North Pembs and Cardiganshire RDA Group
. Pembs and Ceredigion RDA is a long-established group that started in the 1970s. We support 18 riders at a time from our base at the Dyfed Riding Centre, set in a beautiful wooded valley five miles inland from Cardigan. Each Tuesday morning during term time, Gini, Pris and a dedicated team of volunteers run three riding lessons for all ability levels and ages, from small children to adults, using the Centre's lovely, patient animals. As well as riding, the children also learn about ponies, horses and stable management. They are enthusiastic and we are proud of their achievements. Three of our children have just submitted successful ASDAN workbooks, with another five already in progress or about to start. Last year we were able to take three riders to the National Championship at Hartpury and two were placed, while this year six riders went to the West Wales Area competition at Pencoed and three came away with rosettes. We have a regular flow of riders completing their grade tests. We are a multi-talented bunch and riders' creative talents have blossomed recently helped by some of the more artistically-minded volunteers. Three of our pieces won a prize in the national art competition - a photomontage of members and ponies that was made by the whole group led by Jill, Becky's charcoal drawing of a horse's head, and a sculpture of two horses in a stable also by Becky. We also run occasional demonstrations of interesting activities such as dressage to music. The group runs to capacity most of the time but vacancies do occur so it is always worth enquiring, and we are keen to welcome new volunteers. Contact Gini Gristwood, Chairman, on 01239 698620, or if you prefer email send it to Judith@bluestone.eu.com.