Quarterly Update - Spring 2026

A message from the CEO

Dear all,

As we begin a new term, I wanted to take a moment to share an update and, most importantly, to thank everyone who plays a part in supporting WSPC.

WSPC continues to be a place where people come not only to ride, but to build confidence, connection and a sense of wellbeing. That sense of purpose sits at the heart of everything we do and is something we are proud to see grow across our community.

The past few months have been a period of change for the centre. As many of you will be aware, we have seen some staff transitions and are currently recruiting into key roles, including a senior position on the yard. While this has required time and focus behind the scenes, our priority remains unchanged: to provide a safe, supportive and enjoyable environment for our users, riders, staff, volunteers and wider community.

I want to take this opportunity to recognise the incredible commitment of our staff and volunteers. Your dedication, care and willingness to go the extra mile, often quietly and without recognition, are what make the Pony Centre such a special place. - Tonya

Updates from the yard

Alongside our day-to-day sessions, there have been some exciting developments. We are pleased to be welcoming four new ponies to WSPC. These additions will allow us to expand our RDA programme and offer a wider range of activities to both our existing users and the wider community.

Creed is an eight-year-old traditional Gypsy Cob, a skewbald gelding who was outgrown by his previous owner. He has a lovely temperament and enjoys plenty of attention and lots of affection.

Crystal is a five-year-old Irish grey mare with a calm, kind disposition and well suited to our work.Both ponies will help us better support our larger teenage riders who have outgrown our smaller ponies, helping them to continue their riding journey with us.Pooh Bear and Piglet are five-year-old miniature Shetland half-sisters who will play an important role in our equine assisted therapy and outreach work, including visits to schools, homes and hospitals.

These new arrivals have been made possible through recently secured funding. We are deeply grateful to our donors and supporters, your generosity enables us not only to sustain our work, but to grow and reach more people who can benefit from it.

I am also very pleased to welcome Lauren Dawes to the team as our new Yard Manager, and Liz Freudenberg as our Office Administrator. These are both key roles that will strengthen leadership on the yard and support the team through training, development and greater consistency in our day-to-day operations, as well as improving lesson bookings and overall communication.

Our volunteer community continues to grow from strength to strength with both new and familiar faces contributing their time and energy. We are currently developing additional training opportunities to support volunteers further. Please do look out for upcoming information and invitations.

Community Highlight

We are continuing to develop and shape our timetable, including expanding riding opportunities during the school holidays. Our “Hoof Camp” pony days, offering three hours of pony-based activities, have been very well received.

We are planning to introduce a dedicated Wednesday evening for volunteer training, riding, and social activities. This will be extended to all RDA groups supporting riding at the centre, as well as wider riding club activities, helping to build skills, confidence, and a stronger sense of community across the centre.

“Taking Back the Reins” is a new initiative aimed at adults returning to riding, and we are already seeing growing interest.

We are also increasing our presence on the Scrubs through regular hacking, offering a positive and visible connection with the local community. Lessons continue to grow, and we are making steady progress in reducing waiting lists.

The wellbeing of our ponies remains a top priority. Some of our older ponies have moved to Lauren’s home where they can benefit from additional field space and more individual care.

We have made improvements to our infrastructure and turnout paddocks, and we are currently developing a petting area to welcome new visitors and broaden access to the centre. These developments continue to reflect our commitment to improving both the experience for our users and the welfare of our ponies.

An update from the Board of Trustees

As a Board, we wanted to take a moment to share how we have been supporting WSPC and our focus for the year ahead. Over recent months, we have welcomed new trustees, bringing a range of experience and perspectives, and we look forward to continuing to build a strong and effective Board in support of WSPC’s activities and long-term strategy. For further information on them, please keep an eye out on the WSPC website.

Following a period of consultation involving stakeholders and supporters across the WSPC community, the Board has approved and published a five-year strategy to guide the WSPC’s development over the coming years.

Our focus this year is to continue building strong, sustainable foundations for WSPC, including supporting leadership, strengthening governance and ensuring that the charity is well-positioned for the future. In practical terms, this means:

• supporting the recruitment of key roles to strengthen the team

• continuing to develop clear structures and processes to support both staff and volunteers

• progressing longer-term priorities such as facilities, lease renewal, community needs and stakeholder engagement

We are also conscious of the importance of clarity around roles: as with all charities, the Board is responsible for oversight, direction and governance, while the day-to-day running of the WSPC sits with the CEO and her team. We are working closely together to ensure that communication is clear and that the organisation feels stable and well-supported.

WSPC has a strong and unique community and we are committed to ensuring that

everyone feels confident in the direction of the WSPC.

Selma

Chair of WSPC Board

Looking ahead

Over the coming months, our shared priorities are to:

• strengthen the team and leadership structure

• continue delivering high-quality sessions and activities for WSPC users

• develop plans for the WSPC’s future, including facilities and long-term sustainability

• build on the strong community that sits at the heart of WSPC.

Thank you again for your continued support.

Warm wishes,

Tonya

CEO