RDA Spring 2019 by Matrix Print

Xxxx 1 The official magazine of Riding for the Disabled Association

SPRING 2019

Time Well Spent! Why volunteering with RDA is good for you

Extra Orde-inary!

Whatever next?

Voice for the horse rda.org.uk

RIDING ■ DRIVING ■ COMPETITIONS ■ EDUCATION ■ THERAPY

Thank you! Thanks to the generous support of players of Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Postcode Lottery many RDA Groups have seen their projects change from dream to reality! Stables Ponies New Driving Carriages Horse trailers ad New sheds Riding hats Disabled Toilets Saddle club classrooms Riding equipment and more!

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Letter from the guest editor

elcome to the first issue of RDA Magazine in this, our 50th anniversary year. I am delighted to be your guest editor – even though it’s because I am the longest serving staff member! This year I will have been with RDA for 15 years. I started in what was supposed to be my gap year before university and never left. I am also a volunteer and coach, and started my own group, Arden RDA in 2012. I have certainly seen and been part of many changes at RDA, and as we look back on the past 50 years it’s amazing how far we have come. In the article Future Focus (page 16), we celebrate the range of activities now on offer for participants and take a wry look at what the future might hold. I’m pretty sure some of my riders would enjoy jousting…. In this issue we also say goodbye to our Chair for the past nine years, Sam Orde (page 14). RDA has benefited in so many ways with Sam at the helm and we owe her a huge debt of gratitude. As someone who is both a staff member and coach, one of the biggest changes I have seen is the relationship between RDA UK and the groups. When I started, we were really there to process green cards and tell groups ‘the rules’. Now groups are supported much more, listened to much more and participants can take a more active role at both group and national levels. Volunteer support has totally transformed in the years since I started. RDA’s recent study into the wellbeing and health benefits of volunteering (page 10) shines a light on the extraordinary communities created by RDA groups. What is also demonstrates is RDA UK’s genuine commitment to tackling the problem of volunteer recruitment and support. I was interested to read about Angus RDA’s pony assessment programme (page 20). At Arden we have 10 horses that we transport to the various venues we ride from. It isn’t ideal, (and perhaps one day we will have our own ‘home’), but in the meantime it means we can support more riders. Like Angus, the welfare of our horses is paramount. After all, despite all our changes in 50 years, horses remain at the heart of everything we do. Today, I am the Lead Support Officer for Accessibility Mark – something else we didn’t do when I started. To be honest, when I first heard about the idea I was a little apprehensive. But it soon became clear that many riding schools were crying out for help and training, and now we have over 50 centres supported by the scheme. When I visit centres, what you really notice is the respect for RDA, for our coaches and volunteers, and the expertise built up over 50 years of dedication to disability sport. I’m proud to be part of the team in this special year and hope you all find a way of celebrating.

Cover photograph: James Wiseman from Park Lane Stable

Lizzie Hill, Lead Support Officer, Accessibility Mark

GET YOUR COPY OF RDA MAGAZINE

Riding for the Disabled Association magazine is free to everyone. To subscribe please contact RDA on +44 (0) 1926 492915 or via our website: rda.org.uk/rda-magazine

ABOUT RIDING FOR THE DISABLED ASSOCIATION

Riding for the Disabled Association Incorporating Carriage Driving (RDA) is dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities

through the provision of horse riding, carriage driving, showjumping and vaulting. Through a network of 500 volunteer groups throughout

the UK, RDA provides opportunities for therapy, achievement and enjoyment, improving health, well-being and self confidence, and benefiting mobility

and co-ordination. RDA is reliant on voluntary help, donations and legacies to deliver its services. Please donate now at rda.org.uk.

RDA is a charity registered in England and Wales (No: 244108) and Scotland (No: SC039473)

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RDA Coach!

The quality of coaching at RDA is second to none, combining equestrian knowledge with an in-depth understanding of a wide range of disabilities. At RDA we provide a tailored programme of training and assessment to help you achieve your coaching goals. Whether you want to become a Group Coach or RDA Fellow â&#x20AC;&#x201C; we will give you the support you need. For more details please contact

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Lyndsay Wager

Elle Seville

01926 405970 lwager@rda.org.uk

01926 405971 eseville@rda.org.uk

Contents The official magazine of Riding for the Disabled Association

t: +44 (0) 1926 492915 e: info@rda.org.uk www.rda.org.uk

Contents

RDA MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED BY Matrix Print Consultants Ltd Unit C, Northfield Point, Cunliffe Drive, Kettering, Northamptonshire, NN16 9QJ www.matrixprint.com RDA PRESIDENT Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, Princess Anne EDITOR Ffion Llwyd-Jones e: ffion@rda.org.uk DEPUTY EDITOR Caroline Ward e: cward@rda.org.uk GRAPHIC DESIGNER Sacha Robinson-Forster e: sacha@matrixprint.com ADVERTISING SALES Catherine Baldock e: cbaldock@rda.org.uk

News Olympians, holidays and 50 years!

Time well spent Far-reaching benefits of volunteering

EDITORIAL BOARD Ed Bracher Chief Executive, RDA UK Sam Orde Chairman, RDA UK Sal Atkinson Fundraising Manager, RDA UK Sue Adams-Wheeler Chairman of Coaching Committee, RDA UK Jess Cook National Partnership Advisor, Activity Alliance While every care is taken in compiling this issue of RDA magazine including manuscripts and photographs submitted, we accept no responsibility for any losses or damage, whatever the cause. All information and prices contained in advertisements are accepted by the publishers in good faith as being correct at the time of going to press. Neither the advertisers nor the publishers accept any responsibility for any variations affecting price variations or availability after the publication has gone to press. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the permission of the publisher, to whom application must first be made. The views expressed by contributors to RDA magazine are not necessarily those of the RDA, the publisher or its editor. ÂŠ2016 The Riding for the Disabled Association. Material for consideration in this section of the magazine should be submitted via email or digital file transfer to the editor. Submissions should be made on the understanding that the Riding for the Disabled Association has the right to use the material in any part of the magazine and any of its other publications, promotions or website, free from any copyright restrictions, or appearance fees other than the issue of artistic and photographic credits where applicable. Please include name of RDA group, photographer, riders and volunteers.

Retiring Chairman Sam Orde One big team effort

Whatever next? Activities RDA could be offering in the next 50 years

Pony Assessments Voice for the horse's welfare

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to have your say. Share your rides, experiences and comments by going online...

Out & About Looking to the year ahead

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National News

Join the conversation @RDANational:

We are 50! Throughout 2019, RDA is celebrating 50 years of enriching lives through horses. From humble beginnings, when a handful of pioneers realised the therapeutic benefits of horse riding for people with disabilities, RDA has flourished into a nationwide organisation, delivering outstanding levels of coaching and therapy, not to mention fun – and still run almost entirely by volunteers. Throughout this year, events and celebrations will be held around the UK, and RDA groups are encouraged to take part in whatever way they wish. Already, the anniversary has been marked at a Parliamentary reception launching a report into RDA volunteering and wellbeing. March sees the launch of the 50 Faces campaign, an external publicity project designed to raise awareness of RDA, and the RDA tartan scarf will be available to buy from West & Central Scotland Region. In April, Edinburgh will play host to a special celebration for Scotland. On June 12, The RDA National Training Centre will be officially opened. “It is fitting that the opening of this fantastic new facility should go hand in hand with our 50th anniversary celebrations,” says Ed Bracher, RDA Chief Executive. “The Centre represents how far we have come and our ongoing commitment to the high standards and expertise that have made RDA what it is today.” Over the summer, the National Championships (12-14 July) will form a focal point for celebrations, including a special display on the Friday. In October, a dedicated Celebration Week (1-8) will provide a focal point for RDA group celebrations. The week also coincides with this year’s Gala Awards. The anniversary will be rounded off with a final event in November.

NEW ADDITION TO RDA FAMILY We are delighted to announce the safe arrival of Oliver Benjamin Harris born to Fiona and Ben Harris. We were fortunate enough that Oliver waited until after the coaching conference and the launch of the new coaching pathway to arrive on 21 October 2018. Both mother and baby are doing well. Most of you will know Fiona for her work with coaching development; while she is on maternity leave colleague, Lyndsay Wager will be looking after this role. The team has also been joined by Elle Seville to assist with the new coaching qualifications. Contact Lyndsay at lwager@rda.org.uk and Elle at eseville@rda.org.uk

@AllForActivity Riding for the

50th Celebration Week In a year of celebrations, a dedicated anniversary week has been chosen to coincide with the date in 1969 when Riding for the Disabled Association was formed. Although groups are encouraged to celebrate however they wish throughout the year, the 1-8 October will be given particular emphasis. “We hope that groups will take the opportunity to join in the celebrations,” says Caroline Ward, Communications Manager at RDA UK. “We sent out sample rosettes and certificates to all groups, and they can be ordered from the group orders' website. We also included some ideas for ways to celebrate, so that as many riders and drivers as possible can get involved. However and whenever groups choose to mark the anniversary, I hope they will share their celebrations with us.” Caroline is also collecting old RDA photos to use throughout the year on social media and as part of the publicity for the anniversary. If your group has photos from the early days of RDA then why not scan or photograph them and email the images to: cward@rda.org.uk You can order rosettes, certificates and more at www. grouporders.rda.org.uk Share your celebrations with us on social media #RDA50.

50TH DIARY DATES

TREFOIL GUILD

March: Launch of 50 Faces March: Launch of RDA tartan April: Celebration event in Edinburgh June: Volunteers Week 12 June: Official opening of the National Training Centre 12-14 July: RDA National Championships October 1-7: Celebration week October 2: Gala dinner November: AGM November: Final celebration event

In 2018 The Trefoil Guild celebrated its 75th Birthday. As part of the celebrations RDA was chosen as its charity for the year. Pat Downer, Chair of The Trefoil said: “The super thing is the amazing members have raised nearly £83,000 to sponsor the Countryside Challenge for three years at the Nationals, to fit out the tearoom and help with other projects at the new National Training Centre.”

@RDAnational Who wants to see a sneak peak at the RDA Tartan? Edinburgh and borders region have sent us a few

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National News

Disabled Association launches new website to better reflect the organisation in its 50th anniversary year.

RDA AGM The 49th RDA AGM took place in November under the Chairmanship of the charity’s President, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal. Held at Trades Hall, Glasgow, the AGM brought together delegates from RDA groups all over the UK, many of whom enjoyed a traditional Scottish welcome at the previous evening’s Ceilidh. In her President’s address, The Princess acknowledged this year’s 50th anniversary would be the time for reflections, but she took time to recognise the experience and expertise within the RDA family, made up of many years dedicated service by RDA’s volunteers and coaches. The AGM also offered the opportunity to acknowledge the achievements of out-going RDA Chairman, Sam Orde, whose time in office officially ends in April 2019. Sam was presented with an Honorary Life Vice Presidency by The Princess Royal, who thanked her for the nine years she has given to the role. “Thank you to our regional team in West & Central Scotland for hosting this year’s AGM,” said RDA Chief Executive Ed Bracher. “I am also grateful to Her Royal Highness, not just for chairing the business of the day, but for taking the time to meet so many of our participants and volunteers during her visit. We look forward to welcoming everyone to our 50th AGM!”

GRANTS TO GROUPS RDA UK is delighted to be awarding twenty-one RDA groups with grants made possible thanks to players of People's Postcode Lottery. The grants have been awarded to assist groups across a range of projects including the purchasing of new horses, refurbishing existing buildings and facilities, and providing new equipment for groups. Ed Bracher, Chief Executive RDA UK, said: “This exciting project enables groups to expand their activities and support new riders. It is fantastic to see so many groups interested in raising funds to increase participant and volunteer experiences and we look forward to following the progress of the projects throughout 2019."

NEW WEBSITE One of the first events to mark RDA’s 50th anniversary was the launch of the new RDA website in January. Still at www.rda. org.uk, the newly designed site features a fresh, clear design, bringing it in line with the style of RDA’s other publicity materials including the impact report, strategy document and handbook. The new site is designed specifically to inform and inspire potential participants, volunteers and supporters, taking visitors through an easy-to-navigate journey that should ultimately result in them finding their nearest group or giving a donation. As well as information about taking part and volunteering, the site includes case studies and opportunities to ‘meet’ riders, volunteers and groups through articles, images and film.

Importantly, the ‘running your group’ area, which contains all the information and resources for RDA groups, has been separated and built into a new site called ‘My RDA’ (www.myrda. org.uk). This is the start of a project to overhaul the content and style of this area, which will continue throughout 2019. “The new site ‘My RDA’ has a slightly different homepage, which will hopefully make it easier for groups to find the most popular content,” says Communications Manager Caroline Ward. “We know this online area can be frustrating for users, as the volume of information makes it difficult to navigate, so rest assured this new site is just the beginning of a much bigger programme of improvement.”

photos of the weaving process. We are excited for the launch on the 30th April #RDA50 #RidingForTheDisabled

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National News Join the conversation @RDANational:

National News

@helensburghadv @GroupRda

Natasha Baker wins sports personality

National Showjumping Training Day As all groups are now able to deliver Level 1 Showjumping prior to assessment, coaches are invited to a training day to learn how to include Level 1 in their sessions. The first National Showjumping Training Day will be at The Pegasus Centre, Morpeth in Northumberland on Saturday 13 April 2019. The schedule will cover Level 1 Showjumping for those who are starting to including pole work in sessions, and will cover up to Level 4. The same program will be delivered in the south in September. Details are available on the website at: www.myrda.org.uk or contact Lucy at: lstokes@rda.org.uk

HOLIDAYS GRANTS

Following the success of the new RDA Holidays Grants scheme in 2018, the grants will be available again for 2019. Applications are welcome from RDA Groups until the 31 March 2019. The grants, which will be awarded in limited numbers up to a maximum

of £250, are divided into two separate schemes: one grant is for groups to put towards organising their own residential holiday, or simply a fun day out for their participants, while the other grant option is aimed at helping groups to enable one or more of their participants to attend an RDA National Holiday. Applications are accepted from RDA Groups, not individual participants. Visit www.myrda.org.uk to view the 2019 RDA Holidays calendar, and get infor-mation about the Grant scheme and how to apply.

In November 2018, Paralympic dressage rider Natasha Baker won Sports personality of the year at the European Diversity Awards in London. Linda Riley, who founded the awards, said: “Everyone nominated for a European Diversity Award should feel proud, because they have contributed to making Europe a more accepting, diverse continent.” Natasha was up against stiff competition, including Nicola Adams OBE and Sir Mo Farah, CBE. Natasha commented: “I am actually speechless for once! What a huge honor, an incredible night with some truly inspirational people – one I will never forget.”

'UP-ING' THEIR GAME The Avon Riding Centre in Bristol recently hosted a training and development day for prospective Showjumping Judges, with Lucy Stokes RDANO and Mike Butcher FRDA. In his introductory remarks, Mike noted: "We’ve been providing the opportunity and challenge for around eight years and it is noticeable that standards have improved right through to and including performances at the National

Championships. In fact, our standards in course building and performance have come on so quickly that others that provide for graded riders and the Paralympics also have to up their game. It’s a mutually supportive approach and it is working well." Show Jumping was first introduced to RDA in 2010 and there are 136 groups actively engaged in supporting about 1,000 riders under training.

@North_Mids_RDA Great to see @RDAnational Elected Chair Sarah & our new Regional Chair Maria

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National News

is looking ahead to an exciting 2019, when it will celebrate 50 years of @RDAnational

Carriage Driving Coaching Conference After months of input from Carriage Driving Coaches and volunteers throughout the UK who participated in the working groups and forums, the new carriage driving coaching pathway is set to be launched. The pathway will be presented at the Carriage driving coaching conference on the 19-20 May at the National Training Centre, Warwickshire. All carriage driving coaches and prospective coaches are invited to the two days of presentations, which will include a coaching demonstration from Sarah Howe, an informative talk by Peter Moore from Carriage Care and the launch of the new pathway. For information on how to book onto the conference please contact Emma at: ebayliss@rda.org.uk

Meet the Board With RDA Chairman Sam Orde stepping down in April after nine successful years in post we are excited to welcome Sarah Heynen to the Board. Sarah's extensive knowledge will help lead RDA through the challenges ahead: to raise our profile, increase our financial strength and help more people benefit from our work, in line with our values and five-year strategy. RDA would also like to recognise Sheila Saner for her work as Deputy Chair as she passes the responsibility for Regions to Frances Lochrane, current Regional Chair for the South Region.

Charity of the year RDA is excited to announce its partnership with The GB Olympians. Jo Jennings-Summers, Performance Mentor and spokesperson for The GB Olympians said: “The GB Olympians are immensely proud to be supporting RDA for our Charity of the Year in 2019, as chosen by our President HRH Princess Anne the Princess Royal. As Olympians, we are acutely aware of the huge impact that volunteers can make. Pursuing elite sporting aspirations or simply nurturing a love for a particular activity is often made possible only by the fantastic work done by volunteers. In April, Mark Moore, who competed for GB in the Cross Country Skiing at the 1984 Olympics, is running the 2019 Virgin Money Giving London Marathon for RDA. We also have a large group of members taking part in the London Vitality Westminster Mile in May, raising much needed funds to support the new RDA National Training Centre.” Mark Moore said: “I'm flattered and honoured to be given a place to run London 2019 for RDA, on behalf of The Olympians Association. Being a cross-country skier (1984 Sarajevo) I am an endurance athlete, but the Marathon is a massive test for anyone. I did manage to complete my first run Marathon last year at Brighton, but London seems to be the one to do: so delighted to be there for RDA. I sincerely hope to raise as much as possible for the charity, and get through the run in a respectable time!” Visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fund/GBOlympians to find out more and support The GB Olympians.

meeting HRH Princess Royal at the Mid Derbyshire RDA #RoyalVisit last week!! #RDA50

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Wellbeing

Time well spent On 6 February, RDA officially kickstarted its 50th anniversary with a Parliamentary reception launching the results of a farreaching survey into the benefits of volunteering. Hosted by the Member of Parliament for Cheltenham, Alex Chalk, the reception was a call to action for the assembled MPs, voluntary and equestrian organisations and VIPs to recognise and support the value of RDA’s 18,000 strong voluntary workforce. QUESTION TIME Last year, a questionnaire was widely circulated throughout the RDA community, encouraging as many volunteers as possible to take part. In addition to questions about the types of people who get involved, the study took an in-depth look at the health and wellbeing of volunteers and the difference that RDA makes to how they feel about themselves. The project was devised and overseen by Volunteer Development Manager at RDA UK, Matt Cobble. “If we can understand the real value of RDA to

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our volunteers, it will help in all sorts of ways – not least in recruiting new people into the organisation.” Over 1,600 volunteers took part from all over the UK and the results have provided a detailed insight into the volunteering landscape at RDA.

WHO ARE OUR VOLUNTEERS? Perhaps unsurprisingly for anyone who knows RDA, woman make up 92% of the volunteer workforce, 72% live in rural areas and 75% are aged over 50. While these figures may not challenge preconceptions within the

organisation, compared to the profile of volunteers generally, RDA actually bucks the trend, particularly when it comes to volunteering in sport. “RDA has a really important role to play in attracting under-represented groups into active volunteering opportunities,” says Matt. “This includes woman, as well as people who identify themselves as having a disability – almost 25% in the case of RDA volunteers – and providing opportunities for activity in more remote or rural locations.” Interestingly, 50% of those surveyed

Wellbeing

had volunteered with RDA for five years or less, with 27% having volunteered for two years or less. “This all points to some really exciting opportunities for us when it comes to recruiting new people into the organisation,” says Matt. “At the moment there are huge parts of the population we are not tapping into, and if we can start to reach into these areas for new volunteers it could make a big difference.”

WHY CHOOSE RDA? The survey asked volunteers about their motivations for choosing RDA. The top reason (63%) is wanting to spend time with the horses, closely followed by wanting to help people (60%) and making a difference (57%). “Our horses are a really important draw for attracting new volunteers,” says Matt. “In addition, there is a genuine sense, which continues throughout the survey, that our volunteers choose RDA in order to support other people.” Importantly, volunteers were also asked whether the experience at RDA actually delivered on their original motivation. The response was overwhelmingly positive. Not only does RDA meet and often exceed volunteers’ expectations, but the overall experience scores very high too. Three quarters of all respondents rated their experience either a nine or ten (out of ten).

such as volunteering, for their patients. “With the government taking more of an interest in volunteering, we wanted to understand what impact RDA can make in this area,” says Matt. “The anecdotal evidence has always been there, but we needed a statistically significant study to give us some real insight into the benefits.”

MAKING A DIFFERENCE RDA volunteers were asked about the impact of volunteering on their selfesteem and overall mood. Measuring a range of factors, including feeling useful, more confident and more optimistic about the future, the results of the study reveal the significant contribution RDA makes in how volunteers feel about themselves. The vast majority of volunteers (92%) say that being with RDA makes them feel more useful – a factor closely linked to self-esteem. “When we look at our volunteer’s original reasons for joining RDA, this a really key area,” explains Matt. “Our volunteers want to make a difference, they want to make a practical contribution to their group

96% of our “volunteers say that RDA has improved their overall satisfaction with life.

”

and to the lives of other people and we are obviously delivering on that.” The results of this part of the study also point to the importance of RDA’s ability to measure outcomes for participants. “Because we know the impact of our activities for riders and drivers, it is easier for volunteers to understand the real difference they make. This in turn has an impact on their own sense of self-esteem. It’s what’s known as a ‘dual benefit’.”

MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING Approximately one in four people in the UK will experience mental health problems each year. Increasingly, volunteering is being recognised for the important part it plays in helping to address and tackle this issue. In 2017, the Chief Executive of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations said: “Study after study is confirming the benefits of volunteering for people with a range of mental health conditions. The social interaction that volunteering offers is extremely important, with group activities that provide conviviality appearing to offer the most benefit.” The government’s response to this is strengthening, and it now supports what is called ‘social prescribing’, which means medical professionals prescribing non-clinical interventions,

Judi Singer I was severely agoraphobic, but being a horse rider I joined my local RDA Group in Surrey as I felt it would help me change my life – and it did! To start with I was only happy leading at the horse’s shoulder, not talking to anyone,

and then progressed, through the kindness and understanding of my colleagues, to being able to join in the fun that everyone was having. Through the RDA volunteers’ nonjudgemental understanding I am now able to go anywhere, speak to anyone, chair meetings and speak in public. Thank you RDA!

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Wellbeing

RDA is a “constant

reminder of the quality of life and the importance of sharing it.

”

forget, being at RDA is supposed to be fun and positive for our participants – and we can’t achieve that if volunteers aren’t having a good time too,”

SENSE OF COMMUNITY

“

RDA has a really important role to play in attracting underrepresented groups into active volunteering opportunities.

”

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FEELING BETTER Also supporting overall self-esteem, the majority of volunteers (81%) say that being involved with RDA makes them feel better about themselves, and many (68%) that it makes them feel more confident. Over half even say that volunteering makes them feel more optimistic about the future. When it comes to overall mood, RDA is also delivering a positive experience. 84% say they feel more cheerful after volunteering and 59% more relaxed. “This study recognises the important part RDA groups play in creating a sense of positivity and wellbeing among its volunteers – regardless of how they may feel more generally in their daily lives,” says Matt. “Let’s not

As it attempts to tackle the wider mental health crisis, the government has shone a specific spotlight on loneliness and social isolation. In Theresa May’s paper 'A Connected Society – A Strategy for Tackling Loneliness' she states: “Loss of social contact is incredibly damaging to our humanity and to the health and wellbeing of everyone affected. Indeed, research now shows that loneliness is as damaging to our physical health as smoking.” So, with an estimated nine million people of all ages and backgrounds saying they are ‘always or often lonely’, what part can RDA play in tackling this issue? “The results of our research are extremely heartening,” says Matt. “Our volunteers gave a clear signal they feel part of the RDA community and that they feel close to other people. RDA groups are great at creating sociable ‘families’ where people can come together regularly to socialise, make friends and share a common interest.”

GET PHYSICAL With Sport England now recognising volunteering as an activity in its ‘Active Lives’ survey (the annual survey that measures activity levels in England and is used to decide its funding strategy for the coming year), it is important for RDA to understand

Wellbeing

its place in the wider sports sector. “If both the government and sports funding organisations are taking volunteering seriously as a route to keeping active, then we want our groups to be able to benefit,” says Matt. The results of the study show that most volunteers are benefiting physically from their time with RDA. 93% are active in some way when they help at their group – and the average volunteer walks for over an hour in a session, including those who are not generally active in their dayto-day lives. “The great thing about RDA is the other ways that volunteers told us they get active – not just by walking,” explains Matt. “Grooming horses, moving equipment, general cleaning and maintenance all help to raise the heart rate!”

DEVELOPING SKILLS The final benefit looked at in the study was skills development. With other parts of the study measuring some of the unforeseen benefits of volunteers, skills development is an area that RDA specifically invests in. “We've looked into the impact of our training courses before, but this questionnaire allowed us to understand whether volunteers feel their overall time at RDA has an impact on their skills and knowledge,” says Matt. The study revealed the wide range of skills volunteers feel they've gained as a result of their time at RDA: understanding and knowledge of disability; horse skills; communication and people skills; safeguarding, and IT and processes such as accounts,

marketing and funding.

NEXT STEPS The results of the study were used to produce a report ‘Volunteering with RDA. Horses, health and happiness', which was presented to parliament. The report contains three calls to action: recognition that volunteering with RDA delivers on the dual benefits for participants and volunteers; greater referral and signposting of RDA volunteering opportunities from social prescribing; and increased funding support for RDA to support its work in tackling a range of society’s physical and mental health issues.

For Matt, there is also important work to be done in ensuring the study benefits RDA groups, and the report also contains RDA’s own commitments, including attracting more volunteers. “This is ultimately about recruiting more people," he says. "By demonstrating we can provide an experience that is worthwhile, good for your overall health and wellbeing and helps you get or remain active and supports personal development, we make ourselves an attractive proposition for potential new volunteers. It’s great that we've got such positive results from the research – but this is just the first step.”

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Retiring Chairman Sam Orde

One big team effort As RDA UK Chair Sam Orde steps down after nine years in post, we asked her about her time with us, what she discovered – and the people and horses she met along the way. HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN RDA? I started as an RDA helper at a local group run by a friend. When the coach left to have a back operation, I was quite quickly asked to step into the breach. Luckily I had some great mentors in RDA. My first group chairman who came to RDA as her daughter was an RDA rider, started to teach me about disabilities and told me ‘yes I could do it’. Later on Jane Holderness-Roddam, who suggested I become Chair of RDA.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT FROM YOUR TIME AS CHAIR? Not easy to know as RDA is one big team effort. I think that we have moved with the times modernising and providing more opportunities to enjoy and benefit from horses, while

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retaining the overall RDA family ethos of a wonderfully diverse organisation working together.

HOW DO YOU THINK RDA HAS DEVELOPED/CHANGED DURING THE PAST DECADE? In a nutshell, we continue to be leaders in our field and offer even more choice to our participants. New disciplines such as show jumping, endurance and showing as well as participants getting involved in running our charity have increased opportunities for achievement. The new National Training Centre will be a significant and I think positive development.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES RDA FACES AT THE MOMENT AND WHAT IS RDA UK DOING TO HELP GROUPS OVERCOME THEM?

The biggest challenge is to meet the demand to help even more children and adults with disabilities to ride or carriage drive. I hope that groups who can and wish to do this feel supported by RDA National, which includes regional and county officers. Soon we will be training coaches and others at our National Training Centre!

AS RDA CELEBRATES 50 YEARS, WHAT DO YOU THINK THOSE INVOLVED SHOULD FEEL MOST PROUD OF? 50 years is a tremendous milestone. I feel lucky to have met some of the people who inspired and built RDA. RDA is a jigsaw of people and ponies and I think everyone should feel proud of the positive impact they have on others’ lives.

OF ALL THE PEOPLE YOU HAVE MET

Retiring Chairman Sam Orde

AS CHAIR, IS THERE SOMEONE WHO HAS PARTICULARLY INSPIRED YOU? A lot of people have inspired me and too many memories crowd in! During the last year I have been at two groups visited by our President the Princess Royal at new venues. Both had been given notice to leave their old venues and then worked incredibly hard to find, fundraise, build and move on rather than fold. One asked 58 landowners before the 59th helped them! Both are now helping even more riders in their impressive new homes.

WHAT HAVE BEEN YOUR STAND OUT MOMENTS? You canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t bottle the feeling you get when handing out rosettes at our National Championships. I was glad to see Sarah Hadley escape from behind her organiserâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s desk to do this for the first time this year and she agreed.

HAS BEING RDA CHAIR TAUGHT YOU ANY USEFUL LIFE LESSONS?

IS THERE LIFE AFTER RDA AND WHAT WILL YOU BE DOING NOW?

I remember seeing retiring physio Jo Pringle on getting an award, explain how much RDA had given her. I feel the same and my top lessons have been: be flexible while still keeping a goal in mind; value everyone for what they can do; enjoy the moment; and, good RDA ponies are worth their weight in gold.

I was going to get a dog again and had a mad idea about learning the organ! All gone out the window as I am already getting stuck into being Chair of Activity Alliance (formerly known as the English Federation of Disability Sport). I am delighted to get this opportunity to work with organisations to provide more sport and activities for disabled people, something which is close to my heart. I hope to stay in touch with RDA and

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUR SUCCESSOR? RDA is full of good people.

will see how I can help as a Coach Developer in Northumberland.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE RDA CAKE? No, but ingredients for a good recipe are a pony and smiling people on top and around it! I would like to thank all the people who have helped me while I have enjoyed being Chairman of our amazing organisation, both in the wider RDA and our wonderful staff at National Office.

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Whatever next?

Whatever next? For half a century, RDA has proven that therapy can also be an opportunity to have fun, through activities ranging from carriage driving and dressage to showjumping and vaulting. Wonder what else we'll get up to in the next 50 years?

iding for the Disabled Association came into being in 1969, with Lavinia, Duchess of Norfolk as President and HRH The Princess Anne as Patron. Since then, RDA has introduced a range of new activities to challenge and inspire, and to ensure participants get the most from their time with our horses. We look at fifty years of innovation – and take a cheeky glimpse at some future fun that may yet be seen at an RDA group near you.

DRIVING FORWARD Right from the very start, RDA groups were using the schooling movements and techniques of dressage. It progressed as an activity in its own right and by the 1970s the first competitions were being held, and the Dressage Committee was formed in the

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1980s. Still as popular as ever, these days riders can even upload videos of their dressage tests to Dressage Anywhere. New opportunities are opening up all the time, and last year saw the first RDA & British Dressage Intellectually Disabled Championships. Also around from the beginning, holidays and days out enhance the RDA experience for everyone who takes part. Holidays build confidence and ability, and allow participants the chance to do more of the things they love. In 1975, Carriage Driving officially became part of RDA, offering a different kind of challenge. Driving featured at The RDA National Championships for the first time in 2013. Today there are over 65 groups offering driving, supporting over 1000 participants.

JUMP FOR JOY Talking of The National Championships, this inspirational competition began in the 1980s and is now the biggest of its kind in the world for disabled riders and carriage drivers. From the technically demanding fun of the ‘Countryside Challenge’ to top flight dressage, the Championships is a display of skill, horsemanship and determination from competitors of all ages and abilities. "Over the years, we've definitely introduced more competitive opportunities for those who want them," says Claire Milican, Director of Operations at RDA UK, who oversees the growth and development of all activities at RDA. "Not just with the Regionals and Nationals, but others

Whatever next?

“

The horses love it, too!

such as Dressage Anywhere, video’d vaulting and writing competitions." As well as providing a chance to compete, The Championships has proved an important event for promoting new activities into RDA. Showjumping started in RDA in 2010, in response to a growing enthusiasm among groups and participants for taking up the sport. Starting with pole work, riders can progress through the levels, learning the skills of the sport and building their technical and physical abilities.

GOING THE DISTANCE Vaulting became an official RDA activity in 2011. Improved confidence and teamwork, balance, and strength are all benefits of this fun activity. Working as a team of six, or individually, vaulters carry out a series of athletic movements on horseback, while the horse circles round on a lunge rein. Vaulting has significant therapeutic and physical benefits, and is a great discipline for improving

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stability motor skills, flexibility and coordination. The following year, RDA established Endurance. Starting from one kilometre with possible progression to 16km, participants gain a greater knowledge of horsemanship, especially fitness heart rates, metabolic rates and dehydration, and speed and distance. To celebrate RDA’s 50th Anniversary, there will be a special 50k Endurance challenge at The Championships.

BEST IN SHOW As RDA enters its 50th anniversary year, new opportunities for participants are already in the pipeline. “We are developing Showing as an RDA recognised activity,” explains Claire. “Our partnership with SEIB over the past few years has given us a great introduction to what is possible, and now we need to develop it specifically for RDA groups to be able to take part if they want to.” And there are other potential opportunities on the cards. One such

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Whatever next?

possibility is Reining, or Western Riding. “It could be incorporated into the existing framework at groups and there is growing support for the idea. But only when we feel it’s the right time,” says Claire. Increasingly, groups themselves are leading the charge on new activities, diversifying and providing new experiences that fit into their existing structure and facilities. Recent developments have included unmounted sensory experiences and work with people living with dementia. “We are seeing groups wanting to develop opportunities and activities that complement their existing RDA work", says Claire. "For all of us this is about making more things available so that our groups can choose what is right for them and their participants.”

Future focus the next 50?

Fancy something a bit different? We look at some possible future activities that can stretch the body, the horse, and your imagination.

BALANCED APPROACH "It's another tool in the toolbox," comments physiotherapist Lynne Munro, talking about equi-pilates. "It helps develop core strength and core stability, which is essentially for riding. From an RDA perspective, it

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can help align the core and trunk over the pelvis, which means we can move arms and legs as independently as much as possible, and communicate better with the horse. Depending on medical conditions or ability levels, some actions are trickier, but how the coach chooses to instruct and use the horse within the session can really help develop those key skills of body awareness and spatial awareness and all those things that go alongside it." Lynne adds that the principles of pilates can be modified and applied to just about anyone. She's worked with people on the mechanical horse, and regards it as a useful way of working with a person "because you're up close to them, the horse isn't moving away from you, and you can influence how the person is sitting and get their feedback and how they're feeling". Mechanical horses can emulate the walk, trot and canter paces of a real horse, enabling riders who to experience the therapeutic benefits of horse riding. Lynne also suggests doing practice work off the horse, to enable the children to do things on the horse better. "With a balance approach, you can do great in an RDA session," she adds. "Coaches may need additional knowledge about how things work and how you can influence the horse, or how the horse can influence the person. Getting in touch with a physiotherapist involved with RDA can be a kickoff point."

JOUST A MINUTE Horse Rangers is exploring ways for RDA riders to experience the training and skills of the mediaeval knight. Jeremy Richardson is Director at Horserangers (also an RDA group), and he explains that medieval jousting trained knights in hand/ eye co-ordination, wielding a 4-metre lance, spears and swords, all done from horseback and generally at a full gallop. Today, jousting falls into two camps: early 13th/14th century jousting where chainmail and some armour is worn, and fully armoured Tudor jousting of the 16th century with less danger and more reliance on the pageantry of the Tournament. Jeremy believes there is no reason why the trainee knight could not start on a cob and begin to develop knightly skills: "Concentrating on another activity on horseback allows you to forget you're riding and your aids to the horse will become more intuitive and natural." He adds that a relaxed and confident rider gives enormous confidence to the horse, which then improves riding 100%.

HAVING A BALL "Horseball is basically for any horse and any rider," says Hayley Garner of the British Horseball Association. "It's also a team sport, which means no one person has to be able to do everything." Horseball - a combination of polo,

Whatever next?

rugby and basketball - is played on horseback, and points scored by shooting a ball through a 1m hoop that is 3.5m from the ground. It is officially recognised by the International Federation for Equestrian Sports. Hayley explains that although the game involves picking up a ball off the ground, there are variations: "We have a game for the under-10s where parents or coaches lead the horses, and it's easy to adapt for riders with different abilities."

SPEED, TECHNIQUE - AND SAFETY "It's great for hand-eye coordination, balance and a sense of achievement," explains Jem Pearce, of the British Tentpegging Association. She's talking about the sport of removing wooden ‘tent pegs’ from the ground using a sword or lance, while on the back of a galloping horse, an activity traced back about 2500 years. "It's an amazing feeling you get from being part of it," Jem says. "It's all about speed, technique and safety," she adds. "We compete as individuals or as part of a team in single file with a horse's space in-between each team member. It's fun, especially when there's clouds of dust from the horses in front, and you can hardly see the peg, and you need to get it so your team can win!" The tentpegs are generally made from 1-3" corrugated cardboard while the lances are constructed from light

and flexible carbon fibre and the swords are 1908 officers swords. "There's also a gallows," adds Jem. "We hand 3" diameter rings from a gallows-shaped structure, or sometimes apples, which we also hang from trees. The sword is used to slice the apples - and then the horses get the apples afterwards." "I think there could be a place for tentpegging in RDA," Jem says. "Perhaps it would be good to use dummy weapons. And once they're used to it, the horses love it, too."

INTRINSICALLY WILD "Not at all," responds Martin Whitley, owner at Dartmoor Hawking, when asked if falconry could be a bit 'over the top' as an RDA activity. 'Of course, it depends on having the right horse,' he adds. "I think it's perfectly feasible, and we've discussed getting in touch with RDA locally and see if we can do something with them. "If the bird is right and the horse is right, we could start with some simple, basic stuff. It looks amazing, but is actually is quite simple. We've got the birds, and we'd need help with a couple of RDA horses, but there's no reason with what they put up with that they couldn't cope with it." Martin explains that on the falconry side, you're interacting with what is intrinsically a wild bird: "You're working entirely on their terms. You do something that upsets the bird,

it's not going to work with you. It's as simple as that. You cannot tell a bird what to do. You can request, and if it doesn't like the way you're asking it's not going to do it. All you're really doing is harnessing its hunting instinct in a way that works. Because they can be quite lazy, so you're making its life simpler, so you're worth it keeping hanging around." He adds that it can take time and habituation to get the horses used to the activity. "Some horses take to it quite well, and others won't let you near them with a bird. It's the prey instinct, which can take time to get over. Once the horses get used to it they love it. My main teaching horse, if he's out in the barn where the birds are, he'll go straight out and find the birds and stand with his favourite eagle. Out in the field, they love the fast part of it."

WHAT NEXT? “Who knows what we will be offering by our 100th anniversary!” says Claire. “The important thing is keeping open to new ideas. It’s exciting to be able to offer opportunities that deliver a great experience to participants – and for groups to feel they have a choice.” Over the past half century, numerous RDA activities have epitomised our 'It's what we can do that matters' mantra. We're looking forwards to even more innovation and fun in the next 50 years!

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Equine

Off to a

good start

Already, the nights are just that much shorter, the days a few precious minutes longer, and soon it'll be Spring â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and time to get ponies ready for the busy summer season ahead. Groups know just how much hard work it can take, and how a successful season all starts with sound ponies. We talked with one group that has developed a practical and comprehensive pony assessment, ensuring the new season starts off with healthy, happy ponies.

t all began thirty-seven years ago, when I first started with RDA," says Elinor Phillips, Chief Instructor/Centre Manager at Angus RDA in Scotland. The group was active from the end of April (weather permitting) to the end of September or sometimes into early October, and the ponies were rested over the winter months. That first spring as the ponies returned to work at the group, Elinor was distressed at their poor condition. "I was horrified at the state of them, as they'd lost weight and their feet were a mess after six months wintered away," she says, explaining how it motivated her to start what has become a comprehensive pony assessment for every pony at the centre. Elinor suggested to the group organisers that the over-wintered ponies should all get a general health check from the local veterinarian in the spring, to make sure the new season started with healthy ponies. "After a bit of resistance, the chairman agreed, and we went on from there," she says. A few years later in 1997, RDA Angus completed its purpose-built centre, and changed its attending vet to one from the Parkside Veterinary Group. With equine welfare so central to life at Angus RDA, they even have Parkside Director, Alistair Crozier, as the group

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Chairman. The group now formally closes in December and January, although Joanne Horton, Company Secretary/Stable Manager, still puts the ponies out every morning, mucks out etc., and then returns every afternoon to bring them back in. At the beginning of February, vet Alistair gives all the ponies a general health check.

CHARTING PROGRESS "The health check is me being there as a voice for the horse's welfare," comments Alistair. He does most of the work at Angus RDA, and knows the horses well enough to build up a picture of each one. He explains the pony health check includes the eyes, heart, and back: "I also have a conversation with Joanne and Elinor during the check, on how the ponies are working, what lessons they're in, what they're doing. We also trot every horse and do flexibility tests to see how they move, because sometimes a straight line test doesn't show what might be starting to happen. For example, one of our notes shows 'front flexions good, stiffish hind flexion so reduce weight carrying limit'. Alistair also uses the information he gathers to update the weight limit for each pony. This goes on a chart displayed on the group noticeboard,

so it's visible to everyone who is in the group, who can quickly see the pony's age, weight, and the maximum weight it should carry. Joanne says: "There is never any question as to each horse's weightcarrying limit. Volunteers are made aware of these limits at our training days, as they have a turn of riding, leading, side walking etc., and are asked to check the chart and then go with the horse that can carry the weight." Although the checks and charts may sound time-consuming to start, they do make group life simpler. As Alistair comments: "It's difficult for even an experienced horse person or volunteer to make a viable argument against what the vet says because the vet's got the qualification. It's a lot simpler and more straightforward and makes it easier for Elinor and Joanne."

CONTINUED GOOD HEALTH "Through the regular vet health checks in the spring, we're trying to make sure the ponies enjoy what they're doing â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and that it's safe from their perspective as well," says Alistair. "There may be one or two ponies with the odd little niggle, although they're still perfectly capable of the work. Joanne and Elinor would be aware of any issues and the need to be a bit

Equine

more careful. It gives us a little bit longer with these horses still perfectly able to do their job." Alistair notes: "An experienced horse vet who's aware of the RDA work, or who does riding school licence inspections would be capable of doing the health checks and the weight-limits. It's important the people who predominantly oversee what's happening are also attending, so the vet can get a good picture of what's happening with that horse over the year." He adds that he's starting the health checks and weight charts with another local RDA group: "They were at the training day at Angus RDA and liked the idea. So, I'm going there, and the stable manager and the deputy stable manger will be there, and I'll health check all the ponies and then come up with a weight-limit guide." Elinor comments that it's reassuring to know the new season is starting off with healthy ponies, and the vetcertified weight limit on the charts. A pony at the Angus group recently retired after 12 years, and as Alistair comments: "That's a long time to be doing RDA work, and I'm sure the health checks and rider-weight limits is part of that continued good health."

us a little bit longer “ It gives with these horses.

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Simple ideas that work Keeping the ponies comfortable and in work for as long as possible is at the core of both the vet health check and the weight-limit charge, and both can be implemented by other groups. "It's a great idea," comments Liz Morrison, a member of the RDA UK Coaching and Equine Committees and co-author of 'The Veterinary Care of the Horse' with Sue Devereux. Liz has always had a deep interest in horse care and riding for soundness. Commenting on the implementation of the health checks and weigh-limit charts, she cites two critical factors: cost management, and the need for an experienced yard manager who can assess where the horse is at, engage with the vet on an ongoing basis and

do a regular check up. Liz notes there's also a growing need for awareness of increasing a horse's capabilities through good conditioning work, as part of the vet care of the horse: "Senior level coaches and yard managers can assess each horse's strength and condition for the job, which is why in the new coaching pathway in the Advanced Coach training, we focus more on horse and rider biomechanics." She adds: "It's great the weight limits are published so everyone can see it, and can't argue. It's also really important that we have dialogue with riders, volunteers and parents about horses' welfare.” RDA’s Equine Health and Welfare Calendar, weight chart and guidance notes can be ordered free of charge from the group orders website www.grouporders. rda.org.uk

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@LambournRDA Happy New Year! Let’s hope 2019 is a good year for

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t's Spring and groups all over the UK are looking forward to the year ahead.

Growth and fun

s a newly opened Group we are using the wonderful facilities of Reaseheath College in Nantwich, Cheshire, with its indoor and outdoor arenas, disabled toilets, parking and space for equipment and mounting ramps. The original plan was to use the horses and ponies at the College, and we contacted other RDA Groups who ride at equestrian colleges around the country to see how they operate. However, none of the equines at Reaseheath were suitable. So, we started using Flicka the mechanical horse and got settled into regular time slots. Our riders have progressed and had fun, and as most of our enthusiastic volunteers had no previous RDA experience, we’ve had time to train and get to know each other.

New rider opportunities

inda Webster and Sara Jones Williams (co-dressage Reps for North Wales Region) have liaised with local dressage event organisers to hold RDA classes at competitions around North Wales in 2019. Riders can compete at BD-affiliated and non-affiliated competitions; results may lead to a Spring and Autumn League.

Thanks to the help of our local Sainsbury’s, The Cheshire Police Federation, The Lions Club and generous sponsors, we have most of the special equipment, hats and tack, and a shed. To achieve our goals, the search for equines has started – we need four varying sized horses and ponies. There is a great demand for riding in our area and we have riders of all ages. The future is exciting and we are starting slowly to make sure we have a sound base on which to grow and flourish. Sheila Saner, Nantwich & District Group Chair, NorthWest

Some of our riders compete on their own horses/ponies, although many rely on their group to supply one. In some cases that may not be possible, and Sara has compiled a 'pool of horses' available to RDA riders for training and competitions. At a two-day rider training at Pen Y Coed Riding Stables, seven riders did new BD and RDA tests and tried out some of the new 'pool horses'. Anona White, Regional Chair for West Mercia, assessed and coached our riders for levels 2, 3 and 4 show jumping. We look forward to North Wales riders competing at a 'mock qualifier' (organised by Kirstie Harper) before the event in May, with riders hoping to qualify for Hartpury. Due to increasing interest, we aim to put on rider training or competition opportunities every month until the run up to Hartpury. More information on our Facebook page for North Wales RDA. Larissa Burnett, Co-chair, North Wales

@RDAnational As we start 2019 & our special #RDA50 anniversary year we'd like to say a massive THANK YOU to

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everyone and we are looking forward to celebrating @RDAnational 50th Anniversary later in the year.

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The children were excited to see donkeys in the playground.

Trust in the future

DA Iceni Group is planning new activities after getting funds from a charitable trust that also supports Arundel Group RDA. Regular riders attend The Castle School in Cambridge, which regularly invites us to a school assembly celebrating the pupils’ riding activities. As an activity, we took two miniature donkeys (belonging to our founder Diana Alla) to the school for everyone to meet. The children were excited to see donkeys in their playground, and the donkeys welcomed pats, strokes and some gentle grooming from the children; the staff were rather excited, too. The Bees

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class (children who use wheelchairs and would not necessarily be candidates for riding) was thrilled to meet, touch and be so close to the donkeys. After their experiences with RDA, the school children have enjoyed a separate initiative offered by the Snailriver Horse Drawn Carriage company, which has a specialised vehicle that accommodates wheelchairs, and is pulled by two piebald Shetland ponies. Owner Claire Bourne drives the ponies as the children take in the countryside sights and smells – sometimes in cheerful sunshine, and at other times experiencing a chill sleet-ridden wind from the East. The Group’s volunteers were delighted to see so much enjoyment. Thalia Myers, Iceni Group, East

Maggie's ramp

n 2017, to enhance The Unicorn Centre’s inclusivity ethos, our then-Chair Maggie Tansley and the trustees decided to raise £5000 towards a mounting ramp for our outside arena. Unexpectedly and sadly, Maggie passed away in the spring of that year and her family requested donations from her funeral be made towards her pet project. Maggie was passionate about horses and their powerful connection with disabled people, volunteering at the Unicorn Centre for many years as an enthusiastic and inspiring coach. She was also very active in RDA nationally as well as being Yorkshire and Cleveland Region Chair, tirelessly supporting and advising local RDA groups. Funding from Screwfix, Middlesbrough Golf Club, Teesside Flower Club and Aviva, and proceeds from Maggie’s funeral, enabled completion of the wooden ramp by Autumn 2018, with a celebratory official opening of ‘Maggie’s Mounting Ramp’ planned for Spring 2019. The new ramp enables simultaneous delivery of lessons in both arenas, reducing our waiting list for riding lessons. And, on competition days, participants now have independence of choice and more privacy as they’re able to mount outdoors and use the outdoor arena as a warming up/collecting ring. We think Maggie would be very pleased with ‘her’ ramp! Moira Wragg, Regional Publicity Officer, Yorkshire & Cleveland

players @PostcodeLottery for your incredible support of RDA over the past 5 years your tickets really do #changelives :)

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@orde_sam I am proud & happy to be 1 of 18,000 @RDAnational volunteers

Sensory chocolate?

've been visually impaired (2-5% vision) since birth, so an invitation to try out another group’s sensory ride was appealing, particularly if my experience can help develop a similar facility at Cobbes Meadow. Although I've ridden since the age of 12, I'm a newcomer to Cobbes Meadow having been here for only three months. I love that when I'm riding I have the freedom to move around safely. I feel happy, relaxed and excited. Sometimes, I'm scared, but the bond with the horses means I trust them to see for me.

Recently, Kent County Chair, Carole Mounce, took me to visit Quest RDA in Surrey to try out their sensory ride. I didn't know what to expect, and was pleasantly surprised by the creative and versatile activities – my favourites were Sid the Sensory Snake, the horse shoe tree and the frog with the sticky tongue. I felt it was inclusive for people with different types of disability. It was a privilege to road test it so that I might be able to help create one at Cobbes Meadow. Some additions could be to introduce sensory equipment that uses smell and possibly different sounds underfoot – and, of course, chocolate for our taste buds! Only joking! Lexi Griffiths Rayson, Cobbes Meadow, South East

Building for the future

aithness group has launched its new mobile platform lift, designed for the group's specific requirements. County coach Alex Henderson said: "Mounting was often quite a challenging situation. We looked at alternative mounting systems to reduce the risk involved with using the mounting block and ensure our riders could mount in a dignified manner.” Mrs Stephen, Caithness RDA Chairman, added: "It's amazing how the horses took to it so quickly. The platform has made a big difference and the kids enjoy using it.” The Highland group is looking forward to completing negotiations for the lease of a 12-acre site for its new purpose-built RDA center. Susan Chisholm said: “Our activities have been on hold for a while. We've kept our

riders informed about progress, and although our five horses are enjoying their time in the field we are eager to bring them back to work. The move will give us the opportunity to increase our horse number, and provide more sessions. We will also now be able to do Hippotherapy at the center.” Grampian & Highlands

@lyndawhittaker2 Replying to @edrda @RDAnational If you want to feel valued, get fit, meet people, learn

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like James from @ParkLaneStables who talked @HouseofCommons supported by fab RDA staff @MattRDA @edrda

Renewed enthusiasm

n July 2018, it looked as though our Adult section was ending, after more than 30 years at a local riding school where conditions had slowly wound down and the school decided it could no longer accommodate us. After fruitless searches throughout a wide range of the surrounding countryside, we were unable to find another location. However, one of our helpers, Claudia, offered her premises; weeks of work, clearing and mowing by Claudia and husband Eden resulted in a lovely flat area. New stud rail fencing and picnic tables transformed the area, and approx-

New regional Chair

achel VaughanJohns is new Regional Chair for Mid West: “A huge thank you to Lizzie Blair for nine great years as Regional Chair. She built a strong team on our regional committee and the region benefited from her commitment, dedication and unswerving calm under pressure! "I hope to build on existing strengths. We are proud of our competitions, participants encouraged to take part and our commitment to providing rider

imately nine happy riders meet and ride regularly. The helpers have a renewed enthusiasm and enjoy running the sessions, and we have recruited three new volunteers who saw our RDA notice on the farm gate. The group now has three Group Coaches, two Assistant Coaches and two Trainee Coaches, and our Children's Section has also been successful with a concentrated advertising drive and has 10 new volunteers. The Group as a whole has almost doubled the amount of people helping to run our riding sessions, fundraising and publicity, so our riders can look forward to plenty of variety on future rides. Brenda Gladwell, Bramshaw RDA, South

opportunities. The new Coaching Pathway provides more coach training in the region, and I look forward to supporting our regional and county coaches. "Communication between groups and the regional and county teams is crucial. We are looking at our Facebook page and social media generally to help bring the Mid West RDA community together; I hope to welcome a new Regional Publicity Officer. Raising awareness of our work is vital to get the support our groups need. "We are hosting a Supra Regional Conference in May, with delegates from Mid West, South Wales and the South West. I look forward to welcoming participants and volunteers, meeting new faces, catching up with friends and strengthening relationships between the Mid West and our neighbouring regions.” Midwest

Mounting solutions

he final piece of the jigsaw is in place following the installation of a hoist in Sandy’s Stable – the culmination of hard work and support, enabling us to offer different opportunities to our participants and make mounting easier and more dignified for our riders and volunteers. Sandy’s Stable was opened in October 2017 by HRH The Princess Royal, and Sandy, the mechanical horse, was purchased by the Group following significant fund-raising efforts and the generous donations of businesses and supporters both locally and from further afield. His stable has been purposely designed to protect the equipment, and offer a warm and quiet environment in which our participants can achieve the full benefits of therapeutic riding. Sandy gives the group an alternative option, so that people who may not be able to ride a real horse can get the feeling of riding and experience the benefits of physical exercise that come from the movements of the horse. In the words of a participant: “So much easier to get onto Sandy. Keep up the excellent service, offering mounting solutions to people such as myself.” Thank you to Caroline and Dom from Horseplay Ltd who supported us along the way. Berwickshire Group, Edinburgh & Borders

a new skill, share a skill, gain confidence...... volunteering with RDA can offer you this and lots more!

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@RDA_WCScotland Dougal is very excited about the @RDAnational 50th

Exciting times ahead

he Horse Rangers Association (HRA), founded in 1954, is based at the Royal Mews, Hampton Court and has a thriving RDA programme. We hope to expand our numbers by 25% each year for the next two years to include many children on our waiting list. Nine of our horses are earmarked for the RDA, and our sessions focus on individual targets and goals, plus events, games and activities; we celebrated Christmas with our annual concert in the Chapel Royal within Hampton Court Palace. 2019 will be an exciting year for us, both within our RDA Squadrons (6 & 7) and our Mainstream Squadrons 1-5. Squadron 6 provides specialised support for 64 children and adults with mild to severe disabilities. They meet weekly in nine

different time slots during term time (32 weeks) for a 45-minute session, totalling 288 riding sessions per year. Sessions focus on individual targets and goals for each rider, including working towards RDA endeavour awards. Children also learn equinespecific vocabulary to describe what they are doing and why. All activities are enabled by a team of trained volunteers, including RDA and BHS Instructors. Squadron 7 aims to identify riders who can integrate and move into our mainstream Squadrons 1-5. The project is overseen by the Development Manager, Stable Manager and Group Coach. We are keen to accept and train new volunteers, so if you are in the west London area we would love to hear from you: www.horserangers.com Jeremy Richardson, Director at HRA, Greater London

Enduring futures

elburn Hall School Group enjoyed an exciting year organising a Royal visit, taking the riders on an RDA holiday and continuing the endurance rides. After much fund-raising, the arena refurbishing was completed, and HRH The Princess Royal officially opened it in October. Five riders gave a demonstration on their ponies, and were presented with commemorative rosettes; non-mounted members were also presented with rosettes. The Group has started endurance riding, and currently does the 3K endurance rides; as more riders get involved, the time could be increased with the more advanced riders. We make the rides fun, with a small picnic stop half-way round, and using the stethoscopes to listen for the horse's heart beat. We have some volunteers who live in locations suited to endurance rides, thus providing the opportunity to increase the distance next year. With more volunteers (20) and Group Coaches, we can accommodate more children to ride, and look forward to our riding sessions in 2019. Rossington Hall RDA is planning to celebrate National RDAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

50th Anniversary with a Masquerade Ball at the Luxurious Rossington Hall, and welcomes other member groups to share in this memorable event. Details at www.facebook.com/RossingtonHallRDA Elspeth Crookenden, Group Organiser, and Sandra Crabtree, Group Secretary, NE & South Yorkshire

@MattRDA Excited to launch our new research on the benefits of volunteering as we kick off our 50th anniversary with an important report

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celebrations this year. He’s hoping to visit his regional groups for celebration cake and carrots! #RDA50

Sunshine moments

he region has much to look forward to in the next 12 months, including hosting the 2019 RDA

Scottish SUPRA Regional Conference, which promises to be an interesting and informative day. The Regional and Scottish Championships are always fun and exciting, and the hard work that goes into them makes them inspiring and worthwhile. We also looking forward to welcoming new groups and new activities in existing groups, and congratulate those whose hard work is turning dreams into reality. As much as I am looking forward to these events, I also look forward to the small moments in the day: when a student manages to hold the reins correctly; the half smile of joy when a ball is thrown into a bucket and stays there; a student who struggles with emotion saying he loves his pony and giving it a hug; and the thrill of getting a horse to canter for the first time, when even the thought makes you tremble. Some of these moments are hard won, taking weeks and months to achieve. Each moment, for the individual and those supporting and helping them, is a small success, a tiny step along the path of ‘can do’s in a world full of challenges. Each small individual triumph turns on a small light in my heart, which by the end of the year has become an RDA ray of sunshine. Petra Humphrey, County Coach, West & Central Scotland

Ambitions with Iggy

leethorpes and Grimsby RDA has competed successfully at RDA Dressage, but not in Countryside Challenge, so the group plans to start competing in 2019. Coaches attended a Countryside Challenge training day, ﬁnding out how the course should be ridden and what the judges look for. Soon after, the North Midlands Region held a Fun Day, including a Countryside Challenge course. The group took two riders and a pony along, and they went home with more understanding about taking riders round a course and ideas about equipment needed for the various obstacles. The riders and pony also gained valuable competition experience. Building on that knowledge, coaches and volunteers are preparing to take part in the North Midlands Regional Qualiﬁers, building courses and training riders and ponies. Iggy, the 13.2hh Welsh pony is proving to be a Countryside Challenge star, transformed from the timid, low-confidence pony of four years ago into the ‘one in a million’ pony. Cleethorpes & Grimsby RDA, Iggy and his riders are all looking forward to 2019 and achieving their Countryside Challenge ambition. Sarah Davies, North Midlands

showing how volunteering with @RDAnational benefits physical and mental health. Read the full document at http://rda.org.uk/news

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Out & About

Join the conversation @RDANational:

@RYASailability Great to be with @RDAnational launching their

Pastures new

estmorland RDA driving group is on the move again. Over the past 20 years, the driving group has been based at four different venues: two charities offering outdoor activities to disabled guests, a DIY livery yard and, most recently, a riding school-cum-sheep farm. From 2019, it will be driving on the Westmorland Agricultural Society (WAS) Showfield, which has the advantage of a network of permanent hard tracks, which should cut down on cancellation of drives due to waterlogged ground, a not infrequent problem when driving on grazing land in the Lake District. This

will be the third venue shared with sheep, who are always very interested in our cones, and lambs with no traffic sense at all. Fortunately the pony, Monty, is well used to them and the helpers are very good at shepherding. The venue is not, initially, able to offer any storage for carriage, cones, hats etc, so the group will be rising to the challenge of getting the pony and all the kit there every week. The helpers might also find themselves riding bikes to keep up with Monty trotting briskly along the tracks over quite a large area. The group is looking forward to working with the WAS and to the opportunities offered by the new venue. Jenny Harris, RDA CD Coach and CD Assessor, CD Rep, North

Celebrations

he Cavalier Centre will be a state-of-the-art riding centre for disabled people of all ages. Over the past six years, our community has raised over £1million to build the Centre. The ethos of RDA Groups everywhere is to enrich the lives of those with disabilities through horses, providing therapy, enjoyment and fulfillment – with its new facilities, the Perry RDA seeks to meet that goal. The Perry Group has been running for 23 years with very basic weather-dependent facilities, so the new Centre will be life changing for the Group. The facility will have a large indoor arena, an all-weather carriage driving track, therapy rooms, viewing gallery and classrooms, allowing people with disabilities to take part in therapeutic riding, vaulting, hippo-therapy and carriage driving all year round. Our vision is to create a central hub for para-sporting activities and events for disabled people, not simply equestrian in nature. We want to enable more disabled individuals to access activities proven to promote good health and well-being. The Cavalier Centre will be fully accessible to enable those

with mobility issues to be as independent as possible. We are already providing life-changing activities with very basic facilities – with the purpose-built Centre we can make an even bigger difference. Trevor White, Regional Publicity Officer, West Mercia

@IndiaCCD India Collins-Davies Retweeted Matt Cobble I can genuinely think of few things which have contributed

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Out & About

#healthandhappiness #volunteering report.”it has opened my eyes to how everything can and should be”

Biggest dream

oaches and Helpers from the RDA South Wales Region spent an informative day at Pencoed College in Bridgend in October 2018, looking at Level 1 Show Jumping and the new Coaching Pathway. Mike Butcher guided us through introducing Level 1 Show Jumping sessions to groups with a Coach Certificate coach with no assessment. We were reminded of the three stages of leading and how to use poles within group sessions to create interest, variety and valuable physical and educational benefits. Our six riders and three horses from the Bridgend County group enjoyed the experience and we hope regional groups will take up the challenge of a new experience. County Coach Emma Thomas led the after-lunch session and introduced the new Coaching Pathway, and its use on a practical level. It was a good opportunity to ask questions and take away the paperwork for further reading.

ometimes, looking into the future is like standing on a beach where the water meets the sand and looking out over the ocean. The expanse of water is so big and deep and dark, and it’s impossible to know and see all the things that could possibly be out there and that can be quite scary. So an achievable goal gives me an aim, something to work towards and something to make the prospect of looking forwards exciting rather than frightening. I've been to the RDA National Championships at Hartpury each year for five years, as groom and helper for the Erme Vally riders and horses. But 2019 will be different; a recent change in circumstance means I am eligible to try and qualify for the championships, and it seems only right to try and qualify with Teddy, my four-legged equine best friend who I have been riding for three and a half years. So, what could have been a scary and confusing time post-diagnosis has become an opportunity to work hard every day to prepare Teddy and me for the regional competitions, in the hope that my biggest dream of riding at the RDA National Championships at Hartpury might finally come true. After all, ‘the best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today’.

Amanda Say, South Wales

Ellie Halton, South West

Practical experiences

Mounting Success

DA Coleraine was selected by RDA NI and Disability Sport NI for the installation of a translyft hydraulic mounting platform, which was installed in August, 2018. Coaches were trained, and volunteers familiarised with the platform and how our horses would be introduced to this significant piece of machinery. It was important that everyone knew how best to proceed – as we all know, pushing things too fast with horses can be disastrous. We started with showing the platform to the riderless herd in the arena, gradually brought closer, and past someone on the platform. We also moved the platform while the horses were in the stables, getting them used to the noise – a steady motor sound going up, and almost noiseless going down. We are using the new ramp with able-bodied riders, with no issues; it has fitted in well. The benefits of a hydraulic platform inside include safety, accessibility and ease of supervision. The riders love it, and we anticipate it will help decrease mounting time and improve overall provision. Julie Frazer, Regional Chair, Northern Ireland

more to my wellbeing over the past seven and a half years than volunteering with my @RDAnational group.

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Directory & Events

CALENDAR 2019 March 1 March

Course, The Haven Centre, Crawley Down, Crawley

Hough on the Hill, Lincs

14 May

13 April

Countryside Challenge Judges Training, RDA National Training Centre, Shrewley, Warwickshire

3 March

South West Regional Qualifier, Lakefield Equestrian Centre, Cornwall

2 March

RDA Dressage Judge Training Day, Avon Centre, Bristol

National Showjumping Training Day, The Pegasus Centre, Morpeth, Northumberland

15 March

16 April

Mid West Level 4 Showjumping Training Day, Urchinwood Manor, near Bristol

Coaching Module - Mid West Region, Wilton RDA, Pembroke Centre, Nr Salisbury

16 March

16 April

Assessors and Reviewers (Mop up) Training day, Gretna Hall Hotel, Gretna Green, Scotland

Delivering the Modules - East Region, Magpie Centre, Runcton Holme, Norfolk

17 March

26 April

Physiotherapists, OT's and Speech & Language Therapists in RDA Study Day, Middleton Park Equestrian Centre, Middleton Grove, Leeds

North Midlands Regional Qualifier, Scropton Riding & Driving Centre, Scropton

Horsecare and Knowledge Mid West Region, Cotswold RDA, Cheltenham

2-3 March North Wales Vaulting Training Weekend

2 March  Coach the Coach (Mop up) Training day, Lowlands Equestrian Centre, Gallery Meeting room, Shrewley

2 March South East Pre-Coach Training Session – Open, The Haven Centre, Crawley Down, Crawley

2 March   South East - Safeguarding

25 March  Delivering the Modules East Region, Gaddesden Place, Hemel Hempstead Hertfordshire

25 March Yorkshire & Cleveland Countryside Challenge Training Day, Snydale RDA, Snydale

Accidents Happen How you deal with them can

26 March Coaching Module Training Day - Greater London

April 04 April

Save A Life!

South East Pre-Coach Training Session - Open, Chalkdown RDA Group, Clapper Lane, Staplehurst

Emergency First Aid at Work A course suitable for volunteers, instructors, coaches, drivers and riders.

10 April Northern Ireland Regional Qualifier, Laurel View RDA Group, Co Antrim

29 April Horsecare and Knowledge East Region, South Cambs EC, Sawston, Cambridgeshire

29 April South East Pre-Coach Training Session - Open, Cranleigh RDA, Surrey

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Delivering the Modules - East Region, Magpie Centre, Runcton Holme, Norfolk

05 May Yorkshire & Cleveland Regional Qualifier, Northallerton Equestrian Centre, North Yorkshire

07 May Therapy and Medical - Mid West, Wellow Trekking Centre, Ford Road Bath

09 May South East Regional Qualifier, Felbridge Show Centre, Felbridge. West Sussex

Hill Lodge, Dorset

Accessible self-catering holiday let, 10mins from Poole Harbour n 3 ensuite double bedrooms, with downstairs bedroom & wetroom n Accessible self-catering holiday let, n Shower-chair & profiling bed provided Other equipment upon request 10minsnn from Poole Harbour rda.org.uk Accessible kitchen and level access to n 3 ensuiteoutdoors double bedrooms, with n Dogs allowed. Free wi-fi downstairs bedroom & wetroom

12 May North West Regional Qualifier, Pa Crosby RDA Group, Little Crosby

¢ Accessible self-catering holiday let, 10mins from Poole Harbour ¢ 3 ensuite double bedrooms, n with downstairs bedroom & wetroom ¢ Shower-chair & profiling bed provided ¢ Other equipment upon request ¢ Accessible kitchen and level access to outdoors ¢ Dogs allowed. Free wi-fi

West Mercia Regional Qualifier, Stourport Riding Centre, Stourport-on-Severn

15 May South Wales Regional Qualifier, Carmarthenshire College, Carmarthenshire

17 May North Midlands Regional Qualifier, Scropton Riding & Driving Centre, Scropton

19 May East Regional Qualifier, College of West Anglia, King's Lynn

19 May South Regional Qualifier, Wellington Riding Centre, Hook Hampshire

23 May Mid West Regional Qualifier Urchinwood Manor, Near Bristol

May 02 May

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14 May

13 May

23 May Scottish Carriage Driving Regional Qualifier, Hopetoun International HDT

26 May Edinburgh & Borders Regional Qualifier, Scottish National Equestrian Centre, Ecclesmachen, West Lothian

26 May Yorkshire & Cleveland Regional Qualifier, Throstle Nest RDA, Laneside, Wilsden

27 May Yorkshire & Cleveland Regional Qualifier, Stokesley RDA, Nunthorpe

29 May Greater London Regional Qualifier, The Diamond Centre, Carshalton, Surrey

Equine National Training Day National Training Centre, Shrewley, Warwickshire

29 May

14 May

South East Regional Qualifier Hickstead

Mid West Regional Qualifier, Wilton RDA, Pembroke Centre, Nr Salisbury

Northern Ireland Regional Qualifier, Laurelview Equestrian Centre, Co Antrim

29 May 29 May South Wales Regional Qualifier Pencoed College, Pencoed

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