Dame Judi Dench offers her retired racehorse a new life with RDA
Dame Judi Dench has gifted her much loved racehorse, Smokey Oakey, to the owners of Littlebrook Equestrian Centre in Surrey – home of East Park RDA, of which Dame Judi is Patron.
Nine year old Smokey, who is also owned by Bryan Agar and trainer Mark Tompkins, will be retrained at Littlebrook, where his new owners hope he might one day provide riding as therapy for RDA.
Dame Judi said:
“Smokey is a very special horse, with so much still to give, who deserves the chance to live his new life to the full. I know that he will be much loved at Littlebrook and will receive the patient care and retraining he needs to help him reach his potential away from the racecourse. Having witnessed first-hand the difference that horses and ponies can make to the lives of disabled children and adults through the work of RDA, it would be wonderful to think that Smokey might be a suitable horse for riders at East Park.”
Smokey’s new owner, Sally-Anne O’Neill, who helps to run East Park RDA and is also County Instructor, Regional Showjumping Coach and Chair of the Showjumping Committee for RDA UK is already planning a bright future for him at Littlebrook:
“Smokey is a wonderful horse, with a particularly good temperament. We are delighted that Judi has chosen Littlebrook for Smokey’s new life and of course it would be a real bonus if he becomes suitable for our RDA riders or showjumpers.”
Riding for the Disabled Association is dedicated to improving the lives of disabled people through the provision of horse riding and carriage driving. Through a network of 500 volunteer groups throughout the UK, RDA provides opportunities for therapy, achievement and enjoyment, improving health, wellbeing and self-confidence, and benefiting mobility and co-ordination.
Dame Judi will present her retired racehorse, Smokey Oakey to Littlebrook Equestrian centre on Friday 29 November at 11am. The address for photo opportunities and interview with Dame Judi Dench about her support of East Park RDA is:
Littlebrook Equestrian Centre
East Park Lane
Newchapel
Surrey, RH7 6HS
About Riding for the Disabled Association
- RDA brings together 500 volunteer groups throughout the UK
- More than 28,000 adults and children enjoy the benefits of riding or carriage driving
- Each year more than 18,000 dedicated volunteers give a total of more than 3.5 million hours of their time
- RDA is a member of the British Equestrian Federation (BEF)
For more information, interviews or to receive images please contact:
Caroline Ward, Riding for the Disabled Association
Tel: 01926 405 968
