Get Started with Horses at Greatwood

This last week has been a new experience for all at Greatwood. During 2011 The Prince's Trust and the British Horseracing Authority worked closely together to develop and part fund Get Started with Horses, an engagement programme targeted at young people who are furthest from the job market to boost their confidence by focusing on their interest in horses and giving them an introduction to horses and the racing industry. They also gain practical skills in handling and grooming horses and basic first aid, team work and presentation skills.
Ten students undertook the programme which was written by Tricia and it is a testament to her skill in understanding the diversity of the needs of the students that all remained engaged and interested to the extent that they attended each day. It was wonderful to witness their progress during the week. We had a great day on Thursday when Andy Haynes was kind enough to show us around Conkwell Grange Stables and he had even held up his last lot so that everyone could see the horses on the gallops. We then went on to a 'behind the scenes' at Bath Racecourse. The students went into the weighing room, watched the horses in the parade ring and a couple of races and then went up to see the horses at the start.
Georgie came over from Northern Racing College to assess their course work during the week and the students were delighted that they all attained their certificates.
I think that everyone involved in the success of the programme hope that this is something that can be done a few times a year.

Fingers Crossed

I had failed to mention that in amongst all the organisation required for running the Open Day, our neighbouring farmer phoned up to say that he thought that there was a long enough fair weather window to risk cutting our field for haylage. We agreed, and on the Tuesday of the week before our Open Day, the Met Office predicted 7 days of dry weather. We cut the grass, only for the weather forecast to change and it looked as if we may lose the entire crop. This would have been a disaster because not only would we have to then buy forage when it is at rock high prices owing to all the dry weather in the Spring but also we would have to pay for the fertilizer, cutting and getting someone to take it away. Thankfully the haylage was ready to bale on Saturday and James worked until after midnight to wrap it. The heavens opened on Sunday morning but at least our winter forage was saved.
We cut the remaining hay fields a couple of days ago,and given a fair wind, baling should take place on Sunday. Fingers crossed for continued sunshine!