A big pat for Monty

Hello! my name is Monty. My owner, Susan, kindly offered me to The Pegasus Centre on a long term loan. I am happy to be here because I have made many new friends and am ridden by lots of children who benefit from RDA lessons. Susan is able to see the good work that I do when she comes to visit me at the centre.      

On Friday mornings we have three sessions for different school groups and Chief RDA instructor Samantha Orde (we call her Sam) teaches the children. Sam is also the RDA National Chairman so all the ponies try to be on their best behaviour when she is instructing.  

This week I was ridden by a little girl called Amy who comes along with one of the school groups. Amy usually rides Zak because he is a smaller pony, but as he has a sore hoof, I was chosen for Amy to ride instead. When Amy rode for the first time she was very nervous and had two side walkers to help her. After riding for a few school terms, Amy gained confidence and now only needs one side walker.

Last week, when Amy rode Zak, I noticed she was holding on to the front of the saddle to keep herself steady. As I am a much bigger pony I was hoping Amy would not be too frightened to get on me. But once she was mounted and we set off round the school, Amy picked up the reins!

 

Amy was happy to lean in to a bucket and pull out a toy...

 

and place a hoop on a cone.

A happy smile as Amy demonstrates how she can lean forward to go through the arena doors...

and then off we went for a walk outside.

Sam looks to check that the gate is shut behind us as we made our way up the sand track.

The sun started to break through as we headed back to the indoor arena.
I have no idea why I was at the back... Chico and Jen are much slower than me!

Back inside, Amy was still sitting up straight, holding her reins and looking very relaxed. She clearly enjoys riding me!

Jenny, Amy's teacher, and RDA volunteer Anna, explained to Amy that we must wait for Sam to dismount her.
 

 A thumbs up to Sam...

and a nice pat for me! Sam and Jenny agree that Amy has more confidence. 

 

Jenny takes Amy's hand and they join the other children on the school bus.
 I think Amy would like to ride me again next week... but

we all hope that Zak gets well soon!