40th Anniversary Celebrations

On 24th June we held a very special event to mark the group’s 40th anniversary.

Blessed with a beautiful afternoon and attended by riders and volunteers, both past and present, together with others associated with group including Jeremy Quin, MP for Horsham, guests were treated to an afternoon of entertaining equine displays, afternoon tea, ice creams, a raffle and
fundraising stall.

Olivants Equine Displays gave two demonstrations, firstly to the delight of all, young and old, Billy and Magpie entertained with their ‘Big & Little’ display, followed by a highly skilful Spanish riding demonstration by Pete Olivant.

Our own riders gave two displays, Lily and Hope took part in a handy pony course, to give guests an idea of what takes place during riding sessions. Later, Christina Samuels and Amanda Horne gave a dressage display to music.

Finally the Sussex Yeomanry display team put on a thrilling and colourful demonstration of both French and British cavalry skills from the Napoleonic era using period uniforms and weaponry.

Many local businesses and individuals had contributed items for the raffle stall and combined with donations made in collecting tins the charity raised a magnificent £824. Following the event, Mr and Mrs Durden, whose son Andrew rode with the group for many years, kindly gave a very generous donation in his memory.

In addition to this the group received a surprise donation of £326 from The White Lion Gun Club who are based in Thakeham, a clay pigeon shooting club that has itself been running for over 30 years. The club makes an annual donation to a local charity nominated by the members and for 2016/17 South Downs RDA group was chosen. Their cheque was presented by Glenn Harvey to South Downs chair, Carolyn Heitman. This generous donation will help to support the group to continue our very valuable work with children and adults and is very much appreciated.

It was a very special day for us all and we were delighted to have two founder members with us to celebrate: Jill Blake and Fiona Wright who is our Treasurer.

40th Anniversary Celebrations Gallery

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