin, who has a learning difficulty and helps in the yard four days a week, was very wary of Pippa when he first met her, and we respect that (not everyone likes dogs), but I noticed recently as Martin was going out of the yard for his taxi home, that he actually turned round and went out of his way to stroke her and say goodbye!
Animals are wonderful therapists.

My New Role As AB Whip

2007-07-01T20:17:00.000Z

Down by the Manhattan hide. What price can you put on this scenery!!

Some of the wild ponies that graze freely on the heath and down to the reed beds on the edge of Lytchett Bay.

It is nearly two months since Denise and I passed the AB Whip test.
My confidence has grown and I am really enjoying my new role, but I find it is one thing to be a competent driver, quite another to teach disabled drivers and helping them to achieve whatever goals they are capable of. However, with regular driving 3 or 4 days each week I am finding that part much easier and very enjoyable.

Some of our disabled men and women are very competent drivers and enjoy the satisfaction of a skillful drive on the narrow tracks through the woods, negotiating the course of cones, or executing some of the disciplines of a dressage test in the dressage arena. For others less able to take the reins it is just sheer pleasure for them to be taken out for a drive over bumpy tracks in the open air.

The rewards of an AB Whip are many. Just to have the opportunity and privilege of driving round this beautiful piece of Dorset is fabulous!
As for me, I feel a great sense of personal achievement in learning a new skill and making so many new friends.
Sharing the obvious pleasure and delight of the people who come to drive is also an enormous reward, and just being part of a happy team of volunteers all doing something we enjoy, adds such quality to the days we spend at the Ash Tree Stables.

The life of a volunteer at the East Holton Driving Centre is pretty darned good!!

Fund Raising Cake Sale.

2007-06-16T15:17:00.000Z

Claudia & Jenny, fund raiser supremos

Claudia & Jenny agog at the amazing support of their classmates.

Coral & Beth prepare to visit the science block.

I first got involved with East Holton through a friend's mum, she came down to Ash Tree Stables some Fridays, and sometimes stayed at the barn (which is now being renovated). Just after Christmas she phoned me and said that Margaret Newell was looking for some riders to exercise 4 horses at the stables, to build their fitness up after having the winter off.

I at once jumped at the opportunity, it was something I had always wanted to do – looking after horses! The fact I would get the occasional chance to ride them was a fantastic bonus! When I came down to Holton Lee for the first time my mum and I were amazed – we had no idea that such a beautiful, undisturbed place could exist so near to a main road, and so near to us! When I arrived, Margaret made me feel welcome and showed me the horses.

I pooh-picked the field while marvelling at the glinting frost that covered the ground. It was spectacular! That day I rode Charlie for half an hour and then Felix, and I instantly fell in love with the place!

Since then I have been coming as much as I can, juggling Ash Tree Stables with my riding lessons in Verwood. Earlier in the year I invited one of my friends from school, and she too was delighted to help out along with my Mum, who now helps out one day each week on Tuesdays or Thursdays.

As the EHDC (East Holton Driving Centre) is a charity Claudia and I both knew they relied on donations so we decided we were going to so some serious fundraising – we hope to raise as much money as possible, both determined to help in a big way.

With the backing of our form there are at least 25 eager, enthusiastic fundraisers so it should be good fun. A few weeks ago Claudia and I came up with a great idea. There are often cake sales at our school so we decided to do our own. It was so exciting! I also put together a lucky dip, which turned out not to be as popular as the cakes, but we sold most of it anyway.

When I got to school on the day of the sale it was amazing, so many people had brought cakes! I was pretty confident that this was going to be the biggest cake sale ever! My friends Coral and Beth had a great idea – they would carry a tray of cakes around to the teachers in the science department and other classrooms upstairs to boost our sale – and it worked! They had to frequently come back and get more cakes it was so popular.

Posted by Jenny Bolton.

Thanks to the enterprise of Jenny and Claudia and their friends the cake sale raised a staggering amount in excess of £130.00 - well done girls!!!

Swallow Spring Watch Update

2007-06-16T14:58:00.001Z

Today the swallow chicks are out practising their flying skills already...amazing. Number 5 flew out as we came into Marmite's stable this morning. I had to hurriedly snatch this poor photo before they all flew out to congregate on the fence where they waited for parents to feed them.

This morning six of our young volunteer helpers arrived and made short work of the morning pooh-pick in Little Mead. After a thorough grooming we used Marmite & Felix to give the girls a lesson in harnessing up and putting to. This was followed up with a driving lesson as a change from riding, each taking the reins for a short session through the woods and up the field. Back in the yard horses are rubbed down, turned out and all the harness cleaned.

Swallows update

2007-06-11T19:53:00.000Z

Nine days on since Alleluia Chorus!

The five chicks in Marmite's stable look as if they need an extension built on to their accommodation!!
Marmite receives a handsome white pebble-dash effect on his rump in the short time that he is in for his breakfast.