WILSDEN Equestrian Centre are holding their annual presentation evening tomorrow, and they have plenty to celebrate this year.
They are on cloud nine after being named Centre of the Year by the prestigious British Horse Society.
Wilsden also had a winning team at the Pony Club Centre Equitation competition and one of their disabled riders triumphed in the Virtual Open Countryside Challenge.
Tomorrow will bring together over 160 people from Wilsden Equestrian Centre, Throstle Nest Pony Club, Throstle Nest RDA (Riding for the Disabled Association) and all those who have entered club competitions.
Centre volunteer Clare Mawson insists the Wilsden organisation is about far more than just prizes though, and she heaped praise on owner Jeannette Wheeler.
She said: "We have the RDA centre here, the Pony Club and we're BHS-registered.
"Often, at centres like these, you might have the disabled riders learning separately, but here at Wilsden, Jeannette makes sure everyone is together, and makes her expectations clear for all.
"We have a youth group, with disabled and non-disabled riders together, and it's great for their mental health.
"Jeannette wants people to love the centre, she has the community at heart, and she makes sure it's a place where they can develop their riding and people skills.
"Everyone can't wait for this weekend, which is going to be one big celebration."
Talking about the programmes Wheeler has initiated, Mawson said: "In lockdown, Jeannette put on virtual sessions, with quizzes, but also where people could earn their Pony Club badges.
"We also gave the young ones updates on the ponies, as they get attached to them and are an important part of their lives, but obviously they couldn't see them at the time.
"We've also got a "Tea with a Pony" initiative, where if someone comes along like an elderly relative or someone disabled that doesn't want to ride, they can do things like brushing a pony down and just have a chat with us.
"The ponies are central to helping a lot of our younger members develop.
"One girl joined us five years ago for example and had become really disengaged at school and wasn't speaking to anyone, but she's flourished since coming here.
"I don't think there are many places in the world like this where you can just be accepted for who you are.
"My own daughter suffers with hyper mobility, but riding here has helped build up her core strength.
"Some days it can be painful for her though, but Jeannette has that relationship with the youngsters where they can talk to her, and tell her if they're not feeling up to it on any given day.
"Everyone really gets on here too, which only helps with the atmosphere."
Education is key at the centre too, with Mawson saying: "Abi, Jeannette's daughter, won a Coach of the Year award the other year, and she teaches the kids things like maths and English as part of the ASDAN scheme.
"The kids still attend regular school, but this place is an educational outlet where they can learn in a more relaxed environment.
"Abbey might give them a lesson on Italy for example, which could involve learning some of the language, a bit about the country itself, or even cooking pizzas.
"The local authority are happy to support what we do, and schools have seen the benefit and positive impact it has on their pupils."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here