WADG News

Congratulations to Sally Merrick who has been honoured with one of the highest distinctions at RDA, the prestigious President’s Award. The President’s Award is the pinnacle of volunteer recognition within the RDA, reserved for individuals who have shown unparalleled dedication and service for three decades or more.

Sally joined the Windsor and Ascot Driving Group as a volunteer following retirement.  She took responsibility for the care of the ponies for many years in all weathers and has been a Coach, Group Organiser and is now Chairman of the group. 

Sally still gives her time to the group and is often seen at sessions, having conversations with volunteers and participants, making the tea, ensuring participants are ready for their drive and keeping us all on our toes!

We are so appreciative of all her dedication.

It is with great sadness that we bring you the news that we have said a final goodbye to our beloved pony Blue. Blue joined the group in 2017 and became a real favourite with volunteers and participants. He was a wonderful pony who helped so many people learn to drive. He had a lovely gentle nature and always enjoyed having a cuddle and being the centre of attention.
Blue's health had deteriorated significantly recently and to ensure his welfare, the kindest decision was to let him go peacefully.
We will all miss him so much.

Congratulations to Sarah on passing her carriage driving assessment and becoming our newest coach. 

We took part in an event in Windsor Great Park organised by RDA South Region. The competition comprised dressage and cones and four of our participants took part. It was the first competition for three participants and for Blue, who was an absolute star. Sweet Pea is an old hand at this and took it in her stride. Both ponies and all the competitors did really well.

Congratulations to the competitors and their coaches and thanks to everyone who helped on the day and with all the preparation and training. Thanks also to Windsor Park Equestrian Club for hosting and making us feel so welcome and to the The Worshipful Company of Wheelwrights for sponsoring the event and presenting the rosettes.

We had another great day on our annual visit to Windsor Home Park. We dodged the showers and had ten lovely drives around the grounds. Thanks to the ponies and our volunteers who all worked really hard.

We had a great day at Royal Windsor Horse Show entering the RDA Driving for the Disabled Showing and Cones Classes. Steffi and Sweet Pea won the Showing Class and was presented with a magnificent silver cup - sadly we couldn't leave with it! Maria did really well coming second in the Cones Class, also driving Sweet Pea.

Thanks to everyone who helped with all the preparations and on the day itself, especially Jackie who was the Coach. What a team!