Avon RDA Group

30/05/2025

Well done Isa!! 👏🏻💫

We want to say a huge shout out and congratulations to our super star Apprentice Groom Isa!! 👏🏻 💫 Back in March, Isa took both her final theory and practical exams for her Level 3 Senior Equine Groom Apprenticeship… and passed with FLYING colours!! 😁 We never had any doubts, as Isa has always been incredibly committed to her learning and progress over the past 18 months of hard work 🙌🏻

We are so proud to have you in our staff team Isa! A HUGE well done!! 💫👏🏻

A big thank you to the brilliant Haddon Training Limited for all your support and training!

08/05/2025

We are over the moon to update everyone that our Bertie Boy is HOME ❤️ He is doing really well, considering he’s just had surgery, and he was so happy to see his friends again!

Our vets are very pleased with his recovery so far, but he has a long journey ahead of him. Thank you SO much to everyone who has already donated to his JustGiving appeal! All of us, and Bertie, are hugely grateful.

If you would like to support Bertie’s recovery, and his veterinary costs, you can do so here:
➡️ https://justgiving.com/campaign/helpbertie ⬅️

Thank you everyone for the kind messages of support too!

The Avon Centre

03/05/2025

Yesterday Cricket had a Big Day Out! As preparation for the RDA Regional Championships in a few weeks, Cricket took a trip up to Leyland Court Farm, Equestrian Centre with Cat to do some arena hire familiarisation.

He loaded and travelled well, and soon settled into the new environment, taking it all in his stride! We are very proud of him 😀💫

Thank you to James for coming along to support also!

29/04/2025

We wish to share an update with everyone, about our wonderful Bertie Boy. Thank you everyone who has been asking about him and wishing him well!

On Thursday 24th April Bertie started to feel rather unwell, so the vet was called out. Unfortunately, Bertie was suffering from a bout of colic, that wasn't able to be treated here at the Centre. So off Bertie went on a trip to the equine hospital. On arrival at the hospital, it was discovered by the specialist vet team that the only way to get Bertie feeling better again was to do a surgical operation.

The surgery went well and according to plan; and like the absolute trooper he is, Bertie had woken up and was back standing in his stable at the hospital only a few short hours later - with his very bad tummy ache thankfully gone!

The wonderful team at the equine hospital have continued to update us over the last few days, and are pleased with how Bertie is progressing. He has re-started a feeding plan, and is being allowed out for hand grazing too! The significance of a colic surgery cannot be understated though, and our brave Bertie has a long road to recovery ahead of him. He is still in hospital under close monitoring, and will be for a number of days yet.

Bertie's all-inclusive trip to horsey hospital, including his life-saving operation, of course comes with a financial cost to the Centre, and this is where we are asking for Team Bertie to rally round! Bertie is one of our most long standing, loyal herd members; and has brought 12 years of joy to so many at the Centre. He has supported riders from age 7 up to age 80 to achieve their dreams. If you feel inclined to contribute to Bertie's veterinary costs, you can do so at his JustGiving page.

We will continue to update his page also with how he is progressing on his road to recovery.

Thank you in advanced for your kindness and support of our Bertie Boy!

➡️ justgiving.com/campaign/helpbertie ⬅️

07/04/2025

As we look forward to the next 2 weeks of exciting Easter Holiday activities, we also sadly have to bid farewell to a familiar face, and much loved part of The Avon Centre, Avon Riding Club, and Avon RDA Group 💚💙❤️

Our fantastic Stable Manager, James, has finished his time at The Avon Centre and has moved to pastures new. We are so very sad to see him go, but wish him the absolute best of luck in his new role as an Equine Trainer Coach with Haddon Training Ltd!

James has brought infectious enthusiasm, endless positivity, and a huge wealth of knowledge to the Centre in his 3 years with us, and we know his incredible presence will be missed by many! Whether that was enjoying a lovely hack with James, benefitting from his extensive knowledge and coaching in lessons, or simply seeing his cheerful face around the yard and Centre. As a staff team, we will miss his wonderfully supportive and encouraging personality, and the incredible difference he has made to our herd during his time as Stable Manager.

Please feel free to share any fond memories, or words of appreciation for James in the comments! 😊

Additionally, we are pleased to announce that Yard Supervisor, Cat, will be stepping up to the role of Stable Manager; and Senior Groom, Leah, will be stepping up to the role of Yard Supervisor! We know you will all be a fabulous support to them both, and the whole team!

15/03/2025

13/03/2025

10/02/2025

This year's Open Day will be on 4th of May!

A fun day full of activities, presentations and of course our horses and ponies. We will be showcasing our work and raising funds for the upcoming renovation to make us more accessible.

More details coming up soon. For now just save the date!

28/01/2025

ARC staff member Cat is taking part in the 2025 Bristol Half Marathon. She has very kindly opted to raise money for the Centre’s charity - Avon RDA Group (us!).

Many of you already know Cat’s story and therefore know how amazing she is. If you don’t know, please take a moment to read about her journey by clicking her Just Giving page below.

Help Catriona McCartney-Kitson raise money to support The Avon Centre