WADG News

We were asked by the British Equestrian Federation to give a display on behalf of the RDA at the Quipco Champions raceday meeting at Ascot. Here we are crossing the course to and from the Old Paddock.

Ann drove with Sally as RDA whip, Brigid as commentator and Ellie as groom.

Frankel may have won his historic 14th and final race but Casper was just as impressive on the day!

Five of our members, Kate, Rebecca, Kelly, Ann and Alex, competed in four of the driving classes at the Warfield Show. We were the only disabled entries alongside the other turnouts in each class. After a rainy start, the sun came out and a good time was had by all.

It was Albert’s first show with the group and he did really well. Casper behaved beautifully as ever. Albert and Casper did most of the hard work but thanks as ever to all the helpers.

Thanks to Frank Rainsborough for the photos.

The ponies spent two weeks on holiday during Royal Ascot. They didn't miss any opportunities to gorge themselves on the lush grass, even when they were lying down.

We took advantage of the ponies’ holiday location to have a drive and picnic in Windsor Great Park. We were lucky with the weather and had a lovely time.

Casper, our Shetland pony driven by Kate with Sally as the RDA Whip, competed in the disabled class at the Royal Windsor Horse Show. Ellie was in attendance as Groom.

Unfortunately the weather was awful and the first hurdle was negotiating the mud to get the horsebox and trailer into the car park. Casper started the day beautifully white but became steadily greyer as the day progressed, finishing, as Sally said, looking like a zebra crossing.

By the time the class started the rain had started as can be seen in the photos. The class was divided into two sections – the first being about driver ability, turnout etc and the second part of the class manoeuvring through the cones. Kate drove extremely well and managed a brilliant time through the cones but just clipped one, adding a five second penalty to the time. Casper was angelic as ever.

HRH The Duke of Edinburgh watched the competition and presented the rosettes.

Thanks to Lee at Ingradire and Frank for the photos.

On Sunday 22 April we took part in the RDA sponsored drive at Smiths Lawn. Unfortunately Major threw a shoe and had to be walked home by Sally and Ellie but Albert and Casper took part and both ponies went brilliantly.

Albert joined the Group in October, replacing Bomber. Although he has been a driving pony all his life, he needed to learn some new skills to be suitable for our members. After lots of hard work over the winter from both Albert and our volunteers he passed the RDA assessment in February and is now a full member of the team.