Your dog's favourite time of the year: Dogs and Daffs Day is back this spring at Hatfield House.

Bigger than before, the annual Dogs and Daffs Day - in aid of volunteer-run Digswell Place Group Riding for Disabled Association - returns on Sunday, March 19.

The charity has teamed up with the Stable Yard at Hatfield House to host the event.

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During the Dogs and Daffs Day, walkers will be able to enjoy Hatfield Park exclusively for a small donation to the charity, and dog lovers will be able to enter a dog show.

Recognising that this year's event falls on Mother’s Day, there will be some special activities for mums and their mutts.

Chairman of the Digswell Place Group RDA, Sue Clarke, said: “This really is one of the highlights in our fundraising calendar.

"The day really is fun from start to finish and we cannot thank everyone enough who supports it.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Digswell Place Group Riding for Disabled Association worked with over 100 riders and provided over 2100 therapeutic rides last year.Digswell Place Group Riding for Disabled Association worked with over 100 riders and provided over 2100 therapeutic rides last year. (Image: Digswell Place Group Riding for Disabled Association)

“We currently help over 100 people aged between two and 65 with a variety of disabilities from the area.

"Riding helps core strength, balance, speech, coordination and socialisation. And it’s the support we receive from events like Dogs and Daffs which helps us to continue with this essential service.”

The annual running cost for the Digswell Place stables is in the region of £60,000 - all of which is raised through donations.

Money raised from previous events has funded specialist saddles, additional therapeutic rides and has also paid for a new field shelter and riding hats as well as a new pony.

                                                                                                         

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There will also be agility, flyball and trick training displays plus scurry racing for visitors to take part in.

Sue added: “This is a great opportunity for everyone to enjoy a fabulous family day out with their canine companions and help raise money for a charity which works with local people.

“We have been overwhelmed by the support we have received over the last few years from visitors and event sponsors and look forward to another successful day in 2023.”

This year visitors will be able to buy early bird tickets online at dogsanddaffs.weebly.com.

For more information visit www.digswellplacerda.org.uk.