17/05/2026
We would like to acknowledge and celebrate the life of volunteer Frank Shrives, who passed away suddenly last week.
Frank volunteered at Christchurch RDA on Wednesdays and Thursdays for the last six years, and was a much-loved colleague of our committee, staff and his fellow volunteers. As a previous horse-trainer he brought a natural affinity with working with our equine team whether large or small. He also had a gift when working with our riders that meant he was so often a favourite to work with. Frank’s daughter Adelle brings along residents from the Palms Retirement Village where she works to ‘Tea, cake and ponies’ sessions, and she was always proud to point out her Dad helping on the sand.
Frank was always there to start the day early, he wielded a mean wheelbarrow, and he kept us all on time for our sessions. He always held his hand up to help out, including at last year’s Special Olympics National Summer Games where as a mounting steward he helped all the riders to get settled for their big moments. He wasn’t a fan of attending training (although we have evidence that he did!) and he was forthright with his views sometimes, but he was all for fun, and dressing-up when the opportunities arose.
It has been said that Frank had a skill in making everyone think they were his favourite – and that holds true for all of us. We know that Frank enjoyed and valued the time he spent with us; we hope he knew how much we valued him too. We will miss him.
Rest well, Frank.
