In the serene Vale of Glamorgan, distanced from the customary equestrian pursuits of the VWH Hunt, a group of daring women, recognized as the “Thursday Ladies,” orchestrated a clandestine scheme. Rather than their typical equestrian attire, they convened in casual yet mysterious outfits at a secluded cottage. With resolute determination, they traversed the paths of the vale until they unexpectedly stumbled upon an ancient ruin.
The “Thursday ladies” hid a secret destination in one of the gorgeous landscapes of Ogmore-by-sea. Everything about it was mysterious; that gave them that special feeling they desired. However, their purpose was something from which the community could benefit.
Equestrian Trailblazers
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VWH Hunt ladies recently organized a beach ride that transcended the bounds of equestrian camaraderie. What began as a leisurely excursion turned into a charitable initiative that raised over £650 in support of a Welsh charity aiding children battling cancer. The purpose of the gathering was twofold: to relish a beach ride and, more significantly, to rally support for Latch, a charity providing unwavering aid to children and families enduring the trials of cancer treatment.
Suzie Belsham, the driving force behind this benevolent gesture, orchestrated the ride, leveraging the opportunity to assist a family facing a daunting challenge. Parked at the residence of young Betsy Williams, a resilient six-year-old in the throes of cancer treatment, the VWH Hunt ladies transformed their outing into a fundraising venture aimed at bolstering Latch’s commendable efforts. “We were lucky enough to be able to park our lorries and trailers at Christian Williams’ racing yard and hack through the dunes to access the beach where we had a lovely time in beautiful sunshine.“
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Echoes of hidden generosity
Polly Portwin, Director of the Countryside Alliance’s Campaign for Hunting, lauded the initiative, commending the VWH ladies for harnessing a non-hunting day to champion a poignant cause. Portwin emphasized the profound impact that hunts and their supporters have in fundraising for various charitable endeavours throughout the year. This act of kindness stood as a testament to the indispensable role the equestrian community plays in fostering support for those in need.
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The Williams family, renowned for their involvement in horse racing and rehabilitation operations, offered not just a venue for the fundraiser but also exemplified the synergy between equestrianism and healing. Christian and Nick Williams, prominent figures in the racing world, ingeniously utilize the natural coastal surroundings to aid in rehabilitating injured horses—an endeavor that Suzie Belsham personally attested to, having witnessed the transformative power of their methods.
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