Registered Charity No SCO 02041

Winter Newsletter 2014News

Term Dates: Last lesson of the year is on Saturday 13th December and we will welcome classes back on Monday 12th January 2015

Cullen has been on loan to us for around 15 years and has been a popular and hard- working member of the RDA Glasgow team. He thoroughly deserves his retirement in Pinwheery in the lovely Ayrshire countryside.Here he is with owner Chris who looks very happy to have him back!

Meet Tucker who is currently in training and hopefully you will see him in action soon

William continues to enjoy life with his new owner

Corporate DayStaff from the Bank of Scotland in Bearsden Cross joined us recently on a corporate day to paint our tea bar and tack room and it is great to have everywhere looking so smart. Thank you for your help.

Get Well Soon!Brett rides with us on a

Wednesday and has been coming to the RDA for a long

time. He has recently had major surgery and we wish him all the very best for a

speedy recovery.

CroftcroighnJake Herd: Jake arrives at the centre in a wheelchair; he sometimes rides Smudge but his favourite is Biddy. Jake has just learnt to rise when trotting and he wanted to show us all how he can do it all the way around the arena. What a target – and he achieved it!

Sophia Blake: Sophia has been quick to develop her basic skills required for riding since beginning in September. Her levels of motivation have increased as well as her interaction with staff from the school and at the RDA while at her session on a Thursday. Well done, Sophia!

MiddlefieldMatthew Moonan has been riding with us for some years and doesn’t usually speak, however he recently told his pony to “Walk On” in a loud voice!

Book CornerOn the Hoof : Pony Girl by Jules

Julie Ashby is an RDA rider who came to Sandyflat for the Para Day earlier this year and rode Solo and Dylan from our yard. Unfortunately, major surgery prevented Julie from taking part in the Scottish Nationals but she has been in touch to tell us about a book she has written.On the Hoof – Pony Girl is Julie’s story, telling of her affinity with horses and the part they played in piecing her life back together. It acknowledges the important role the RDA plays in peoples’ lives and credits the value of equine therapy. Available on Amazon.

Years of Love and Just Ordinary things by LainiLaini has written a collection of 10 stories of which “Horse” is one and is based on Laini’s experience of coming to the RDA. Available at Sandyflat.All profits from both pieces of work go to the RDA.

Annual General Meeting : 28th November 2014

Wendy McGrandles presented her last report as Chairperson, after stepping down from this position in June. Wendy has been involved with Sandyflat as a Trustee for ten years and we would like to acknowledge her commitment, hard work and, of course, her veterinary advice. Wendy commented: ”Although I am sad to present my last report to you all I am also delighted to be leaving on such a positive note. I have been privileged to have been involved with this venture for 10 years and although I have seen it through some difficult times, the feeling now is one of optimism and renewed energy and I am confident that Sandyflat will continue to thrive.” Wendy has now handed over the reins as Chairperson to John Paton. John was involved with the building of the centre over 25 years ago, and, as such, has a long connection with the RDA Glasgow Group. We are already working closely with John and are delighted to welcome him to his new role.

ABLE – BODIED RIDING LESSONS Did you ride when you were younger and fancy getting back in the saddle?Have you never ridden but would like to give it a go?Would you like a new challenge and get fit at the same time?We are running able-bodied riding lessons on Thursday and Saturday afternoons.Get in touch if you would like to book a lesson with our experienced instructors who will help and support you. The horses are pretty special as well, not that we are biased

VOLUNTEERSOnce again, a massive thank you is offered to all of our wonderful volunteers and helpers. We really do appreciate the time and effort you all make to keep our centre running. We’d like to make a special mention in this issue to the tea-bar ladies. Your continued support is much appreciated. THANK YOU!

FUNDRAISING

If you have any ideas for fundraising please get in touch as we can help with posters, collecting cans and sponsor forms.

Happy Birthday to the Tulliallan Trail

In June 2014 our Tulliallan Trail was 20 years old. The original simple path was created with a generous donation from the police – hence the trail was named after the location of the police training college in FifeToday the Tulliallan bears little resemblance to the original path. The area was left to overgrow for a long time, until 9 years ago when work began to landscape the area properly to create an enclosed outdoor space for our riders. Volunteers Gavin and Gary have worked very hard together for many years and have transformed the site. The small patch of land, which is prone to flooding, has had new paths raised and widened, ponds created, new planting, surfaces laid, areas fenced and a recently installed sculpture made from recycled materials, of a horse and cart. A gate leads to a path off our property on a circular route along the bank of the River Kelvin and round the back of our paddocks. Unfortunately vandalism has occasionally hampered the development of the site, but improved security has thankfully meant that this is now a rare occurrence.

The Tulliallan gives Glasgow RDA riders the opportunity to ride outside – offering a completely different experience from riding indoors. The Tulliallan provides a varied sensory environment starting with a walk through a pine forest.

The landscaping provides undulating pathways, scented planting and lots of trees offering light and shade. Nature also has a home on the Tulliallan trail with many resident birds (some extra friendly robins), frogs, deer, ducks, as well as a visiting buzzard and heron.

Thank youWe would like to acknowledge the following Trusts and Foundations that have supported us since the publication of the Autumn newsletter:Peter Coats TrustTempleton Goodwill TrustGemmell Bequest FundHomelands Charitable TrustMickel FundRKT Harris Charitable TrustSaints and SinnersRyvoan Trust

Thanks also to:R-BiopharmAndy Scott Public ArtMrs June GraingerOrder of the Eastern StarAuchengeich Line DancersMrs E. AlstonMr Chris Lee Mr David GallacherIngliston Riding AcademyThe Short FamilyRotary Club of ClydebankRotary Club of Charing CrossPuddledub ShowsCameron MarshallGlasgow Kelvin CollegeMrs Fiona WrightMrs June BoydPartick Saint Mary’s Lodge no. 117Mr John Coyle

Gavin and Gary welcome corporate groups from time to time to help them with specific jobs. Gavin has asked that if anyone can help with some tar scrapings to finish off the final path, he would be very thankful.

Glasgow RDA offer a HUGE thank you to Gavin and Gary for all their hard work and their continued enthusiasm all year round, to create a wonderful place for us to go, which is especially lovely when the sun is shining.

Special thanks to Gavin, Gary and Rhona for this article

It’s not too late to choose your RDA Christmas cards and horsey gifts. Have a look at the display in the tea room; we have sticker books, umbrellas and even a neighing alarm clock! The RDA Glasgow calendar, pictured here, is available now. Please let a member of staff know a.s.a.p. if you would like to order one.

Merry Christmas!We wish you all a happy and healthy new year and look forward to seeing you in

2015