Spring Has Sprung!!

Martin takes Wally for a drive with Marmite

Martin has been helping at the stables for quite a few years now and has become a proficient driver, besides being a very useful helper.

Spring has truly sprung! We started driving at the beginning of March, which has been the driest March for many years, so, though cold at times, we have been able to drive most days.

April has started out on a very warm note and there is prolific blossom everywhere. The horses are all shedding their winter coats in handfuls to cope with this rare warm spell which makes easy picking of nesting material for a variety of birds from Goldfinches to Jackdaws.
Surprisingly we haven't seen our Swallows yet, but I'm sure they aren't far away now.

Now is the time for anyone who has a little spare time on their hands to come down and take advantage of an outdoor activity on this wonderful site at Holton Lee and make new friends. We are always pleased to welcome volunteers to help in any way they can.

Season 2011 Has Started!

We did our first drives out at a gentle pace on 1st March (St David's Day).

We should be grateful for the dry weather, but with a bitter NE breeze it was oh... so cold!!

Marmite was very keen and forward going, but we are very aware of the need to ease the horses into work gently.

We desperately want to welcome new volunteers to our happy band of helpers! Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays are days when we are light on helpers.

April Spruce Up

There are so many ways that volunteers can help and find personal reward in what they do. Eddie loves to visit AshTree Stables for the company, but hates to be idle for long, so, offered a paintbrush and some wood preservative he sets about applying a much needed coat to the chalet.

People who help out here at Holton Lee all have their own reasons for doing so and we believe that we all need to derive some benefit for ourselves while helping others. We all need help at times and something to feel good about, as most of us have problems of our own. There is a wonderful family atmosphere at the stables and everyone is encouraged to share their problems if they wish, and this can be a great help when there's no prejudice or judgement, just friendly support.

I am so grateful for all the training that I've received and it is great to feel that I can now pass on some of that training to others.