“Both our Junior and Senior police cadets were incredibly impressed by the horses and staff at Ham Stables. It was a truly educational and joyful experience and they benefitted greatly from the session. Some even offered to volunteer their own time in the future! We cannot thank Minette and the team enough for taking the time to give our cadets a tour of the stables and give a seminar on these magnificent horses.”
PC Mick Mitridate
Safer Schools Officer
Richmond Sector
Vicki from SAFE writes to tell us what is happening with this charity over the winter,
“We had a successful autumn homing appeal and managed to send six horses off to fabulous homes, including a lovely senior mare, Thelma, who we were expecting to support as a long-term resident because most potential owners are looking for younger animals. So that has helped as we go into winter – currently we have 9 horses at HQ which is more than enough, but allows each to be stabled overnight to dry out, as the fields are quite swampy as you can imagine! We have budgeted for four castrations as soon as the colts are mature enough to have the ‘op’, and money raised this summer is being used to install new lighting in the main stable block to help volunteers during the evening shift and to meet new electrical lighting standards.”
Thank you to everyone who contributed to this most worthwhile cause!
Are you looking for something different to give as a special Christmas present? You can give any number of riding lessons, for adults and or children, at Ham House Stables and we will send you a personalised voucher for your lucky recipient. Just speak with Minette or Glen for children’s lessons.
Happy Horsey Christmas!
“I find your DVD absolutely great..(especially) your ability for straightforward, precise and no-nonsense instruction.
“Brought up in Vienna with a family very close to the Spanische Hofreitschule (my grandfather used to hack with Colonel Podhajsky in the Heldenberg during the summer), I am exclusively interested in the real Art of Riding, as our Royal Spanish School so beautifully testifies and promotes with our stunning Lippizzans. The principles of the classical seat and lightness are the only values worth practicing and you, Minette, are a remarkable horsewoman. I can tell from your demonstration and explanations in the DVD.”
The DVD, “Understanding the Art of Riding” is on sale at Ham House Stables and by e mailing Minette directly.
The Pas de Trois was executed perfectly by the well-practised horses and riders and the concert featuring Vic McLean and David Le Page was enjoyed by all. Most importantly, guests donated generously to raise funds for the evening’s three charities; the Riding for the Disabled Association, Saving Abandoned Fly-grazing Equines and The Cassel Hospital Charitable Trust.
In mid July, Minette travelled to Acrecliffe in West Yorkshire to take the Association of British Riding Schools (ABRS) Advanced Teaching Diploma, their highest exam grade and the most wide-reaching of all the ABRS qualifications.
She was successful in attaining this Diploma and was described in the ABRS September Newsletter as, “an outstanding candidate and an asset to the industry.” Minette formally received her award at the ABRS’s annual conference, where a special presentation was made.
GROUNDWORK AND IN HAND LESSONS
Would you like to learn groundwork inspired by natural horsemanship, or perhaps you would prefer to learn classical in-hand work and long-reining?
During these lessons, you will have the opportunity to create a dynamic relationship between you and the horse. Studying the horse when on your feet gives you greater insight of their movement and a deeper understanding of how to ride with more feel and harmony.
Please contact Andy directly to arrange lessons. Email: andy@compassionatehorsemanship.org Mobile: 07856 441 460
Working livery wanted for ham House Stable, preferable between 14.2 and 16.00, cob type and well mannered. The horse will be schooled to a high standard and should be available for giving some quiet lessons. Working livery includes full care. Enquiries to Suzy Blease on 0208 948 6201 or 07575 569915 between 7am and 4pm or to Minette Rice-Edwards on 07711 422307 after 7.30pm,
Ham House Gala guests on Sunday, July 9th saw a beautiful dressage and driving display from Minette, Vicky and Andy and then settled down to listen to an outstanding musical programme played by David le Page and Viv McLean. The setting sun over Ham Polo ground and its attractive club house made a perfect evening for all the guests and helpers alike.
During the interlude an auction was held to raise money for the Diamond Centre for Disabled Riders. The Diamond Centre is one of the largest in the world and was the first purpose built place for disabled riding in the UK. It operates entirely by volunteer fundraising, receiving no public money whatsoever.
There are 300 -plus volunteers, 340 riders and 30 horses, providing and enjoying activities from general horse riding to Paralympic Dressage. Hippotherapy, carriage driving and vaulting are also available.
A donation will be made to the Diamond Centre very soon.
