Jenny writes:
I like to go to riding early so that I can help brush and clean Ringo’s hooves and prepare his tack. It is difficult to do it on my own because Ringo is so big, but I try hard to do as much as I can. One of the horse owners is teaching me how to massage Ringo. I love the way he stops doing things, even eating, when I massage him. I talk to Ringo a lot and although he can be stubborn when I ride him, I think we work well together. Like me, Ringo has arthritis so I understand how he feels when the helpers tell me he is stiff today. I want to continue improving my riding skills and would like to build up confidence so I would be happy riding other horses.

Pat & George write:
Jenny first sat on a horse at the age of 3 years whilst on holiday, and very soon after she was fortunate enough to get a place at Crosby RDA. Whilst there would be future obstacles, her joy and love for horse riding was evident from the start.

Early memories evolve around a ‘tiny mite’ with a big smile on the back of a pony with a leader and two helpers, enjoying every minute and being impatient to get back on once the ride was over.

As Jenny progressed, the patience of the instructors and helpers was wonderful – when she was introduced to trotting, everyone would be shouting out to her to ‘breathe’ as she passed by, for she seemed to do the trot without taking a breath.

Another obstacle was mounting, due to a fear of heights, but this was overcome with tolerance, perseverance and encouragement from the helpers.

Small stature and chronic juvenile arthritis have not deterred Jenny from developing riding skills, or from becoming involved in stable management of the ponies. She loves to get down early for the ride so she can help groom and tack up, which helps develop a greater bond between her and Ringo.

Jenny has also been fortunate in being selected to attend the holidays in Clwyd, and on these she has developed independence and social skills, and enjoyed being part of the team. It has also given her an introduction to different horses.

In recent years Jenny has progressed to the Crosby Advanced Riders’ Class which in turn has opened an opportunity for her to join the NW Dressage Squad. Jenny has won Regional Competitions and qualified on a number of occasions for the RDA National Championships, her best placing so far being 5th.

There is no doubt that becoming involved with Crosby RDA has been a life-changing experience for Jenny and ourselves. It is not a pastime or hobby, but an essential part of our lives. The people, the events, functions and horse riding activities form a part of our lives which would be hard-put to replace, probably impossible.

Hard work, dedication and commitment has seen the Group grow from strength to strength, from the initial rides in an open field to what we have now, not only an outside arena but a wonderful indoor school – the envy of any group. In addition the people are exceptional, young and old alike, and we look upon it more like a family rather than a riding group.