Another warm and pleasant afternoon on the Forest, this time in the company of Wendy and the New Forest Carriage Driving for the Disabled Group. The assistants, and in particular the horse owners, are to be highly commended for preparing and transporting their horses and carriages to various venues on the Forest and to be congratulated for owning so calm and cooperative creatures. Each horse has an entourage of at least 5 people, all ready to support the person with a disability (disabilities) by adapting the equipment for their particular needs, making sure the horse has the right harness and reins on, head-holding, and then escorting the horse through the Forest in bicycles and with a sign-written car. Needless to say the horses are loved by everyone involved and I was particularly pleased to meet Daisy face-to-face as I have seen her many times being driven along Roger Penny Way with her owner Felicity.
I became Daisy's head-holder at three change-overs and apart from tryng to rub me (my fault) she stood like a rock while everything went on around her.
Wendy was allocated Jerry to drive and like of all of the disabled visitors, she was given the opportunity to take over the reins if she would like to. Some people have more severe disabilities which prevent them from doing so but the joy is being in the presence of horses and people who love and care about them.
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| Jerry wears a fly-rug to protect him from the insects |
These good and honest ponies were quite hot when they got back and they were washed down before they went home. We all know that horses are addictive - and Wendy misses her two Highland ponies very badly - and I have no doubt we will be back.
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| Moss, the whippetosaurus |
This group needs the following if anyone can help: funds, other drivers and quiet steeds, light-weight safety steps.
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| Molly with her team of helpers |
