News and Events

WTRA news bulletins and some handy dates for your diary

If you have an item of news or an event you would like to let the public and other members of the WTRA know about, please get in touch.

Charity Ride across Pyrenees

SCOPE are running a four day charity horse ride across the Pyrenees starting 7th June. SCOPE is the charity for people with cerebral palsy and many of the sufferers gain very much from riding at schools in this country.

Gayatri Cook from Llanpumsaint is taking part and says "I am really looking forward to this event as it is going to be very challenging and though we will be riding in a variety of spectacular places this is going to be very tough on both riders and horses.

"The money raised from the horse riding across the Pyrenees will allow SCOPE to continue running vital services which are designed to support disabled people in every aspect of their lives from birth through adulthood. SCOPE’s aim is that disabled people achieve equality in everyday life."

Gayatri has pledged to raise a total of £3,600 by 3rd April and any sponsorship woud be very welcome.

Donating through the Justgiving website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor people raising money for charities. Scope will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you. Visit www.justgiving.com/gayatricook

Pony Trekking Classes - Advice for Entrants

10th March 2006

If you are contemplating entering a Pony Trekking Class run by the WTRA, here are a few tips that may help you.

The pony/horse will be 4 years old or over, ridden in tack that is appropriate for trekking and the trekker suitably dressed and equipped for a twelve to eighteen mile trek.

After the initial parade, all competitors will be drawn in and the judge will then invite you to ride your individual show.

Next you will be asked to dismount and unsaddle, placing your saddle in the front of your pony/horse. You should use the lead rope and stand, as if tied at lunchtime, whilst the judge checks you, your pony/horse and equipment.

When the judge has finished his/her examination, you will be asked to replace your tack and remount. It is important that your pony/horse stands still whilst you remount.
Finally, the judge will ask all competitors to parade before placing them in order of preference and presenting rosettes.

WTRA Chair to head WEC's Tourism Committee

Olive Edwards, the hard working Chair of the WTRA, has been appointed to head up the Tourism Committee of the new Wales Equine Council.

The WEC will be taking forward the Wales Tourist Board's Marketing Plan for the Equine Industry and Olive is well placed to guide the WEC forward having built up a thriving trekking and hotel business at Parc-le-Breos House on the Gower Peninsula.

WTB Road Shows

Look out for details of the Wales Tourist Board's Roadshows for 2008 up and coming in April.

There are limited places so get in there first and give the equine industry a good following. It is also a great opportunity to meet with other operators and perhaps make links to bring you new business.
Details on www.wtbonline.gov.uk

WTRA bid for Wales Tourist Board marketing scheme

2 November 2004

The WTRA failed to win the bid for the for the two year Wales Tourist Board marketing programme for the equine tourism industry in Wales.

The money went to the pre-pitch favourites - the Welsh Equine Council (WEC). WTRA are members of WEC which is such a new body that it is still in its embryonic stages of formation.

WTRA's bid was fronted by marketing consultants Vibe of Cardiff and partners British Activity Holiday Association and Pembrokeshire Farm Holiday Group. Vibe came up with the concept of A Beautiful Ride are were proposing to use Miss Wales 2004 Amy Guy as the front for the campaign. Amy is an accomplished horsewoman who taught Blue Peter presenter Katie Hill to ride.

WTRA will decide whether to press on with the campaign on a limited basis to build on the success in marketing the WTRA over the past forty years and merge it with proven marketing techniques from one of the leading tourism marketing companies in Wales. If it is successful WTRA will bring others including operators and equine support services to make the Saddling Up for Success a major boost to equine tourism in Wales.

AGM & Celebration

Look out for details in May

New Secretary for WTRA

Christine Stokes - the long serving secretary of the WTRA has decided to retire and has been replaced by Sarah Price.

Christine has run the WTRA office over the past six years and settled on a very efficient office set up.

Sarah is from a farming background and lives in Brecon. For her this is a new challenge "I've owned horses since an early age and I am looking forward to getting to know the members of the association."

Both Christine and Sarah will be at the AGM in May.

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