Out & About

Out & About This month we’re celebrating partnership - in all its forms –relationships that make a real difference to groups all over the UK.

Driving partners

My present interest, or possibly obsession, within RDA is carriage driving. I got involved with it quite by chance and have come to love it.

I have been so fortunate in the two driving ponies I’ve owned, first Bob the Fell and now Monty. To sit in a carriage behind a driving pony, take a contact on the reins and say

“Monty walk on” and have him walk willingly and smoothly forward still gladdens my heart – even after 20 years of driving.

How wonderful to have such a generous partner, and not just for me. He does his absolute best for all his RDA drivers. He listens carefully, his ears twitching, for someone to say his name which is his signal to walk or trot on. He walks or trots on willingly for all of us. Working with us are our Westmorland Driving Group helpers, ready to help the drivers in and out of the carriage, to lend a hand with the games, call a dressage test, clean the harness and the carriage, pick up the poos, our super team, our partners!

Jenny Harris, Westmorland RDA CD Coach

Beginning of new friendships

Attending the funeral of my dear friend, Heather Clark, I was introduced to her pony, Barney. I felt extreme emotions when Barney bowed his head (as I have shortened limbs like Heather), allowing me to stroke his mane and make friends. A few days

New home

In December, Solent RDA (formerly Shedfield) moved from the stables that has been home for the past 5 years. It was sad to leave the old stables behind but we knew we would need to move to keep our riders happy and increase participation numbers.

We were delighted when Fort Widley offered us a new RDA home. The move went very smoothly as Fort Widley was already a member group of RDA.

We had our first session on Thursday 9th January, which went very well, and we hope the partnership with Fort Widley and our riders and volunteers will go from strength to strength.

Shirley Harris, Solent RDA

later, I contacted Dial Wood and a date was set for me to try carriage-driving. I could not wait!

I was assisted onto the carriage to try driving Duncan, alongside the coach and volunteer walkers - we were off. Duncan was steady, with his ears flicking between us and the moos of distant cows. I could feel my abs working, as we progressed

on my first carriage drive.

Several weeks later, I experienced a session with Splash and a twowheeler to drive instead of four. So different; highly manoeuvrable, lighter too. Splash is smaller than Duncan and ‘bomb-proof’. Wow, I am so hooked!

Now, I have passed my grade 1 carriage driving test - thanks to Julie and Duncan, with whom there is never a dull moment. We have formed a great partnership. Grade 2 here we come!

Grahame Tindale, Dial Wood Carriage Driver

Building a connection

On Thursday afternoons Archie, 10, loved his rides with Princess, who came complete with her own diamante headband ‘tiara’.

Each week she gave Archie half an hour of happiness. She trusted him, and he trusted her. They had a special bond which meant the world to him.

After every ride he’d reach out and thank her with an appreciative stroke down the side of her neck and say “see you next week Princess”.

Unfortunately, Princess left the Riding School during the school break. When the sessions started again the sense of sadness was etched on Archie’s face, but, after a quick chat he agreed to try a new horse - Jack.

Over the next few weeks Archie became more and more comfortable with Jack, learning about his little quirks, while Jack is becoming more responsive to Archie.

In time their partnership will surely become as important as the one Archie had with Princess. It might be different, but it will still be the kind of unique and personal bond which grows between an RDA horse and their rider

Julia Shields, Claverham and Winford RDA

In good company

At Dinefwr Group RDA, our little team sums up the meaning of partnership rather well. Every single volunteer is encouraged to put forward suggestions and work together. This is useful when we are trying to engage riders in some way – I can always count on someone in the team to crack the code! experience a unanimous feeling of accomplishment when a rider is able to do something as simple, but ground-breaking for them, as being able to sit up without assistance or grip the reins or handles.

I strongly believe that our success as a Group is due to the partnerships we have formed as a team and with our riders. Not to mention the support

Our clients often have Autism or are extremely compromised children in need of equine therapy in various guises. In each case, our volunteers

we have from the physiotherapist’s team, school teachers and of course Dinefwr Riding Centre.

Outside of RDA sessions, our volunteers have become good friends who use the end of term as a great excuse to enjoy a pub lunch and a chance to wind down!

Del Richards, Dinefwr RDA

Perfect partners

Finding that ‘perfect horse’ is often difficult for any rider. But for para riders, that partnership is even more important. How a rider’s disability affects them, really determines what qualities are needed in the perfect equine partner for them.

I have Dystonia, a neurological disorder that affects movement, balance and muscle tone. Over the past six months I have experienced increased effects from this, which has significantly changed how I can use my body on the horse. Unfortunately, this meant that my partnership with the horse I loved and had gelled well with, was no longer working. So I have been trialing some different horses, in my search for a new dressage partner.

This has involved quite a bit of trial and error. They need to be the right width; not too narrow and not too wide, forward and responsive; but not silly or fizzy, have smooth, balanced paces; so as not to increase my muscle tone, and also good foundations in dressage schooling. Responsiveness to voice aids and a sweet personality are a bonus!

Having trialed a number of horses, it became apparent how hard it can be to find one. However, I think we have now found the perfect partner for me - a lovely Irish sport horse mare called Hilda. Our goals for the next 6 months are to qualify for the National Championships, and then ride a Freestyle to Music at the Champs.

Catriona McCartney-Kitson, Avon RDA rider

Stronger together

The partnership between Tommy and myself is a mutual symbiosis. We feed off each other’s strengths and try to compensate for our myriad of weaknesses. Tommy is perfect in my eyes and I pathetically fall in love with him every Wednesday, hook, line and sinker. I arrive at Belvoir Vale RDA with shuffling feet and aches galore but everything seems to subside when Tommy comes around the corner.

Far be it for me to hint that our partnership is stronger than the actual weather, but honestly, every Wednesday the sun breaks through the clouds just enough to allow us to ride. A Roman God complex? Maybe – but it is true in mine and Tommy’s world.

Unfortunately, my left leg is ridiculously stubborn. Sometimes it will behave beautifully and give the correct aids as if we are Charlotte Du Jardin and Valegro, then other times it fidgets and shoots my heel up into bizarre angles in an attempt to confuse Tommy. “Is that an Octopus on my back?”

No matter what though, I know we will persevere and fight our weaknesses together. I love you Tommy.

Kristen Hammett, Belvoir Vale rider

Triumphs through technology

Richard Brumby, who is deaf, blind and has Asperger’s Syndrome, rides with the Stafford Group. He recently received an award for progress in riding, and the key role he has played in the development of a haptic device which allows him to ride more independently. The device, which Richard wears on each arm, vibrates to tell him whether to go left, right, stop or walk on, and is controlled by his coach, Doug Smith, using his mobile. Doug comments, “Richard shows tremendous courage and trust in the horses and volunteers who support him. We persevered for nearly two years and the breakthrough came last autumn when Richard rode across the school rather than just send the horse round the track”.

His proud Mum notes, “Richard has now been able to compete, winning two red rosettes, something that none of us ever expected. His progress has been incredible and he now makes decisions for himself and this is a result of his bravery and dedication on horseback.”

Past Master, Hugh Ogus MBE

presented the award from the Worshipful Company of Lightmongers and, added, “When I heard about Richard having both aural and visual impairments and read of his inspiring riding achievements at RDA, I wanted to give Richard some recognition of his triumph.”

Developed in partnership with Imperial College London it is hoped the technology can be further advanced to enable more riders to use the device.

Doug Smith, Stafford and District

Overcoming challenges

Daniel started riding with RDA when he was nearly 4. His family now loan an RDA pony called Misty, who he rides each week. During his lesson he sits proudly on Misty, playing i-spy and singing songs whilst riding along the tracks.

Misty and Daniel have forged such a bond. She will stand calmly next to him, waiting for him to be ready, and he rewards her with carrots. She doesn’t blink an eye if he pulls the reins a little too hard or is having a fidgety day in the saddle. When she snorts he used to put his fingers in his ears, but he now snorts back and she sometimes replies

- which makes him smile.

Misty has been so patient as we worked out the best way for him to mount. Daniel likes routine and found it challenging to go into the school and use the mounting block. Then last Sunday, he went to Misty's stable said “follow me” and lead her straight to the mounting block, put his foot in the stirrup and mounted properly. They really have formed a special partnership which

has been a pleasure to watch.

This year Daniel’s goal with Misty is to increase the length of his rides. He enjoyed the Endurance scheme and is proud of his rosettes from the grass roots league. Their long term goal is to compete in Endurance at the National Championships.

Linda Davies, Daniel's mum, Yorkshire & Cleveland

Balancing act

When vaulting pony Codey began his well-earned retirement, two members of Gaddesden Place RDA Vaulting team, vowed to keep on improving their skills until a replacement could be found and trained.

Eden Hays, 8, and Skye Hueting, 12, have already found vaulting success at the RDA Nationals and the team have won two awards from their local Dacorum Council for participation in sport.

When there isn’t a suitable horse, or just as a way of improving skills, vaulting can be performed on a specially adapted barrel. Throughout the Autumn term Eden and Skye perfected a pairs routine on the barrel to the music of Robbie Williams hit song Angels. By working together, on gymnastic manoeuvres while balanced 1.5 metres above the ground, they developed a deep respect for what each could bring to the partnership and celebrating their ‘diff-abilities’.

Eden says of Skye: “She’s a great vaulter with a good memory for the routines.”

While Skye says: “Eden is so easy to work with as she has amazing balance

In December the pair showcased their routine in a Christmas display along with other Gaddesden Place riders who performed a musical ride. Proceeds from the event will go towards a fund to buy a mechanical horse for the centre, for use by both vaulters and riders.

Lindsay Nicholson, East Region RPO

Bonding with Bonnie

Thinking about Bonnie, I have been working on building a bond with her. I wanted to improve my confidence, courage and contentment. I find a relationship with any animal helps with this.

I can feel the contact with her through my hands; slowly becoming focused on the here and now. I manage to do a rising trot. As she’s thinking of the correct diagonal I sit for two and we manage to go into canter on the correct leg. I go back to walk and I can feel she’s relaxed and I

am too; this lick and chew, I know she understood what I was asking.

As I go down the quarter-line, I support her with my leg when she falls in and once again she becomes straight. As I leg yield over she does whatever I tell her, stepping over the poles in trot without touching them. Horses are very responsive and calm, we are connected in one movement and that is when you know you have got the partnership right.

I can see huge potential in the future for me and my Bonnie and I hope this is the start of the next chapter of our partnership, as I see so many wonderful times ahead.

Vicky Kidson, North Wales

Now we’re motoring

We are a small group in terms of facilities and money but big in drive and enthusiasm. In 2015 we were faced with a dilemma, we had no money and were turning a lot of riders away due to their weight or inability to mount. We wanted to offer carriage driving but had no carriage or horse, was that going to stop us? Hell no!!

We decided to ask for support from

companies in our local area, we needed wheels so logically I targeted garages. One lovely garage H&L motors said I could pitch to them - so in true Dragons Den style I told them why I needed £20,000.

After what felt like weeks of waiting, but was in fact days, they said YES! In return we would mention them in our social media and promote their garage at any appropriate opportunity.

Over the last few years, our relationship has strengthened

and blossomed. H&L have continued to support us through funding our open day, promotional leaflets, getting to the National Championships and recently our Christmas Social. They even service our carriages and vehicles.

Quite simply, without them our carriage driving venture would not have occurred and we are so grateful of the partnership that has been forged.

Natalie O'Rourke, Park Lane RDA

Working Together is Key

A partnership can be defined as ‘two or more parties agreeing to co-operate to mutual benefit’ and in the South East Region, we try to put this philosophy at the core of everything we do.

At the coal face there are our wonderful volunteers who give up their time and skills for us and we, in return, hopefully give them fulfilment, community, friendship and more.

Not only do our sponsors, Cowan Architects and the Worshipful Company of Wheelwrights, provide much needed funds to run our events, but Cowan’s Phil Mumford and the Wheelwright’s David Mortlock, carve time out of their busy schedules to present the prizes and see first-hand the accomplishments of our riders and drivers.

But at the route of it all, we know that

our ponies form incredible partnerships with their riders. With some relationships being particularly magical and seemingly instantaneous. This mutual trust and enjoyment between participant and equine gives us plenty of special examples in our day-today experiences at RDA. We heard especially moving stories from carriage drivers Sandra Spinner and Joanne McNicol at our regional conference as they recounted their competition experiences.

Joanna Sale, South East Region RPO

Long-lasting alliance

Julie Paterson has loved her long association with RDA and is never happier, nor her smile broader, than when she's in the saddle. Her favourite horse is always the one she's riding at the time.

to ensure that our participants benefit both physically and emotionally from their riding sessions. Her delight and pleasure over the years is unsurpassed and the bond she develops with the ponies has been invaluable to her quality of life.

Although Julie is unable to communicate her feelings verbally, we know from her sparkle and enthusiasm that her Friday sessions are the highlight of her week.

Julie is now 38 years old and began riding with RDA at the age of 6. Since then, Deeside RDA has moved many times but each time Julie has continued riding with us. Effortlessly making friends with the new ponies, helpers and fellow riders.

She is well known and loved by all our volunteers, who give their time freely

Julies partnership with the horses and team at Deeside RDA have made such a happy difference to Julie's world.

Pat James, Deeside RDA

Back for good

Ravelrig RDA have been a great support system to me for the past two years. Their continuous help has encouraged me to pursue my life-long passion to compete again after an 18-year break.

My coaches and all the volunteers have made an enormous contribution to the progress I have made and I feel as though I have a purpose in life again. My mental health has improved extensively through having something to look forward to each week.

I now feel much more confident within myself and it grows

every time I ride Thumper, we even managed to qualify at the Regionals last year. In July, team Ravelrig and I set off to the National Championships. This was an amazing achievement for me and pushed me to start my journey to getting classified. This means I will be competing against people with similar disabilities to me in order to make it a fair competition.

I am forever grateful to the whole team at Ravelrig RDA for all their help and solid commitment to each and every one of us, I look forward to what 2020 holds for us all.

Pamela Johnston, Ravelrig RDA