As a registered charity, the Perry Group is a non-profit making organisation. However, the need for financial support is continual. Expenses seem to be never-ending and always higher than expected e.g. shoeing, feeding the ponies, vets bills, horse dentist, bedding and grazing.

It's only when you greet your first wheelchair user that you realise that the bumpy and uneven surfaces that make up the access drive to the rutted fields are not acceptable or adequate. It's then that you enter the realms of hard-standings, tarmac or concrete roads, all-weather working surfaces, car and bus parking areas, wheelchair access to toilets, tackrooms, mounting blocks and stables.

Equipment accounts for a high proportion of costs in the form of riding helmets, saddles (designed for disabled riders), bridles, harness, protective clothing, rugs, trotting poles, jump supports, buckets, lead reins, brushes, wheel barrows etc etc

Oh, I almost forgot - a fully equipped carriage costs £5,000

I'm sure that you now see the need for fund-raising, and to think that all we wanted to do was give a few pony rides!

If you feel that you could help in any way, please contact Jane Barker with either a pledge of your time, a donation of goods or a sum of money however large or small.

Fund Raising For 2010

The Group has a number of fund raising activities planned for 2010, full details are available on the Events page and reports from our recent fund raising activities can be found at the News page with details also provided below:

May 19th: RDA Regional Qualifer Competition at Solihull

25th – 29th May is Chelsea Flower Show when one of our greatest supporters, Hall Farm Nursery from Kinnerley near Oswestry have a specially designed Display Garden to celebrate 40Year of RDA.

Perry RDA Open Day (June TBC)

July 10th and 11th the dates for the RDA National Championships at Hartpury College, Gloucester.

August will be another Sponsored Ride over the Long Mynd

Hall Farm Plant Sale some time in September.

The Shropshire Parent and Carer Council Perry RDA Group Taster Day

On Wednesday 2nd September the Shropshire Parent and Carer Council (PACC) hosted a taster day at the Perry RDA Group. The day offered 24 children with disabilities or additional needs and their parents/carers a chance to be introduced to the horses at the Perry Group, learn about horse care, experience carriage driving and to practice some equestrian vaulting moves on horseback. Parents and carers had a great time watching their children participate and talking to other families.

The event was also attended by Harry Cade, Short Breaks Development Officer, based with the Disabled Childrens Team and Hillary McGlynn from Autism West Midlands. Both found the opportunity to meet families and to discuss their roles and responsibilities very helpful.

The Perry Group offers a full programme of activities. The riding based therapy provides an opportunity to develop communication, co-ordination and confidence of the rider. For more details about the Perry RDA Group please feel free to contact us directly.

This event is the first of a series of family fun events that PACC will be hosting throughout the county over the next few months. These events are funded by the parent participation grant that PACC secured earlier in the year and are designed so that children with disabilities or additional needs, their parents/carers and siblings can enjoy time together and meet other families who have similar experiences. The events will also provide a chance to meet representatives from service providers and to find out information about what is happening in Shropshire for children with disabilities or additional needs.

For more details about PACC see www.paccshropshire.org.uk

Ricky Balshaw and George - Silver Medalists at the 2008 Paralympic Games

Tina vaulting on Spotty, and Lisa on Oliver with Jane

Demonstrating Side Saddle