After our efforts in raising money for this years chosen charity – Olivia’s Wish, Olivia had her first riding lesson at Gartmore Riding School on Saturday the 12th of April 2008. I went along to assist with this first lesson and Olivia was a little scared and apprehensive to start with, but as her first lesson progressed she gained confidence and her smile also improved.
She has been given her own pony to ride every week and he is called Wispy (see attached photograph).
 The facilities at Gartmore Riding School are excellent and they specialise in riding for the disabled. Olivia’s first lesson took place in the in door arena.
At the end of her first lesson Olivia was presented with a rosette from Tracy the owner of the riding school and she was chuffed to bits.
Olivia’s lessons will now take place every Saturday at 4pm and until she gains confidence this will be a private lesson, it is then hoped that Olivia can join a group with other children to learn from them too.
In the next few weeks I am going to purchase the equipment that Olivia will need to carry on with her lessons from the money we raised, these items will include a hat, boots, jacket, jodhpurs and other items.
I will keep you posted with Olivia’s progress.
Andrea Smith
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