Visitors and those just passing through Richmond Park were treated to an amazing sight that would bring joy to any horse lover as mid summer’s evening saw the first “Pimms In The Park Mid Summer’s Ride”. The ride was the first of its kind, organised by The Royal Parks, and hosted by Operation Centaur who operate from their base at Richmond Park’s Holly Lodge. Torrential rain in the morning had given rise to the fear that the event would be a wash out but by the late afternoon, the weather had cleared and Richmond Park was resplendent in summer sunshine.
Around a hundred riders turned out for the event, coming from stables all round the area, from as far afield as Kingston and Wimbledon and from as close to home as Ham Polo Club, who had a splendid turnout of polo ponies and uniformed riders. The event forms part of the programme organised by Operation Centaur is delighted to support The Royal Parks in their mission to promote horse riding in Richmond Park. Operation Centaur also operates the Royal Parks Shires, a renowned Equine Assisted Psychotherapy programmes, and popular horse shares right in the heart of Richmond Park.
All of the riders had a sun dappled ride round the Royal Park and then converged on Holly Lodge for a glass of Pimms (or lemonade depending on their age) and to socialise with other riders on the event. All proceeds from the ride will benefit The Richmond Park Charitable Trust, the charity who raise funds to maintain and repair the horse tracks in Richmond Park
