In the early hours of Wednesday 15 August, the premises at Epsom RDA were broken into. Although nothing was stolen two of their ponies, Marigold and Buffy, were attacked both receiving multiple injuries. One pony suffered nine puncture wounds, and the other pony suffered two puncture wounds and a deep slash to her neck. The ponies are both obviously traumatised by what they experienced that night. Epsom RDA has chosen not to disclose pictures of the ponies’ wounds to limit the upset to all their volunteers and helpers, who have found it a very distressing time.
The ponies were found on Wednesday morning by the centre’s volunteers arriving to prepare for the riding sessions due to start that morning. The vet was called straight away to assess the extent of the damage to the ponies and provide medical care to them.
It became clear that further investigation was needed to assess whether the jaw of Marigold had been broken, the results did not show any fractures but she is still struggling to eat normally, so further investigation may be required.
Although it has been an unhappy and stressful time, the volunteers and helpers of the RDA centre have all pulled together and provided round the clock care for the ponies as well as making sure that there is a team member on site at all times. The ponies have been receiving antibiotics, wound care and “the stables have been kept immaculate and mucked out three times daily”.
At such a sad time it is understandable that the volunteers and all those connected with the centre have been strongly affected by the “attack on two much loved ponies”. Buffy is a sweet and patient pony who has taught hundreds of children to ride, and Marigold is a Highland pony who in the past has taken her riders to the RDA National Dressage Championships and indeed has been a National Dressage Champions. They have both been with Epsom RDA for over ten years.
“The trustees have reviewed our onsite security and immediate action has been taken to improve our security”
Epsom RDA is entirely funded by donations and fundraising efforts, so naturally the additional expenses spent updating the security at the centre as well as extensive veterinarian bills have taken a huge toll on the centres resources. We have had “Overwhelming support from the local community, what have made donations, sent messages of support and offers of equipment and expertise”
“Epsom RDA provides over 3000 riding lessons for 350 disabled adults and children, which is all made possible by our 200 volunteers.” Follow their Facebook page and website (www.epsomrda.org.uk) to get updates on all the fundraising events the centre holds. The centre also has a ‘Just Giving’ (https://www.justgiving.com/epsomrdapage), with all donations big or small gratefully received and put towards the care of their ponies and upkeep of the centre.
