News

National News Keeping up with RDA UK

Liverpool International R DA was the official charity at the TheraPlate UK Liverpool International Horse Show on 28-31 December 2019. A total of 70 volunteers and riders, from across the North West Region, manned the RDA stand and raised funds for the

region through bucket collections over the four days.

Sheila Saner, County Chair for Greater Manchester, said “Riders and volunteers from all over the North West came together to be involved in the show, which gave us all a great sense of occasion. We were so thankful to be chosen as the official charity for 2019 and build a great partnership with Liverpool

International Horse Show. The whole region came together to enjoy a few days of team building, fundraising, and fantastic entertainment.”

The stand was a great success with the public enjoying the Ijoy Hi-tech horse riding machine and racing on horse space hoppers. Altogether the bucket collection raised over £2000 for the region.

Vaccinations for National Championships G roups have been contacted with information for vaccinations ahead of the RDA National Championships, to ensure that horses attending are vaccinated within six months of the competition.

As a minimum, horses will need to be vaccinated annually for Regional Qualifiers. This could vary from region to region depending on the requirement of the venue that is hosting. Check with the organiser if you are unsure.

Regional Vets will also now attend each Qualifier. They are a great resource for checking horses’ passports for vaccines and any anomalies that may prevent entry.

For help contacting or booking your Regional vet, email Emma at ebayliss@rda.org.uk

A decade at RDA I n January, Activities Coordinator, Sarah Hadley left RDA to take on a new role with British Eventing. Sarah looked after Dressage, Showing and the National Championships. Over the past ten years at RDA, Sarah has played a vital role in expanding the competition, bringing in new disciplines and ensuring the event ran smoothly.

Dressage will now be being looked after by Marisa Bretherton-Mackay, whilst Emma Bayliss will be overseeing showing. Fiona Harris will be moving from the Coaching team to look after the National Championships.

New Year Honours T wo RDA volunteers have been mentioned in the Queen’s New Year Honours list. Amanda Say (pictured), who has a number of Regional and group roles in South Wales, received a British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to people with disabilities in Wales.

James Duncan, from Forres, was also awarded a BEM for his fundraising efforts in support of local charities including RDA. Since 2003, James has organised an annual golf competition which has raised over £50,000 for his chosen charities.

Paul Tapner (credit ERA/Tim Wilkinson)

National Coaches training days T he National Coaches training days have been running successfully throughout January and February covering the Coaching Module. The day is designed for Coaches in Training that are working towards their Coach Certificate. The last day will run in the West Mercia region at the National Training Centre on 23rd March 2020.

Attendees will need to bring their passport to have the module signed off. Coaches that already have their certificate should use the day to see how to deliver the Coaching Module within their own groups to future Coaches.

The day will run from 10am - 4pm. Refreshments will be provided but do bring a packed lunch. Spaces on this training day are limited so book early to avoid disappointment.

The day will cost £10 per delegate, payment can be made through PayPal.

Bookings on the events page on www.myrda.org.uk.

Australia Day Fundraiser O n 26 January the Eventing Riders Association of Great Britain (ERA) held an Australia day fundraiser at the RDA National Training Centre in support of the Equestrian Fire Relief Australia Fund. The fundraiser sold out in under 48 hours and so a second performance was arranged for the afternoon.

Big names in the Eventing world came together to host and demonstrate riding techniques included Bill Levett, Tim Price, Sam Griffiths, Chris Burton, Paul Tapner, Piggy French and Alex Bragg, with the event being livestreamed by Horse & Country TV.

The event was a great success and raised thousands in support of the equestrian community in Australia that have been affected by the fires.

Winners from Cotswold RDA

SEIB Awards S EIB provide insurance for horses and other equestrian insurances such as livery yard and riding school insurance. Their experience with equestrians has led to the start of the SEIB awards which were hosted this year on 11th January at the Leonardo Royal London City Hotel this year. Two RDA groups were shortlisted with the winner being announced on the night.

Cotswold RDA were awarded the best RDA riding school, with Barrow Farm RDA as runners up. Also highly recommended were Avon RDA, Ride 2 Achieve, Stokesley RDA and Wormwood Scrubs RDA.

Endurance update A fter the success trialing Endurance at the National Championships last year, riders will now be able to compete at endurance in 2020 with distances of 1km – 5km being included. There will be a qualification process before entry.

For further details visit www.myrda.org.uk/endurance or contact Lucy Stokes on lstokes@rda.org.uk

Welcome to the board A fter nine years in post as RDA UK Trustee for Fundraising, Jacqui Scott has handed over to Lincoln Clarke. Jacqui has been fundamental in supporting the National Office fundraising team and shaping the way the board make decisions on fundraising.

Lincoln has a wealth of experience in marketing and fundraising and will be joining the board from March.