Brilliant New Tractor

 

 

We have just taken delivery of a brand new compact tractor to help with work around the stables. Our old mini tractor broke down in June 2007 when Wakefield was hit by the floods and was not repairable.

 We will use the tractor to level the sand and rubber surfaces in the indoor and outdoor 20 x 40 metre riding arenas, for moving hay, straw and horse muck as well as awkward objects such as jump wings, poles and cones. 

 

Over the past months staff and volunteers have been raking these huge areas by hand which is very hard work, dusty, very boring and time consuming - time that could be much better spent on other activities.

Carolyn said “Our disabled riders receive most benefit from a smooth, rhythmical ride on the pony and our ponies benefit from working on a level riding surface, long term it is better for their backs and the tendons in their legs. The ponies can easily trip on lumpy uneven ground, which may unseat the rider. It is also much easier for volunteers helping with the sessions to walk and run on a level surface”.

 

The Siromer 204S tractor that WRDA chose is very good value for money because it comes flat packed from China and comes with instructions - ready to build.

 

WRDA formed a group to assemble the tractor which included students with learning disabilities from Pennine Community, two Pennine tutors and Riding for Disabled volunteers. It took around two weeks to bolt together.

 

The tractor is now up and running and is used every day thanks especially to Bob and Pete from Pennine, volunteer Mark, Dr Hancocks for buying all the different oils, Brian for lifting the crate off the lorry and Pete W the auto electrician.

 

Carolyn said “We are very grateful to The Harrison Trust who awarded WRDA a £3000 grant towards purchasing the tractor and to West Riding Masonic Provincial Charity for donating the other £1400, without their help we could not have afforded this wonderful piece of equipment”.