What do you get when you mix RDA riders, parents, carers, coaches, a sprinkling of brilliant volunteers, and several plates of cake? The answer: a thoroughly lovely evening at our Annual Awards Night, held on Wednesday 4th June at Willaston Social Club.
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The venue was buzzing with chatter, laughter, and the unmistakable sense our Group knows how to celebrate properly. With a fine spread of homemade cake (thank you, kind bakers!), nibbles, and a fully stocked bar, spirits were high as we gathered to reflect on the year and recognise some truly outstanding achievements.
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First up: AGM business (with a smile!)
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The evening began with the Annual General Meeting, where Chair Sheila Saner gave a warm and insightful round-up of the year’s highlights. Andrea Lawrence stepped down as Trustee though she remains, we’re happy to say, as Coach Lead. She was thanked for her incredible contribution to the group. Treasurer Jen Johnson, from Afford Bond in Nantwich, followed with a clear and positive financial report, showing how our community’s generosity and dedication continues to keep us going strong.
Volunteer Awards
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After the business came the well-earned celebrations — and what a joyful awards ceremony it was! With cheers, applause and more than a few happy tears, we honoured those whose contributions keep our RDA group running so brilliantly.
A round of applause for our volunteer award winners:
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Sienna Clarke – New Young Volunteer of the Year (a rising star)
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Jayne Vaughn – Volunteer of the Year (unstoppable energy, endless kindness)
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Tessa Sherwin – Runner-Up Volunteer of the Year (we’ll never run out of reasons to thank you)
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If you didn’t attend — you missed a cracker. There was even a raffle...
Rider Awards
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The riders’ awards brought some truly touching moments. With Endeavour Awards and Riding Grade Test Certificate being presented
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All our riders were thrilled to be recognised, but none more so than Jessica, who was so overwhelmed with joy she showered her certificate with kisses. (We dare anyone not to tear up a little at that!)
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Raffle & Refreshments
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The raffle table was a thing of beauty — expertly curated by the marvellous Irene Pawsey using generous donations from our community. We’ve never seen such a colourful spread... or such hopeful ticket-holders! And of course, no RDA celebration would be complete without cake — and plenty of it.
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It was a wonderfully sociable evening, full of smiles, hugs, and a shared sense of pride in what we’ve all achieved together. To everyone who came, contributed, and clapped — thank you. And to everyone who missed it? There’s always next year.
There was magic in the air (and a few stray bits of hay) at Reaseheath College on Sunday 18th May, as our brilliant RDA riders took centre stage at the Family Day with not one but two delightful performances of Teddy Bears' Picnic and Goldilocks and the Three Bears — all on horseback, of course!
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The much-loved tale was brought to life by coach Rosemary McIlwrath. Her creative vision gave the whole production heart, humour, and a healthy dose of pony personality. From choosing the perfect theme to cleverly working out how to tell the story while involving so many of our riders and volunteers, Rosemary made sure every detail was thought through — and the result was a fantastic opportunity to showcase just how far our riders have come and the amazing skills they've developed in their sessions. A huge thank you to Rosemary!
Olivia, as Goldilocks, confidently led the way on her own pony, Murphy. The three bears were marvellously cast: the ever-dignified Loki (our gentle Shire giant) played a very convincing Daddy Bear, while Ben took on the role of Mummy Bear with great style. The role of Baby Bear was shared between our two wonderful ponies, Hero and Finley, each with different riders, all adding their own unique sparkle to the performance. In fact, Finley truly stole the show at one point by deciding the stage decor looked rather tasty. His impromptu snack session led to a hilarious moment of his rider needing a swift and good-humoured rescue – much to the audience's delight! Our smallest pony, Bobby, was not left out either. He enjoyed picnicking in the woods with either Hero or Finley when they weren’t being baby bear!
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Narration duties fell to coach Eleanor Dixon, who guided the audience through the story with warmth and good humour — even when things didn’t quite go to plan!
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The performances were a joyful celebration of what our riders can achieve: confidence, control, teamwork and fun were on full display. We’re so proud of every participant, and so grateful to all the volunteers, ponies, and supporters who helped make the day such a success.
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Thank you, Reaseheath Family Day, for having us — we had a bear-illiant time.
We had a fantastic day at The RDA North West Regional Show on Sunday 11th May 2025, at Thompson House Equestrian centre in Standish.
We took three of our horses Hero, Ben and Finley and eleven riders to compete in the Countryside Challenge. Everyone had an amazing time, and our group won eleven rosettes including two first prizes.
Our volunteers attended a very interesting and informative training day on mental health awareness.
We had a fabulous day visiting Mid-Cheshire RDA Group at Allostock Hall with some of our riders and four of our horses. We practised the Countryside Challenge and everyone enjoyed themselves.
We are delighted that Patrick, one of our treasued horses, has won the British Horse Society (BHS) Equine Personality of the Year Award. The award was presented by Martin Clunes, the president of the BHS at the award ceremony at Newbury Racecourse.
