## **Chairman’s and Instructor’s Reports as presented at the AGM of Huntingdon & District RDA Group on 16 September 2025** ## **Chairman’s Report** I am happy to report a successful year with many more Volunteers and a change of venue in June. It was a shock to find out that our riding school in Offord Cluny was closing, but with due diligence and lots of hard work we managed to secure our future at Hilltop Equestrian Centre in Yelling. My heartfelt thanks go to all those who made it happen. We had a trial run on June 3rd and ironed out a few teething problems before the children joined us the following week. Unfortunately the change of venue meant a change of day from Thursday to Tuesday so we had to say Good-bye to two of our longstanding members Sue and Fiona. Sue has been volunteering for RDA for well over forty years and she has been a Trustee for many of those years. I would like us all to give her a hearty round of applause to show our appreciation of her dedication over the years. Anne ## **Instructors' Report** What a year! Who would have guessed, when we began our autumn term last year? Everything began as normal. Great riding and such obliging ponies. A few little problems with some riders, but with great results after perseverance. Our volunteer numbers were a concern, and we were looking to find another two, if possible, and Wendy suggested putting an advert in the local magazine. In the past this has occasionally interested someone to check us out. This time, we were amazed by the response. Enquiries kept coming in. Some couldn't come on Thursdays, others had issues to sort out first, but we still found ourselves with lots of willing applicants who all had special qualities to offer. We decided to invite them all to come and watch a session. Would it be what they expected? By the following week some of them were taking part, under guidance from our existing team. What a bonus they all are. They are all suitable, and are all lovely ladies who fit in so easily with the rest of us. Thank you to all the volunteers in question. (I can't call you 'new' anymore!) The spring term was progressing normally, when, out of the blue, we received an email from Northbrook notifying us that the riding school was closing with effect from the end of May. We immediately applied to the other two riding schools in the area. No replies, so we tried again and were invited to Hilltop at Yelling to discuss the situation, and we were offered the chance to relocate. Despite a change of heart at Northbrook, it was clear that the situation there was tenuous and could change again at any time, and we made the decision to move. Hilltop isn't perfect. Storage is a problem, but we can cope. They couldn't accommodate us on Thursdays, and we had to change the day of our sessions to Tuesdays, which has unfortunately meant that some of our volunteers can no longer take part. It was also a challenge for Samuel Pepys to rearrange their timetable to accommodate things. However, after a couple of weeks missed, we were able to resume our sessions on the well behaved ponies at Yelling. The riders adapted very quickly to their new surroundings, and apart from being asked 'Where is Splash?', they settled very well. This year, we hope that Mel will be assessed and be able to call herself a fully qualified coach. Perhaps others will consider taking on the role? Our thanks go to Tracy and Mel who have led some really good sessions, and also, of course, to leaders, side walkers, and poo pickers all who make it possible for us to continue. Our thanks must also go to Anne for her continued support as Chair, and who hosted a summer lunch at her home during the summer. Also, thanks must go to Pat for taking on the role of fundraiser, which has already proved to be very valuable to us. Altogether an interesting year, and a milestone in our journey. Gill Linnette September 2025 11.fS obJ St•8888￿888