Riding Club Newsletters

October 2003

Forward by Club Secretary

Welcome to the latest issue of your Riding Club newsletter, we would like to welcome all our new members and hope to see you all at our forthcoming shows. If you would like to send in any comments or suggestions for inclusion in the next issue, please do. So far this year, the shows have been very well attended, thanks to all our judges and stewards and to those competitors still around when the heavens have opened - thanks for your patience and understanding. Congratulations go to all our winners. If any of our members knows of a suitably qualified person willing to help out as a judge or steward please forward names and telephone numbers to me. If anyone would like to offer their assistance, either setting up for a show or helping out on the day, this would be greatly appreciated

Charlotte & Heidi Boo La - A Success Story

It was November 2002 when Heidi arrived. The girls started to ride Heidi on the lead rein. Charlotte is a very nervous rider with little confidence. We could only ride her after school up the lanes as the yard we were at had no menage. So, off we would trek... up those lanes in the dark with the biggest flashing lights you ever saw. Heidi just did her job. The girls gradually gained so much confidence with her in the stable. They could pick out hooves, put on rugs, bath and rug up - all with no complaints from Heidi. Still on the lead rein, Charlotte's confidence grew. It was now time to find a new home with a menage so she could take the plunge and ride off the lead rein. A new yard was found and Charlotte's first steps off the lead rein were taken. Heidi had never been schooled or seen a menage so it was a new experience for both of them. However, one thing was apparent - Heidi had two gears - walk and trot, and she was happy to go round and round all day long. As Charlotte's confidence grew, so did Heidi's. Next thing, a trotting pole was up, then a jump and both are away. The cantering only came as Charlotte became stronger. First it was two strides and Charlotte was squealing with delight "I can canter Mummy". This was some feat for Charlotte, who has right hemiplegia (cerebral palsy) which affects her whole right side but, in particular, her leg and foot. In a nutshell, Charlotte only has one side that works effectively. She wears a very specialised orthotic splint and is under Great Ormond Street Hospital for regular physiotherapy.
Every night after school, Charlotte had been working hard with Heidi, learning to ride and balance. We decided only one week prior to the Barnet Lane Charity Show that we would go, just for fun and the experience. It was only ten days before the show that Charlotte learnt to canter without holding Heidi's mane. Things really clicked into place and Charlotte discovered that she could actually steer in canter ! The day before the show, the big clean up was on. We scrubbed, washed and brushed Heidi until she was pure white. Both the girls enjoy the grooming. All the tack was cleaned - one doing the saddle, another doing the bridle. Jackets were dry-cleaned and fresh roses from the garden were made into buttonholes.
We arrived at Copthall for the show. Heidi was an unknown quantity as she had never been to a show before, nor travelled. Charlotte was a bag of nerves and our support group of friends and family came to cheer her on and to also enjoy the traditional picnic we always have on showing days out. All was going well and everything was calm. We entered into the BSPA Ridden Show Pony, Noddy Penny and Novice Pony. Both looked a treat and we were so happy to see Charlotte just getting out there and having a go. It was so heartening and it was almost as if both were on auto pilot. They just did the job. Our expectations were far exceeded when they qualified for the BSPA National Championships in every class !!! The weather was off and on - sunny, then hail, then thunder and lightning. We were called for the Supreme Championship. Charlotte was very tired and her leg was very sore. We persuaded her to hav ea go. "Just try your best and enjoy yourself" we all told her. The four judges cast their eyes over some strong competition. All was tense and quiet. It was just a dream to have qualified for the National Championships in three classes and to be in a class with all the champions was a real experience. The decision made by the judges and the nod was given - to Charlotte and Heidi Boo La ! Tears of absolute joy filled her face and we on the side line cried tears of happiness. The Supreme Champion gave her lap of honour, sash, ribbons and all. To say that this was a dream is too light. It was amazing - for Charlotte to defy the doctors who said she wouldn't be able to ride a bike until she was ten, let alone ride a horse.... well, there you have it. Sheer determination and a love of our Heidi have given her a new outlook on life. Riding has given her the strength, confidence and friendship she lack in many ordinary areas of life.
We would like to say to Robert and Michelle in Ireland - thanks, you found an amazing pony for us. Thanks to BSPA for giving us the classes and friendship to enjoy. Thanks to Barnet Lane Charity Show for hosting such a friendly and supportive event. It has changed Charlotte's life.

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