His page in the website described how he was…

“Yo…. ...more...]]> We are very sad to announce the passing of one of our retired RDA ponies. Wee Bobby gave many years of service to the disabled riders at Thornton Rose Ride Ability Group and he was a great favourite of the instructors, volunteers and riders.

His page in the website described how he was…

“Yo…. it’s wee Boab here or Bobby if you want my real name. I’m seconded to work in Thornton Rose and I am enjoying every minute. I love going out with the students as long as they are not too heavy and I am a really steady ride and very well behaved.

Actually, I was really ill a few years back and had to have an operation on my tummy which was very sore. Not sure what they did in there as I was asleep right throughout the operation in the hospital.  The other staff have been very kind to me, letting me recover without too much work and the students and volunteers have given me lots of cuddles to make me feel much better.

The bosses are very kind and they have a special corner of the barn for me which is nice and soft with lots of straw. It’s warm as well, much warmer than being out in the cold winds that we have here in Rosewell.

By the way, there’s a picture of me just before I was unwell. Don’t I look good with my rider who is one of our students? I’ll be back in competitions again soon. You’ll see!”

He returned to work for a year or so before retiring in 2011. Following his retirement from the RDA, he lived alongside his buddies at a nearby farm. He still enjoyed going out for a gentle walk with Ruth Johnston. He was always one for the girls as well and was so happy when Ruth and Beth took him and Misty out last month. He had such a spring in his step. They all had such a nice wander through the countryside around Rosewell.

It is never very easy to lose an old friend but we have so many happy memories of Wee Boab and the enjoyment that he brought to so many around him.

Our thoughts are with Ann, Ruth and Eilish, his owners at this sad time.

For 12 years he has brought joy and happiness to disabled riders of all ages, helping and teaching them to find a sense of achievement and confidence, which in turn makes their lives easier and more fulfilled.

He had a hard start ...more...]]> Ace is a very special horse with a big heart and personality.

For 12 years he has brought joy and happiness to disabled riders of all ages, helping and teaching them to find a sense of achievement and confidence, which in turn makes their lives easier and more fulfilled.

He had a hard start to life as a logging horse working on the Pentland Hills, Midlothian. Ace came into his own when he joined the team at Thornton Rose (member of Riding for Disabled Association) in 1999, thanks to money raised by a rider with the group.

He has a great character and is adaptable, even being successful at a walk test to music at the RDA Scottish Nationals in Alloa. He has also worked with riders to win walk and walk/ trot tests at The Drum and Bannockburn RDA competitions including some with a visually challenged rider.

Ace works hard, three days a week and has rarely missed a day. He also has a gift with other horses by helping new horses to fit in with his calming and steady influence on rides and in the field.

Ace’s many fans keep up to date by reading his personal blog on the Thornton Rose website.

He is now 17 years old and despite a little arthritis he still enjoys a canter through the fields in his free time with Jeff, the group’s chairman.

Ace is a wonderful horse, working with amazing people.

Thank you Tesco and thank you to the people of Midlothian!