RDA Autumn 2017

AUTUMN 2017

The official magazine of Riding for the Disabled Association

RDA:

Looking to the future Para gold

2017 Gala Awards

Why I need the RDA

RIDING ■ DRIVING ■ COMPETITIONS ■ EDUCATION ■ THERAPY

Thank you!

Stables Ponies New Driving Carriages Horse trailers New sheds Riding hats Disabled Toilets Saddle club classrooms Riding equipment and more!

Thanks to the generous support of players of People’s Postcode Lottery many RDA Groups have seen their projects change from dream to reality!

Message from the Editor

W

e’re entering that mellow, gentle time of the year, with Autumn in glorious technicolour – a time to sit back, hot mug of tea or coffee in hand, and look back with pleasure on the year’s achievements. With this October issue, we look at just how much can be done with passion, enthusiasm, and the ‘just do it!’ attitude among RDA’s riders, volunteers and horses.

For example, read (page 10) what motivates Britain’s unbeaten paradressage team, and how other riders can follow their footsteps, while East Region’s Regional Participant Rep., Lizzie Bennett explains (page 14) what it means to be a para rider and why the RDA is so important to her. And, the fifth RDA Gala Awards dinner is a celebration of the outstanding achievements and dedication of RDA participants, volunteers, supporters and horses, starting on page 16.

In time for the colder seasons, Vet Nathalie Cole explains (page 20) how older horses have different requirements to their younger counterparts, and require careful management to prevent problems.

Looking into the future, we talk to Sam Orde and Ed Bracher about the vision behind the RDA UK strategy for 2017 – 2021 (starting on page 24).

And, of course, all the regional updates, and news from around the UK. At RDA, we strive to inform, engage and inspire you. So, thank you again for your continued support – and remember to subscribe (at no cost) to make sure to get all future issues of your information–packed RDA magazine.

Ffion Llwyd-Jones Editor of RDA Magazine ffion@rda.org.uk

Ffion learned to ride horses, fell in love with her first dog, and started playing with words as she was growing up on Anglesey.

The start of a lifelong passion for horses, dogs, people, and writing!

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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Contents The official magazine of Riding for the Disabled Association

t: +44 (0) 1926 492915 e: info@rda.org.uk www.rda.org.uk 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 ART DIRECTOR Adriano Cattini e: adriano@matrixprint.com ADVERTISING SALES Catherine Baldock e: catherineb@matrixprint.com 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, English Federation of Disability Sport 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. ©2016 The Riding for the Disabled Association.

AUTUMN 2017

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.

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The official magazine of Riding for the Disabled Association

Achievements:

what we CAN do!

Golden winners

2017 Gala Awards

To the future!

06 NEWS

20 OLDER HORSE CARE

Awards, Big Rides, and cheques

Longer, happier lives

10 DELIVERING GOLD

26 REGIONAL ROUND-UP

New faces at the top

News and photos

14 THE PARA VAULTER AND THE RDA

35 WHAT’S GOING ON

RIDING ■ DRIVING ■ COMPETITIONS ■ EDUCATION ■ THERAPY

16 RDA GALA 2017

Don’t forget to have your say. Share your rides, experiences and comments by going online...

Exciting events for 2017/2018!

RDA national news

NationalNews CARL HESTER PRESENTS YELA GOLD AWARDS Three young volunteers had their efforts rewarded when dressage legend Carl Hester attended the RDA National Championships to present their Gold YELA Awards. Nancy Tracey, Lydia Stephenson, and Emily Ham reached the top level of the Young Equestrian Leaders Award, completing 60 hours of volunteering. ‘We were delighted that Carl agreed to present the awards,’ said Katy Downing, who runs the YELA programme for RDA on

Cheque Boost Players of People’s Postcode Lottery have kickstarted RDA’s National Training Centre fundraising campaign with a whopping £200,000. In a surprise presentation at the charity’s annual gala awards dinner, representatives from the lottery handed over the enormous cheque to the delight of guests. The cheque was received by Paralympian and Training Centre Project Patron, Sophie Christiansen CBE, and RDA Chairman Sam Orde.

‘The continued support from players for all areas of our work is just amazing,’ says RDA Head of Fundraising, Sal Atkinson. ‘This boost to our Training Centre project will go such a long way in helping our dream become a reality.

We cannot thank players enough for their generosity, which takes us a huge step forward in achieving our fundraising target.

‘Players of People’s Postcode Lottery have supported RDA for many years and it is a privilege to see first-hand the transformational work they do,’ said Lisa Belletty, People’s Postcode Lottery. ‘We are proud to award £200,000 towards their new National Training Centre which will provide fantastic opportunities for many more disabled riders and drivers.’

The cheque presentation followed an inspiring talk about coaching and the need for the National Training Centre by journalist, broadcaster and RDA supporter Alastair Stewart OBE.

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Tracker in the USA!

The Tracker has now been launched in America. PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) is running a twelveweek pilot with 120 participants. The centres are across various states, including Washington and Colorado.

In other developments, RDA is producing a Ground Work Tracker pad to enable participants who don’t wish to ride or drive the chance to have their progress tracked. For more information about this, the free Tracker, e-learning course, or any other aspect of using The Tracker contact Emma Bayliss: ebayliss@rda.org.uk

behalf of the BEF. ‘The Gold Award is a huge commitment and demonstrates the real dedication that young people bring to their volunteering.

Congratulations to all the candidates, and thank you to Carl for taking time out of his busy schedule to recognise our three winners.’

ALASTAIR STEWART AT AGM This year’s RDA AGM will feature talks from journalist and broadcaster Alastair Stewart, and CEO of English Federation of Disability Sport, Barry Horne. The event takes place at Saddlers Hall, London on 10 November.

Alastair Stewart, OBE, is an enthusiastic supporter of RDA, and will share with delegates his thoughts about the charity and why he has been so keen to get involved and help with fundraising, raising awareness and more.

Barry Horne will talk about the research EFDS has carried out among disabled people, looking at attitudes to sport, taking part in activities, and the barriers that prevent greater involvement.

‘We are delighted to be welcoming two such interesting speakers – both leaders in their fields – to share their insights with us,’ said RDA Chief Executive, Ed Bracher. ‘I hope as many RDA groups as possible will be represented on the day.’

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RDA national news

Kathryn Wheelock

SHOWING CHAMPIONSHIPS Kathryn Wheelock, from Otley & District RDA, on Westpoint First of Many has won first place in the firstever SEIB RDA Showing Championship Class.

Eight RDA riders competed in the competition, part of The British Show Horse Association Championships.

All eight had successfully competed against hot competition at one of three qualifying competitions during the summer.

Three new judges put the competitors (and horses) through their paces, including a familiar face in form of previous RDA Chairman, Jane HoldernessRoddam.

Lizzie Bennet from Cambs College RDA, who was riding sidesaddle on Rolo, took second place, with third place going to Kayla Pratt from Stokesley riding Hunky Dory. Congratulations to all the other qualifiers: Gabriella Blake (South Notts RDA), Imy Darke (Erme Valley), Brooke-Leigh Johnson (Unicorn Centre), Lee Lawrence (Cotswold RDA), and Vicky Nutcombe (Mount Group).

The class will run again next year with qualifiers at even more venues.

For more information on showing, please visit: www.rda.org.uk/ runningyourgroup/showing/

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BUY A BRICK – BUILD OUR FUTURE As RDA’s National Training Centre plan gains momentum, the charity has launched a ‘Buy a Brick’ fundraising campaign to encourage as many supporters as possible to become part of the project.

The virtual bricks have a suggested value of £30 or over, and every buyer over £30 can leave a message of support that will be included in a celebratory book.

‘This is a great way for people to become part of the creation of our Training Centre,’ said fundraiser Catherine Stuart Yapp. ‘This isn’t just about an actual building. The Training Centre represents an important step in the future success of RDA for generations to come, and I hope our supporters from the wider RDA family will want to give their support.’

To ‘buy a brick’ visit: www. justgiving.com/campaigns/ charity/ridingfordisabled/ buyabrick NEW ADDITION TO THE RDA FAMILY We are delighted to welcome a new arrival to the RDA family. Sophie Elizabeth Katherine Cartwright was born to Laura and Jamie on 13 August. Mother and baby both doing well.

Laura will be known to many RDA groups in her role as DBS and Annual Returns coordinator, as well as Coach registration and National Championships support.

While Laura is on maternity leave her role is being looked after by Beth Randles: brandles@rda.org.uk.

Police horses lead Greater London Big Ride

Record Big Ride Numbers As part of the ‘Big Ride’ project, raising funds for the RDA National Training Centre, RDA Chairman Sam Orde joined the RDA Festival of Endurance, organised in partnership with Scottish Endurance Riding Clubs. The event took place at Highland RDA Group’s beautiful venue overlooking the Moray Firth. The event was supported by the team from Scottish Endurance Riding Clubs, and farrier and vet checks were completed before the riders set out on the picturesque route organised by RDA Endurance Committee member, Brenda Burnett. Brenda had a busy day not only running the competition, but also competing herself alongside two RDA riders. At their allocated times riders set out in pairs with a coach to ride 15km, 11km or 8km through woodland and along grassy tracks on the beautiful Rosehaugh Estate.

The crew from SERC met each team at check points to refresh the horses. RDA rider Lisa, who is also Highland group’s volunteer coordinator, was presented with a trophy and certificate for achieving 160 km total for her endurance rides. Another rider, Stuart, pipped Lisa to the post, receiving his certificate for 200 accumulated kilometres. Big Rides in North Midlands, West & Central Scotland and Greater London (where over 100 riders took part) have taken Sam’s kilometre totals to new heights, and with four rides still to go the project is set to boost funds for RDA’s National Training Centre even further.

Big Ride RDA UK events so far RDA riders/vaulters/carriage drivers Volunteers & supporters riding/carriage driving Volunteers walking Big Ride Total km with ponies Distance by volunteers on foot

15 210 195 270 2163km 1028km

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RDA national news

NationalNews

Online Dressage Champions Between August 2016 and March 2017, riders from across the country competed monthly to qualify for the fourth RDA Online Dressage Championships. To qualify, riders needed to gain a score of 60% or above, and were invited to an Online Championship Show during May 2017.

A record number of riders qualified and took part at Intro, Grade 1, 2, 3 and 4 levels, achieving amazing scores. Para and FEI 5* judge, Sarah Leitch, judged the Online Championship tests.

Ruth Chappell of Dressage Anywhere said: ‘We love working with the RDA and groups around the country to run this series. It’s a great opportunity for riders who maybe don’t have their own horse or a chance to compete, to really get involved in competitive dressage.’

Jeanette Dixon, charity organiser at Mid Cheshire RDA, and gold medal winner in the Grade 3 class, said: ‘Dressage Anywhere means a lot to us, and particularly to me.

It gives us the opportunity to compete, which we may not otherwise have. For me,

NATIONAL COACHES TRAINING DAY The Lake District made a beautiful backdrop to the latest National Coaches Training Day, held at Calvert Trust in Keswick. Fifty-three

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my disability limits when I can compete and going out to competition had become almost impossible for me. Being able to carry on through Dressage Anywhere gives me a goal to work to, and it allows our riders the same opportunity. We can take only a limited number of riders out, for reasons of cost and the limits of their disability, as well as the number of horses, and who we can accommodate, but the RDA Online Dressage Qualifiers and Championships allows so many more to take part.’

Each 1st, 2nd and 3rd placed rider was awarded a gold, silver or bronze medal at the RDA Nationals in Hartpury in July.

Ruth said: ‘It was such an honour to be part of the prize givings at Hartpury; a real pleasure to meet some of our competitors and congratulate them on their successes.’

The qualifiers for the RDA Online Dressage Championships 2018 run every month between now and the end of March 2018. More information: http://www. dressageanywhere.com/Home/Schedule

delegates joined trainers Sue Adams-Wheeler and Lynne Munro for a full day of practical and theoretical sessions.

With topics including The Three Stages of Learning and Hippotherapy Works; Comparing horse types, Embracing progressions and Rider Position and Aids, there wasn’t much time for enjoying the view, but

there was certainly much to inspire. ‘A great day,’ said one candidate. ‘Always good to attend the training days to keep up with changes and refresh one’s mind.’

A further eight days are planned for venues around the UK up until March next year, before a new cycle of training begins again in the Spring.

The RDA Grants for Groups programme is open until 9 November, thanks to the support of players of People’s Postcode Lottery, BT Supporters Club and other donors. Grants are geared towards projects where groups can show that the money will enable them to grow or improve the quality of experience for riders or drivers.

In 2016, Wakefield RDA received a grant for the purchase of new Countryside Challenge equipment. The new equipment has been used for riders and volunteers on the run up to the regional qualifiers, and has benefited 80 riders as well as four other groups.

‘We had lots of positive feedback from riders, their families and friends. They told us our facilities looked super and everyone had a brilliant day,’ said a spokesperson from the group.

More information about grants can be found at: www.rda.org. uk/runningyourgroup/ group-fundraisingevents/grantsforgroups

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SEIB are proud to have worked with the RDA to introduce the new discipline of Showing

Thank you to all the groups and competitors that have taken part, we have loved having you along for the ride and been particularly impressed with your riding abilities and sportsmanship.

SEIB Insurance Brokers have been supporting the equestrian community for over 50 years and can provide cover for most things equestrian.

If you have a horse, horsebox, business, yard or home with stables or just need cover for liability please give us a call.

We will be delighted to provide you with a quote for a policy that will protect your interests at a price that won’t break the bank.

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Para dressage

While it may be a truism to say it’s ‘not all about winning, but as much about taking part’, the Britain’s para-dressage team is proving you can do both very well indeed.

As Para-Dressage Performance Manager, Sarah Armstrong commented: ‘They’ve seriously delivered.’

In this article, we find out more about what motivates this unbeaten team, how challenges are overcome, and how other para riders can follow their footsteps.

AND… REPEAT! By clinching the gold at the 2017 Longines FEI European Championships (FEI EC) in Gothenburg (ahead of Denmark and The Netherlands), the four-member, all-female team retained its European title, and its unbeaten record, having never been beaten at European, Paralympic or World level.

As if that wasn’t enough, for three of the team members, it was their first championships.

‘Grit and determination, the hunger to be successful, passion and drive – and repeat!’

That’s Sarah Armstrong commenting about the team’s winning formula, adding that a supportive foundation structure and funding cannot be underestimated. And, as she says, the team delivered ­– even with three ‘newbies’ on the team, along with young veteran Sophie Wells.

For Sophie, it was her fifth European Championships, and the second for her horse C Fatal Attraction.

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Nottinghambased Sophie was instrumental in setting up Papplewick RDA. She notes that there are ‘some great riders and trainers in this country’.

She adds: ‘My horses inspire me to be a better rider and become a better trainer. I take inspiration from many riders in the Paralympic circuit as well as able bodied.’

That inspiration is echoed by her team-mate, Erin Orford, who began riding at South Bucks RDA. ‘I love the training and working with the horses, and each day I’m inspired by people around me, my coach, friends and competitors, to work hard to be a better rider so that I can do my horse justice,’ she says. At the FEI EC, Erin won her first championship medal (bronze) on Pimms. She adds: ‘In 2004, I went out to Athens to watch the Paralympics, and seeing the British team receive their gold medals with the national

anthem playing in the background made me realise that was what I wanted to do.’

Being part of the team is equally inspiring for both Suzanna Hext and Julie Payne.

Individual Grade III gold medallist Suzanna comments that she is inspired by ‘training, competing and the thought of riding in the atmosphere at a World and Paralympic games in the future, among a fantastic team.’ And Julie adds that her inspiration comes from ‘other riders number one, plus I want to keep learning and proving you can do the things in life you wish by aiming high.’ At the FEI EC, Julie and Di Redfern’s Athene Lindebjerg (South Bucks RDA) posted a score of 78.107,

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Para dressage GBR is backed and managed by the Equestrian World Class Programme, part of UK Sport’s National Lotteryfunded investment strategy.

Erin was shortlisted for London 2012, reserve for WEG 2014, reserve for Rio 2016 Paralympics, and reserve for 2017. ‘Having come so close so many times, I couldn’t believe it when I finally got the call,’ she says. ‘I’d worked so hard for such a long time to be given the opportunity, and I wanted to make sure I didn’t waste it – being at a Championship was my first chance to win a medal, I wasn’t just there to make up the numbers. Being part of the team was a huge honour, but also a massive responsibility – so many people would have loved to be in my position, and I was proud and grateful to be involved.’ She adds: ‘As a country, we have a lot of strength in depth across all grades, and the level of competition just to make it onto the team is phenomenal. As a squad, we’re lucky to have a strong and knowledgeable support team around us as well as with our individual teams that drives further improvement.’

The structured support system for disabled riders is an important factor, comments Suzanne. ‘Right from the RDA, to the Talent Pathways that set

just shy of a personal best.

TEAM SPIRIT ‘Team success over the years is exactly that. The team!’ emphasises Julie.

She adds that it’s not just the riders, but also the team behind them – coaches, physio (equine and human), sports psychology, nutritionist, vet, coordinators, logistics, and training.

‘We have an amazing training system,’ she says, adding that ‘representing your country is the ultimate. To show good conduct, skill and success for GB is such an honour.’

Sarah concurs that the immediate support team – ‘the team behind the team’ – has been consistent over the years. She also emphasizes the importance of the lottery funding. ‘It allows us to run the programme, and we cannot underestimate that,’ she says. ‘We get the best training, and the best horse care, which enables us to go and deliver on the world stage, and set people up on the right track.’ Team

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Para dressage you on the right path, to having the ability to gain a place on the Lottery Funded World Class Programme – we have a fantastic team around us on the World Class Programme. At international level, it’s much harder to compete successfully without the whole team support. It’s a huge team effort. In Great Britain we have a huge depth of talent, and with access to a network of help and support, this talent is being nurtured to produce personal bests and medals on a world stage.’

She adds: ‘I was proud to represent ‘Team GBR’ at my first Championship.

The team atmosphere really made it something special to be a part of and to be included in.’

Sophie Wells comments on the ‘brilliant support structure in the worldclass programme, thanks to UK Sport and National Lottery funding.’ She adds: ‘We are very fortunate, but we also all work very hard individually to build horse power, and work on a daily basis to better ourselves as riders to do the horses and programme justice.’

Sophie, Julie, and Suzanna all echo Erin’s feeling of the honour of being part of the team. ‘It’s an honour to represent your country every time, and we must never forget that,’ comments Sophie. ‘Retaining the team title is a big challenge but every time we have managed it, it makes you very proud!’

FUTURE PROOFING As Sarah comments: ‘We have to

acknowledge the other nations are getting better.’

That means Team GB has to hone its approach. ‘We have to find little things, pertinent to the individual or the whole team,’ explains Sarah.

As an example, she notes this year’s travel to Gothenburg. ‘It was 700 miles, and three days for the horses. So, we changed the airflow in the horseboxes, added another stopover, and had professional grooms. We always take a vet. And the horses arrived fresher, and better rested.’

It’s not just about the horses, either.

In cold climate, athletes have down coats, and hot water bottles; in Rio, it was air-conditioning.

‘We have to adapt to suit

circumstances, and be forward thinking,’ emphasises Sarah.

Sarah also notes the need to secure increasingly bigger, more powerful horses: ‘quality horses, which have very trainable temperaments.’

The next two challenges will be North America in 2018, and Tokyo in 2020.

‘We have a strategy to minimise fatigue,’ says Sarah, adding that the climate in each location will be challenging, along with jet lag from the time differences. The coaching team, Ferdi Eilberg, Angela Weiss, and Nina Venables provides support to the para-dressage programme to develop potential and ensure training programmes are in place.

Sarah adds: ‘We’re very lucky to have a supportive structure, as no other nation has that foundation.’

DREAMS COME TRUE For other disabled riders, the team’s advice is to enjoy what you do, have fun, and do your best. As Julie comments: ‘I would say to any rider, keep going for what you enjoy, if you enjoy your riding, you will ride to your best, and that will produce results.’

Erin sees many opportunities: ‘From riding at your local RDA to competing internationally, there are so many opportunities to train and compete at all levels, which is great to encourage individuals to get involved and for rider’s development.’ She adds: ‘Find a trainer or someone to help you who isn’t afraid to think outside the box.

Take every opportunity that comes your way, don’t be afraid to fail and

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Para dressage

remember that it’s your ability not disability that counts. You can learn a lot by watching other riders but most of all make sure you enjoy what you do – it’s supposed to be fun! Surround yourself with people who encourage you to be the best that you can be.’

For Sophie, it’s all about loving the horses, loving the sport, and, ‘always reflecting on your progression.

Sometimes the smallest things can give a great feeling and that must not get lost in competition scores and placings.’

Suzanna emphasises the importance of ‘exploring what availability there is around you to be a part of your local RDA group. It’s a great way to spend time in the saddle and make great friends.’ She adds: ’Being part of your local RDA brings exciting opportunities

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to compete in the future. Dreams really do come true...’

Providing incentives ‘Oh I could do that!’ underpins the pathway, comments Sarah. ‘That foundation structure, the place where people can go with the idea of not necessarily becoming athletes, just to be active,’ she adds. ‘That’s what can turn disability into ability, and we, in this country, can do that. The sport is open to everybody; you don’t have to be young, don’t have to have amazing talent. That is our strength.’

Perhaps the last word can go to Julie, as she adds: ‘I love setting an example of what can be achieved with hard work, perseverance and enjoying horses.’

A fitting echo of the RDA ethos that it’s what you can do that counts!

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Lizzie’s Blog

East Region’s Regional Participant Rep., Lizzie Bennett blogs for Your Horse magazine. Here, Lizzie explains what it means to be a para rider and why the RDA is so important to her.

S

o far, I’ve talked a lot about vaulting and how it works without dwelling much on the ‘para’ side of it. The fact is, though, that there’s more to the word ‘para’ than having our own category to compete in. I want to try and explain why it matters to me that I’m a para vaulter, an RDA vaulter and, indeed, an RDA rider. It’s widely acknowledged that giving disabled people the opportunity to enjoy sport – both recreationally and

competitively – is A Good Thing.

It makes physio fun, it’s energising, and, as a reason and a vehicle for social interaction, it benefits mental health and emotional wellbeing enormously.

The RDA recognises all of this.

Participants compete in riding, driving and vaulting and we take part in educational activities (from creative writing and art competitions to working towards awards and qualifications).

The RDA provides opportunities for people of all ages who face daily struggles to succeed and achieve.

THE BENEFITS OF RIDING Clearly, there are enormous benefits to taking part in riding and vaulting for all kinds of people, whatever the disability. Many of them are reasonably easy to see: happiness, confidence, and physical improvements. Others are less obvious, but no less important. To understand it, you need to try and see it from a disabled person’s perspective.

I’m incredibly fortunate to live in an area where there are plenty of opportunities for all kinds of disability sport. I’m also very fortunate that I can train alongside able-bodied (AB)

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Feeling different is even harder than looking different

people too, which is largely down to the willingness of coaches and athletes to go out of their way to accommodate me.

Integrating into AB groups helps me to learn more and to practice more, so these extra sessions constitute a vital component of my training programme.

Sometimes people ask why I still want to go to disability-specific sessions when I could ‘just train with normal people’ (as a quick aside, no, ‘normal’ is not an acceptable word to use in this situation!). Let me try to explain.

When I’m in an AB group, I’m always aware of my difference. This isn’t because people don’t accept me, but because the differences are obvious.

When I ride, for example, I’m the one that has jazzy stirrups and one arm in a sling. I may be able to canter and jump and perform a reasonable basic

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Lizzie’s Blog dressage test, but I look different and I am different. When I go vaulting, I’m the one who can’t do run-ins or mount on the move. I’m the one that needs someone to hold her stick when she gets on, and to appear with it afterwards.

None of this is a problem – without these adaptations I wouldn’t be there at all – but it still makes it obvious that I’m different.

Looking different and being different aren’t necessarily difficult in themselves. I like to be different and I want to stand out. However, when you’re so different that other people can’t possibly understand your perspective, it ceases to be desirable.

Being very different from other people is exhausting. Often, success as a disabled person depends upon your ability to fit seamlessly into an AB world. Disabling conditions are tiring enough, and fighting silently to fit in only compounds this.

When you can spend an hour or two fitting in, it disguises the fact that the rest of your day is very different, and that you are battling significant physical challenges (for example, I spend the majority of each day resting at home with my head carefully supported because of neck instability).

The veneer is thin and feeling different is even harder than looking different.

HOW THE RDA HELPS This is where the magic of the RDA comes in! In an environment that’s aimed purely at disabled people, you’re in a situation where to be disabled is to be normal.

Imagine how amazing that feels!

The word ‘disability’ itself means the reversal or undoing of ability: usually, the ability to perform standard daily tasks; in other words, to be ‘normal’.

As a disabled person, you’re defined by the things you can’t do; by the ways in which you are, to put it bluntly, abnormal.

At RDA, though, you’re in a situation that has disability as default. You’re not in the way, you’re not a puzzle to be worked around and you’re not a nuisance (well, not because of your disability anyway!).

It’s not that you’re in the way during an AB session, or that people don’t accommodate you – they do, and they’re simply brilliant. It’s just that, at RDA, you are normal.

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Feeling normal isn’t about being able to do the same things as other people – if it were, this need would be satisfied by integrating disabled people into AB sessions. It’s about feeling understood, and however lovely people are they will never fully understand your position unless they can relate to it from personal experience.

Pushing yourself in AB groups certainly has its advantages, but the implicit understanding that exists among RDA members gives you hope and reassurance that you’re not

battling alone.

Being disabled – especially if your disability isn’t always immediately obvious from the outside – can feel very lonely and isolating. You don’t want to go on about how hard every minute of every day is, but you can’t escape the body you’re in.

Having a large, supportive network that appreciates your efforts and recognises your challenges without having to explain them is more important and valuable than – try as I might – I can put into words.

NOTE This article was first published in Your Horse magazine, in July 2017. Lizzie’s regular ‘The Para Vaulter blog’ can be found at www.yourhorse.co.uk/blogs

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Gala

Night of Celebration!

Clare Balding, Alastair Stewart, Anneka Rice, Baroness Dido Harding, and Lord Jeffrey Archer joined forces for the RDA Gala Awards night.

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rda.org.uk

Gala

R

DA has recognised the outstanding achievements of its riders, drivers, volunteers and horses at a glittering fundraiser and awards night. Hosted by Clare Balding, and supported by broadcasters Alastair Stewart and Anneka Rice, the charity’s annual gala dinner was an inspiring showcase for RDA’s lifechanging work all over the UK. The RDA Rider of the Year, sponsored by Childs Farm, was won by 24 year-old Darren Ashton of Saxon RDA. Darren’s riding ability – and his core strength – have come on in leaps and bounds in the past year, culminating in him winning second place at the RDA National Championships this summer. Having been diagnosed with Friedreich’s Ataxia aged just 17, Darren’s experiences at RDA have helped him come to terms with his condition and find a new avenue for his competitive spirit. ‘I’m so immensely proud of him,’ said Darren’s dad, Steve.

The Volunteer of the Year award, sponsored by Godolphin, was won

by Helen Pritchard of Stella Hancock Carriage Driving Group, and the Young Volunteer award, supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, was won by Megan Holland of Pegasus RDA. Horse of the Year, sponsored by SnuggyHoods, was awarded to Pip from Penniwells RDA. ‘He’s like a wise boy who understands everybody. That’s his challenge in life – he just wants to make people happy,’ said Sarah Healing, Senior Coach at Penniwells.

In a surprise presentation, representatives from People’s Postcode Lottery handed over a cheque for £200,000, received by Paralympian and Training Centre Project Patron, Sophie Christiansen CBE, and RDA Chairman Sam Orde.

An inspiring after-dinner speech

by Baroness Dido Harding and fundraising auction hosted by Lord Jeffrey Archer topped off the night of celebrations, which is set to raise thousands for RDA’s National Training Centre appeal.

‘A huge thank you to the organising committee for creating such a successful event,’ said RDA Chief Executive Ed Bracher. ‘But the biggest thanks must go to the RDA groups, riders, drivers, volunteers and horses who make everything we have

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Darren Ashton, RDA Rider of the Year

hard, Helen Pritc f the Year o Volunteer

Megan Holland, Young Volunteer of the Yea r

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Gala celebrated here tonight possible.’

Accepting the Horse of the Year award for Pip

ristiansen Sophie Ch e rde reciev and Sam O ue eq ch 0 0 ,0 the £200

Lord Jeffrey Archer raises the bids at the auction

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RDA RIDER OF THE YEAR, SPONSORED BY CHILDS FARM Darren Ashton joined Saxon RDA in September 2016. He was diagnosed with Friedreich’s Ataxia aged 17. This is a degenerative condition and he has minimal strength in his limbs. A year ago Darren was depressed, had no motivation, and was often miserable and angry. He had enjoyed his riding, but a move to Wiltshire resulted in a break so he lost lots of muscle tone and confidence.

When he joined Saxon his balance was very poor and he struggled to turn and trot. Even so, Darren is highly competitive and wanted to start competing with RDA to challenge himself in a way that no other activity had offered since his diagnosis. He is naturally critical of himself so has worked hard to improve, even buying an i-joy to use daily to increase his core strength.

Within five months of joining RDA, he had competed in his firstever dressage class, which he won.

This boosted his confidence and encouraged him to compete at the Regionals where he qualified in the Countryside Challenge. He then went on to come second in his class at the National Championships. Aside from the physical improvement, Darren has become a changed person. His father recently wrote to the group thanking everyone. In his words: ‘he was introverted, depressed, anxious and the volunteers have given him back his mojo.’ Darren is an inspiration and demonstrates everything the RDA stands for.

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR, SPONSORED BY GODOLPHIN Helen Pritchard has been a dedicated volunteer at Stella Hancock Carriage Driving group for over 30 years. She is a skilled carriage driving coach, group organiser and pony trainer. More recently, she has taken on the role of Group Chairman, successfully leading her team, galvanising support and encouraging new carriage drivers to join the group.

The nomination praises her good humour and devotion to the group and reads: ‘We have all benefited from her exceptional talents and overwhelming

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Gala

Anneka Rice, with Clare Balding

kindness and it would be a fitting tribute if her contribution to RDA was recognised by a Gala award.’

YOUNG VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR, SUPPORTED BY PLAYERS OF PEOPLE’S POSTCODE LOTTERY Megan Holland has been volunteering for RDA for several years. She works full-time with nursery age children with special needs and still finds the time to volunteer with RDA every Sunday. She is always cheerful and friendly and all the riders, but particularly the younger children, love her straightforward and engaging manner.

Recently, she decided to take on the challenge of becoming an RDA coach and is now using all the skills that she developed through her years volunteering, as well as in her professional life, to teach entertaining and informative lessons.

Her dedication has been demonstrated over many years of volunteering with RDA. She has remained committed and rarely misses a session despite working full-time and enjoying a full and active social life.

She is always 100% positive – even when the going gets tough – and this attitude has made her a favourite

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Team RDA

among RDA parents and riders alike.

As a role model, she inspires other young volunteers to develop their own skills, which is having a positive impact on the whole group.

RDA HORSE OF THE YEAR, SPONSORED BY SNUGGYHOODS Pip joined Penniwells just over a year ago having already had a very successful time with his owner. In his younger days, he enjoyed the hunting field, going side saddle as well as some showing and dressage. Now age 21, he has fully grown up and having come to Penniwells has already transformed many riders lives. He does everything from therapy and lead rein sessions through to teaching riders to trot, canter and jump. He is always so happy and gives so much back to all

who know him. This year, he helped many riders qualify for the National Championships in both dressage and showjumping, coming home with a fist full of rosettes having gained 7th and 2nd in the Grade 3 championship and freestyle, 12th in the ID canter, 3rd in the 1-6 Canter championship.

His defining moment was the costume freestyle where he danced, dressed as a bull, to a clapping and cheering audience. He won this class on 88.5%.

In the words of Sarah Healing of Penniwells: ’Pip is one in a billion – pure Gold and there will never be another. We must treasure every moment we have with him – he has found his niche in RDA at Penniwells, and we are truly blessed and privileged to have him.’

THANK YOU! SPONSORS OF THE RDA GALA AWARDS 2017

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Horse Welfare

Older Horse Care Older horses have different requirements to their younger counterparts, and require careful management to prevent problems.

Nathalie's suggestions offer hope for our senior horses to enjoy longer, happier lives.

ABOUT NATHALIE: NATHALIE COLE BSC (HONS) BVSC MRCVS IS AN EQUINE VET CURRENTLY BASED AT THE LIPHOOK EQUINE HOSPITAL. SHE IS THE RDA HONORARY VET, MANAGING THE VETERINARY TEAM AT THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS AND WORKING WITH THE CHARITY TO PROVIDE VETERINARY ADVICE AND EDUCATION. NATHALIE HAS AN INTEREST IN EQUINE MEDICINE.

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DIFFERENT REQUIREMENTS Improved preventative and therapeutic veterinary care means horses, like people, are living longer. In addition to a longer life expectancy, horses can have a longer working life. Older horses are invaluable in RDA activities, as their experience and calmness is essential when dealing with new or nervous riders, or those with complex needs or riding equipment. The horses’ strengths and weaknesses are known, along with a veterinary history and proven management routine to prevent problems. In return, RDA work can be ideal for older horses. Disciplines such as Countryside Challenge, walklevel dressage, and shorter distance endurance provide an opportunity for horses to enjoy consistent light work, providing mental and physical benefits without the injury risk of higher impact disciplines such as eventing, showjumping or long-distance endurance.

However, older horses have different requirements to their younger counterparts, and require careful management to prevent problems.

They may have pre-existing medical or orthopaedic conditions, and with age comes the increased risk of many diseases, sometimes in combination.

As with any horse, a Pre-Purchase Examination and access to previous veterinary history is essential when considering taking on an older equine.

It is also important to ensure a plan is in place for care at the end of working life, which often arrives sooner than with a younger horse. While this article discusses all the things we can do to give our horses a longer, happier life, it is important to remember that even with perfect management there will come a time when retirement or even euthanasia is the best course of action for a horse’s welfare.

PREVENTION BETTER THAN CURE This motto is true in many areas, and it is particularly important to keep routine healthcare up to date in older horses. A vet should examine them at least once a year to check for subtle signs of disease; if more frequent checks are recommended, it is important to follow vet’s advice.

Older animals must remain fully vaccinated against Equine Influenza and Tetanus, even if they never leave the yard (remember – ‘flu can travel for miles on the wind, and vaccines are free for RDA horses). Older horses may be more susceptible to parasites,

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Horse Welfare

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Horse Welfare that may have a history of orthopaedic injury, or early degenerative joint disease. Evidence shows that good foot balance is protective against injury, and a qualified farrier should perform routine foot assessment every six weeks, unless otherwise recommended.

In addition to maintaining good foot balance, your farrier can also help you look for subtle changes in the hoof that may indicate the presence of early laminitis or other diseases.

It is vital to maintain a consistent workload in older horses, and to make only gradual changes, as they may take longer than a younger horse to build fitness. It is particularly important to ensure older horses have a good baseline level of fitness and are thoroughly warmed up before RDA activities to minimise the risk of injury, as recovery times may be slower.

Repeat damage to a previously injured area could be career-ending. Training on a range of surfaces, such as hacking in addition to school work, can also be protective against injury. so a modern, targeted worming plan (including faecal worm egg counting) is essential for both individual and herd health. Regular dental checks by a vet or BAEDT accredited Equine Dental Technician are important, and horses over 16 years of age may benefit from dental examinations every six months.

As horses age, less tooth remains in reserve, so frequent, smaller corrections are preferable to trying to resolve large abnormalities. Older horses’ teeth may also function less effectively as they ‘wear out’. Early detection of such problems with dental examinations means management changes can be implemented early, rather than after more severe outward signs such as weight loss have occurred.

Regular weight checks and fat scoring should be performed.

Unexpected weight loss should always be investigated, while excessive fat can be detrimental by overloading joints and increasing the risk of some types of colic (see the Spring 2016 issue of RDA Magazine for more weight information). If a horse gains or loses weight, its workload should be reduced or even stopped while the problem is corrected, and its allocated carrying weight should be adjusted accordingly.

Routine foot care is incredibly important, particularly in older horses

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QUESTIONS WHEN MANAGING AN OLDER HORSE

Q Q Q Q Q Q

Have you noticed any changes in behaviour, such as becoming quieter?

Are there any changes in eating or drinking amounts/ preferences?

Is the horse finding it more difficult to keep up with normal workload?

Is the horse showing signs of stiffness or lameness?

Are you struggling to keep the horse’s weight up?

Is the horse looking ‘older’ – losing muscle mass, showing coat changes, or developing a pot belly?

Q

Is the horse having more problems with feet, or getting ill more often?

If the answer to any of the above questions is ‘yes’, speak to your vet for advice.

GROWING OLD GRACEFULLY It is important to remember that age is not a disease. While some decline in areas such as peak fitness and speed of healing is inevitable, many diseases are often incorrectly interpreted as ‘just getting old’, and thus delaying diagnosis and treatment. Early detection and good management of health problems maximises welfare, and horses can enjoy a longer, more comfortable active life.

For example, signs traditionally associated with ‘old age’ – such as muscle loss, lethargy, and an increased susceptibility to infections – may be as a result of PPID (Cushing’s Disease).

This hormonal condition can be detected with a simple blood test and managed with daily medication, leading to a significant improvement in health for many horses. Early detection and treatment of PPID can also reduce the risk of developing painful and potentially life-threatening laminitis.

Lethargy, struggling to keep up with their normal workload, or outward signs such as a recurrent snotty nose or cough, may be due to respiratory (airway) disease. Successful detection and management of this condition will not only improve welfare and performance, but studies show that poorly managed respiratory disease can increase the risk of orthopaedic injuries.

Stiffness and reluctance to work may be due to painful arthritis.

Unfortunately, this condition cannot be cured, although early detection, changes in management, workload and, sometimes, medication, can be used to keep the horse in a comfortable and enjoyable level of work.

While RDA prohibits the illicit use of medication during competition, some exceptions are made to allow valuable older horses to continue participating. Treatment for PPID and some respiratory medications are permitted at RDA competitions, and anti-inflammatory medications such as ‘bute’ are also permitted under certain circumstances and close veterinary supervision. Beginning treatment does not necessarily mean the horse will need to be retired as it would under FEI rules, so if you have noticed any changes in your older horse, always speak to your vet for advice.

rda.org.uk

Quick, Easy, Tried & Trusted Photograph by www.esphotography.co.uk

Hector Payne riding Castor H Z for DHI Event Horses

Speedi-Beet Quick Soaking Beet Pulp Flakes • • • • • • • •

Quick soaking Excellent value High fibre Low sugar Slow release energy Aids rehydration Suitable for laminitics Safe for horses with ulcers and those prone to colic

“We feed Speedi-Beet to our event horses to keep them in top condition and provide long-lasting energy. On a busy yard, the quick soaking beet pulp flakes ensure hassle-free feeding.” Hector Payne, for DHI Event Horses Castor H Z owned by Heidi & Ian Woodhead T: +44 (0) 1765 680 300 F: www.facebook.com/britishhorsefeeds W: www.britishhorsefeedscom

Strategy As RDA UK launches its strategy for 2017 – 2021, we talk to Chairman Sam Orde and Chief Executive Ed Bracher about the charity’s future direction.

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his is a roadmap for everyone involved in RDA’ says RDA Chief Executive, Ed Bracher.

The document he holds, ‘Enriching Lives Through Horses’, sets out RDA’s strategy for the next four years (a milestone that neatly sandwiches the 50th anniversary in 2019), and includes the charity’s vision and values as well as the clear outcomes that will be achieved over that time. ‘It lays down the direction RDA UK is going in, but hopefully it will resonate and help to inform individual groups as well, so they feel inspired to come along with us too.’

VISION An organisation’s vision should be the starting point from which everything else flows – and it was certainly the starting point for the new strategy.

Carefully thought out, aspirational and deliberately ambitious, RDA’s vision ‘to enrich the lives of all disabled people through horses’ is a strong message for everyone involved in delivering activities in all groups around the UK. ‘There are many ways that horses can enrich people’s lives – and RDA is not the only organisation making that possible,’ says Ed. ‘Our vision is a reminder of the far-reaching benefits of what we do and the vital part that RDA can play in helping disabled people achieve their goals through connecting with horses.’

PURPOSE When it comes to RDA’s purpose, the message in the strategy couldn’t be clearer: ‘To ensure that all our participants get an excellent experience

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with RDA, according to their specific needs’. But as a well-established provider of services to disabled people, why did RDA feel the need to make this point so dominant? ‘Setting out a clear purpose is invaluable in all sorts of practical ways and at all levels of the organisation. Whether we’re coming up with new ideas about how to support groups or making sometimes tough decisions about where to target resources, revisiting our purpose can provide real clarity,’ says Ed.

This is a roadmap for everyone involved in RDA RDA Chairman, Sam Orde, who has recently completed a fundraising ‘Big Ride’ in every region of RDA has her own view on this point. ‘I’ve met hundreds of riders, drivers and vaulters during the course of this project, and heard so many extraordinary and uplifting stories about their experiences of RDA – and each one was different.

The strategy is exciting because it puts those experiences – all those individual needs – at the very heart of what we do.’

OUTCOMES The main body of the new strategy details the seven broad outcomes that RDA UK will work towards in

the coming years, and within each of these, sets out some of the key plans or specific activities to help achieve them.

‘Our strategy isn’t a wish list,’ says Ed. ‘There are actions, targets and predefined measurables for each outcome to ensure that everything is firmly rooted in reality. That doesn’t mean we’ve lacked ambition, though. There are certainly plenty of challenges to be faced along the way.’

With outcomes that include volunteer recruitment, facilities that better meet the needs of participants, improved access to good quality horses and greater awareness of RDA outside the organisation, it is certain that the charity has its work cut out in the coming years. But the other striking feature is how grounded these outcomes are in meeting the needs of individual RDA groups. ‘Technically speaking, this strategy is just for RDA UK – that’s the umbrella organisation of which all our groups are members. But we wanted a strategy that tackles the issues our groups face: to understand their challenges, goals and ambitions. And I hope our members will see the needs of their group reflected in the strategy we have created.’

INSIGHT Insight has been a key part of making sure the strategy meets the real-world needs of member groups and the organisation as a whole. Today, for example, only 14% of RDA participants don’t have a learning disability – a big shift from a decade ago. ‘This knowledge helps us hugely when we think about how to support our groups better, and also when we think about

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Strategy

the activities and programmes we run,’ says Ed. RDA’s recent study into demand for its services across the UK has also provided a valuable information source when it comes to targeting support and deciding what form that support should take. ‘We can’t talk with any degree of credibility about growing capacity among our groups unless we understand more about the areas they operate in and also each individual group’s attitude to growth and development. We know much more about that now.’

Even while developing the strategy, RDA’s Board of Trustees consulted widely throughout the organisation to ensure that as many views as possible would be taken into account. ‘I would like to say a big thank you, on behalf of the RDA Board of Trustees, to everyone who took time to feed in to the strategy and help us to develop our ideas,’ says Sam.

MILESTONES The period covered by the strategy takes RDA through some exciting milestones, including the 50th anniversary (2019) and the opening

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OUR VALUES

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RDA is a community of people who believe that it’s what you can do that counts and who enable participants and volunteers to achieve their goals.

RDA values the input of all people who are involved – participants, volunteers and paid staff.

RDA ensures that development and

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of the National Training Centre (end of 2018). ‘This feels like a really significant era for RDA,’ says Ed. ‘When I joined as Chief Executive 13 years ago, there was nothing like the degree of recognition and respect for RDA that we have today. This strategy is ambitious, but it also demonstrates the confidence that the Board – and all of us – have in the abilities of the whole organisation.

achievement is recognised and celebrated across the organisation.

RDA aims to deliver an excellent service and experience for all participants and volunteers.

RDA recognises the central part that horses and ponies play in everything we do.

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‘I am excited by the fact that we are continuing to evolve – in the way we support groups and volunteers to develop the service they provide to participants. I see this strategy as a compass that is pointing north, and it helps us to keep moving in that direction. I hope – and believe – there are enough good ideas in here to bring our groups along with us for the next exciting part of our journey.’

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Regional Reports

The very latest news and events from RDA groups around the UK

EAST HELEN GOLDEN’S STORY As a child, my son Adam was extremely shy and anxious, rarely left my side, and was unable to initiate the simplest conversation.

He barely spoke to anyone except me. He never looked at people or called them by name. In other words, Adam was autistic.Animals were another matter, and he seemed completely fascinated. When he was three years old, we took my niece (Lucy) to a riding lesson. I was amazed to see Adam toddle over to the stables. The horses heads towered over him, but he showed not the slightest fear. I could hardly believe my eyes when I saw him reading each horse’s name and saying: ‘Hello Blackie, are you enjoying your hay?’

‘Hello Star, haven’t you got a nice nose?’, and so on.

I began taking him riding. He loved the horses, but the teachers’ understanding of autism varied, and sometimes it was discouraging. Then I discovered RDA. By this time Adam was twelve, and finding (secondary) school a struggle. The weekly RDA sessions provided the recognition and success that were all too often absent from the classroom. For three years, he reveled in the volunteer’s unstinting kindness and

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encouragement. He learned all the horses’ names, and remembers them to this day.

In year 10, RDA helped him attain an ASDAN in Equine Care, and arranged work experience. Adam then completed an NVQ in Animal Care. At the age of seventeen, Adam finally learned to call people by their names.

EDINBURGH & BORDERS

(Adam rode with Saffron Walden RDA.) We recently welcomed Clare Balding on a visit to the region, to give a talk and sign her books. She touches so many people’s lives and we all came home thoroughly inspired. The Newsums lent us their marquee, and we raised funds for the region – one group has already bought a new horse on the proceeds.

Gay Redman, Regional Chairman redman.tessa@gmail.com

The ‘Big Ride’ cairn

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avelrig RDA riders, families and volunteers had a wonderful day trip to Yellowcraigs beach in East Lothian, with a trek along the beach, a woodland walk, and a BBQ. Ravelrig is at the foot of the Pentland Hills to the west of Edinburgh, and riders on Friday night had a lovely evening hack at Threipmuir Reservoir.

Volunteers of East Fife and Scooniehill RDA Group, based outside St Andrews, have explored the local countryside to identify walks to develop endurance rides within the group.

The August Bank Holiday brought a wonderful ‘Big Ride’, hosted by Shiresmill Therapy Riding Centre. Lois from Shiresmill sent this lovely message: ‘Just wanted to say a big thank you for choosing me to take part in the Big Ride. I really enjoyed the day and it boosted my morale especially the way I have been feeling just now’. The Big Ride centred round the 5-acre Shiresmill Sensory Park, where each rider collected a stone with their name and created a wonderful cairn. Berwickshire RDA also hosted the Big Vault.

Volunteering at Na'ankuse Wildlife Sanctuary, Namibia

The newest group, Upper Nithsdale RDA from the Dumfries and Galloway County, is becoming established. A fundraising sponsored walk was enjoyed by many supporters in early September 2017; the next fundraiser is BINGO!

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Regional Reports

Border Group RDA from the Scottish Borders had a successful trip to the RDA National Championships at Hartpury. Margaret Lupton and Jane Currie, riding Domino won both their Dressage classes. Margaret also achieved a third in the freestyle and third in best turned out.

Domino, a nine-year-old cob was bought two years ago with money given by the local golf club, and is proving a wonderful asset to the group.

with RDA. Celebrations continued with display rides from several RDA classes.

The Princess presented a certificate to Shenstone School commemorating its 40 years association with Bexley RDA.

There was success at National Championships for the Berwickshire RDA group. Group Chair, Margaret Morgan would like to say a ‘huge thank you to all the Group volunteers who make it possible for riders and vaulters to enter the Championships, and to parents and friends. Thank you to the Brown Fund for kindly sponsoring the horse transport and helping the dressage riders and vaulters with transport and accommodation. The weekend would not have been possible without Rebecca’s input, and help from Anna Marie, and Clive, our wonderful Gillie driver.’

A marathon walk across London raised more than £16,000 for RDA activities at Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre, London

Lynda Whittaker, Regional Chairman lawhittaker@live.co.uk

GREATER LONDON

Princess Anne at the Arrow Centre

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exley Group celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, and Arrow Group 35 years since it opened its centre in Dartford. In a special day held at Arrow RDA (the venue where Bexley meets), riders and volunteers from both groups

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came together to welcome RDA President, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal. Her Royal Highness was introduced to local supporters and volunteers, including Bexley organiser Valerie Collins who was presented with a Long Service Award for 20 years

W12. Founder and Chief Executive, Sister Mary Joy Langdon, was joined by trustees Kathy Heaps (Chair) and Melissa Kilbride (Secretary) at the Pony Centre at 5.30am for a route via St Paul's Cathedral, returning at 3.30pm.

Mike Locke, Regional Chairman mike.locke@outlook.com

MIDWEST

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n August, 26 riders from seven RDA Groups (Avon Riding Centre, Cotswold, Sam Orde presents rosettes Lyncombe Lodge, Patchwork, Saxon, Talland, and Wellow) participated in a musical ride display at the Festival of British Eventing, Gatcombe Park. We chose traditional jazz tracks suitable for a sunny day – unfortunately, torrential rain arrived, accompanied by thunder and lightning.

Our Regional Chairman, Lizzie Blair, was asked by the Stewards if we wanted to withdraw the display. We decided to wait since everyone had made such a huge effort to get there. At the last minute, the rain stopped, and we unloaded the horses, tacked up and mounted in record time, making our way through heavy mud to the collecting ring.

Anne Dunham had hoped to lead the ride alongside Lucy Mae Bush from Wellow, but unfortunately was unwell. Lucy Mae did a great job, riding Fettle, who belongs to Venetia Kenny Herbert, the North Somerset & Bristol County Chairman.

The sun came out and we gave one of our best performances – even if the horses and helpers had a little more mud on their legs than usual. Congratulations to all our riders, their families, the helpers and the horses for pulling together to make it such a success.

Sam Orde presented the rosettes at the end of the display.

Ruth Baskett from Hamptons organised tea after the display, with a chance to meet event rider, Harry Meade, who was competing. Thanks to Ruth and Hamptons for their generosity.

Lizzie Blair, Regional Chairman lizzieblair@btconnect.com

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Regional Reports

NORTH EAST & SOUTH YORKSHIRE

De Lacy Spa’s model horse

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everley RDA continues to flourish and has been busy fundraising for a new mounting block that will be higher than the current one, and which will be easier for the riders when they mount the horse. De Lacy Spa, a local beauty salon in Beverley, lent the group a model horse that was very well behaved! and stood in Beverley to promote our charity, and then went on to Ladies Day at Beverley Races for more fund raising.

During the schools' summer break, Wakefield RDA coaches took the opportunity to participate in extra training. All coaches joined in a series of four riding and coaching sessions at the group, and also enjoyed a ‘Horses in RDA’ training day at the HAPPA centre in Lancashire. The group has a fantastic new washing machine thanks to Castleford Domestic Appliances, and suppliers Gorenje. After the old washer broke down, both companies worked together to supply and fit a brand new Gorenje 9kg washer. It’s a fabulous machine; the big washers are great for the saddlecloths and rugs.

Carolyn Brown, Regional Publicity Officer carolyn.brown@pennine.ac.uk

and Molly, and Sam. Congratulations to the team representing the East Midlands at the Special Olympics National Games.

Many of the riders are with RDA groups in the region.

The team won 14 medals between them, including seven gold. Well done to Carolyn, Christine, Ellie, Emily, Hayley, Kirsty, Richard and Tim. Thank you, too, to the great team of volunteers.

Belvoir Vale RDA had a busy summer. Following the competition at Hartpury, the region enjoyed a riding holiday at Clwyd, followed by a riding fun day at Scropton RDA. There’s a new mascot in North Midlands – Dalmore from Wenlo RDA. He enjoyed supporting the East Midlands Special Olympics Team at the National Summer Games, and was recently spotted checking out the cross country jumps at Burghley. Nomad is looking forward to meeting him!

Nomad, the North Midlands RDA Regional Mascot,

recently met Hope. She was visiting Scropton RDA to collect her award winning artwork, which won 5th prize at the RDA Championships. Nomad and the Scropton mascot Dobbin were very impressed with her model of the South Notts stables & horses!

After 30 successful years at Weelsby, Cleethorpes & Grimsby RDA is on the move to Cottagers Plot and has been busy getting all the horses settled in. We wish them all the best in their new home.

Para riders from North Midlands RDA groups are having a successful time!

Congratulations to: Becky from Cleethopes & Grimsby winning the Grade 4 Silver Para Dressage Championship; Gabriella from South Notts winning the Grade 2 Bronze Para; and, Matt from Scropton RDA coming 2nd in the Grade II Para Show Jumping at the British Show Jumping Scope Festival.

Matt Dalley, Regional Publicity Officer matdalley@me.com

NORTH MIDLANDS

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am Peck, Lincolnshire County Coach, delivered an informative hands-on workshop for volunteers.

Observation feedback and demonstration of the three stages of Leading were demonstrated and discussed,

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and volunteers took part in leading, mounting and dismounting. Working in teams, individual rider scenarios were then discussed, and each group gave a practical mounted demonstration of their profile. Thank you to Claire

Special Olympics success

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Regional Reports

NORTH WALES

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t the RDA National Championships at Hartpury, several newcomer horses helped their riders, including Kestrel from the Clwyd group, and Sheridan from the Meirionnydd group. The Region did well in the Group Arts and Crafts Competitions; At The National there was an intricate Championships sculpture entry from Ynys Mon group. Nia Harmes was presented with the Dressage shield from the Region for obtaining the highest score during the dressage qualifiers.

The Meirionnydd Group aims to start vaulting sessions in September on Sunday afternoons, with Sheri. The group would like to thank Sam Davison and the Wednesday night vaulters at Clwyd Group for help with training and assessing Sheri for the RDA vaulting, and also to Money Supermarket. com, for a grant that will buy a storage shed for the vaulting group at Maes Yr Helmau, Dolgellau. The shed will house the ‘tin horse’, and give people somewhere to relax while watching the sessions. To learn more about the group, to help or join the vaulting club, email: rdanwaleschair@ outlook.com or telephone 0775 211 0825 to speak to Alys Lewis-Jones.

Sam Orde, Chair of National RDA, is doing a sponsored ride in each RDA region this year to raise funds toward the new national training centre. On October 12, the ‘Big Ride’ was at Pen Y Coed Riding Stables, near Oswestry. RDA riders, volunteers and friends of RDA groups and members planned to do two or eight km loops, with half the sponsorship money going towards the National Training Centre, and the other half to the North Wales Region RDA. The current H&S Guidelines have been reviewed and updated. Please ensure trustees and coaches (as a minimum) are aware and either have access to it via the website, or are given copies so they can acquaint themselves of the content and ensure the Group continues to work within the required standards. The new policy can be found here. www.rda.org. uk/runningyourgroup/health-safety/

Larissa and Emma, Regional Publicity Officers cando@northwalesregion-rda.org

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NORTH WEST

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he highlight of the year so far has been our Regional Riding Holiday, at the Clwyd Special Riding Centre.

Riders from different Groups across the Region enjoyed a variety of activities, and all achieved Grade Tests thanks to a wonderful band of volunteers. We held Coach Training Days over the weekend as well. Several Groups held Picnic Rides and Group Holidays during the summer. A big thank you to the Rapid Relief Team who supported our Wirral and Chester Group at the Clwyd.

Mid Cheshire RDA is celebrating its 40th year, and hosted our Regional Show at the New Barn Farm in Ollerton. All competitors had a fantastic day, and received a commemorative rosette.

Congratulations to everyone who competed at the National Championships, which were a great few days.

Congratulations also to Middlewood RDA, which celebrated its 30th anniversary this year, and also to Crosby for 40 wonderful years and especially to the recently retired Chairman, Sue Evans, who has been awarded an MBE

in the Queens Birthday Honours List.

The new Group Liaison Officer Jennifer Hoggarth is busy with several new Groups across the Region, and we look forward to announcing them soon.

We are now enthusiastically planning our Supra Regional Conference at Aintree Racecourse and Equestrian Centre on Monday 30 October. We are very grateful for all the help from members of The Jockey Club, and look forward to welcoming everyone to the North West Region.

Sheila Saner, Regional Chairman SheilaS@nantwichcc.co.uk

National Championships Arts & Crafts winner

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Regional Reports

NORTHERN IRELAND

than video games. It gets me out in the college holidays...

I had never met a real horse until a few weeks ago and they are beautiful animals.

Practising round cones taught me how to trot. Now I would like to see what it is like to ride a horse and feel it trot when you sit on it. I

still want to keep carriage driving as well.’

Thanks for coming Sam and well done to all of our riders, drivers and walkers!

Katie Jordan, Regional Publicity Officer katie_jordan@hotmail.co.uk

SCOTLAND WEST & CENTRAL

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orthern Ireland was ably represented at the RDA National Championships by seven riders from Omagh Group, and two each from Coleraine and Newtownards. On Friday morning, Steven Yetman and James Christie were on borrowed horses they rode for the first time just before the show jumping competition. Aaron McGee got 3rd place in his Countryside Challenge event, and three Omagh riders took part in the Showing Class. On Saturday morning, Grace McSorley, Naomi Elkin and Naomi Connell got a first, three seconds, fourth and fifth rosettes in their respective dressage classes. Josie Henly achieved 3rd place in her Countryside Challenge Class, and Christopher Monaghan also achieved a high score in this very competitive class. Lurgan Group’s entry in the Arts class came 2nd, with a 6th place for Banbridge and Moira’s imaginative lamp in the Sculpture class. Sunday

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morning saw impressive dressage performances by Steven Yetman and Katie Ann McGoldrick. Stars of the show were Geoff Bartholemew (Omagh), who came 1st and 3rd in his classes and went home with a massive silver trophy, and Austen Burns (Newtownards), coming 1st and 4th in his classes.

Well done to all of our participants!

Ten riders gathered to join Sam Orde’s Big Ride, and enjoyed a 9km ride on woodland tracks, and alongside the River Maine and Lough Neagh. Patricia McClean, RDA coach for Lurgan Group, talked with Sam about the successful new vaulting sessions and the holiday programme.

Sponsored walkers, five carriages and 14 carriage drivers from Ballyward RDA Group took turns to complete a scenic 5km drive. The carriage drivers’ enjoyment was summed up by one young driver with autism: ‘I enjoy carriage driving because it is better

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ational Volunteers’ Week coincided with a celebration to mark 20+ years of support to RIDEAWAY Group / Strathearn RDA, from volunteer Magdalene, who joined Strathearn RDA group as the Physiotherapist volunteer. She has also given invaluable support as a regular session helper and Trustee, and was presented with a 20 Years Service Certificate and RDA pin. Margaret, our ‘coffee and cake fairy’ volunteer, produced a wonderful horseshoe cake to mark the occasion.

What better way to celebrate National Volunteers’ Week!

We all know when horses are involved nothing is a certainty, and when the horse that Janette and Bernadette were sharing went lame days before the RDA National Championships, they thought all was lost. However, the owner of Dramatist, who Janette had ridden at the Qualifiers, stepped into the breach and said that Dramatist could travel. The Unicorn Centre kindly came forward with Thunder for Bernadette to ride. Janette and Dramatist rose to the occasion for both their tests. Having just been introduced to her ride the night before her test, Bernadette was rather thrown in at the deep end. However, she put in a mammoth effort, with little assistance from Thunder, to make sure that all her hard work had not gone to waste. The camaraderie and working together in the light of adversity was the essence of the National Championships and RDA, and congratulations to all the West & Central participants.

It was a great four days with the RDA stand at Blair International Horse Trials, and thanks to the many volunteers from the groups for helping out.The group took over £2,000, which made the whole event very worthwhile – the tombola was extremely popular with children and adults. The 2018 dates are 23 - 26th August.

At the RDA National Championships

Gillie Drapper, Regional Publicity Officer drapper@kilewnan.org.uk

rda.org.uk

Regional Reports

SOUTH EAST

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ontinuous improvement is a constant theme among participants, volunteers and committees across the SE Region, and our two new Regional Coaches (Jenna Leight and Fi Dent) have started the action plan for developing new Training Advisors and County Coaches to support 300+ coaches in the region. Having identified the regional talent pool, they created a Coach Development Group, complete with development plan and a timetable of training days, starting in August with the RDA UK’s Training and Induction Day. The day ably covered both RDA UK Strategy and the RDA Coaching Exam, with the opportunity for questions and a visit to Lowlands Equestrian Centre, the site of the National Training Centre Project.

The group felt it benefited from the day and commented on the importance of understanding how RDA operates at the national level.

Two people from the group will take the RDAC exam in November.

‘It’s very important for us as County and Regional Coaches to support those who are keen to widen their RDA involvement and progress Liam Wright of Woodchurch Photo: Amanda Jane Smith

to taking their RDAC exam,’ said West Sussex County Coach, Annie Irving. ‘I was impressed with the organisation and content of the day, and it’s helpful to know what support is available from RDA UK, too.’

Emily Jones, a Group Coach from Cranleigh RDA also commented on the day: ‘It’s been valuable to help me with my exam, and very enjoyable. It’s good to have the bigger picture of RDA UK’s wider impact.’

South East Region group coaches can apply to join the Coach Development Group by contacting Jenna Leight or Fi Dent.

The Region’s carriage drivers enjoyed sunshine at the Annual Show in July. RDA volunteer and professional photographer, Amanda Jane Smith, gave us fabulous photos of the day! We look forward to a busy autumn with more coaches’ training, a regional fundraiser, the indoor carriage-driving qualifier, and the regional conference – each event with the desire for continuous improvement at its core.

Joanna Sale, SouthEast Region Publicity Officer joannasale@btinternet.com

SOUTH WEST

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The Princess Royal at arry McLaughlin the Exeter Group (Acorn and Squirrels Group) was the overall winner of the RDA National Letter Writing Competition. He wrote a letter to Basil, the pony he rides, about going to the doctor and Basil going to the vet – wondering if the vet gave Basil mints if he was good. Harry was told by the doctor that he would live, but not for how long, so wondered if the vet told Basil how long he had got, but then again Harry didn't know Basil's age, but thought he still looked quite sprightly.

He ended the letter by asking Basil to meet him for a proper catch up because he hadn't seen him for a while and it would be good to share some 'sweeties' together. Harry's prize was a rosette, and £40 Amazon voucher.

The Princess Royal arrived at Oaklands Stables by helicopter for a visit to the Exeter Group (formerly the Powderham Group) for its 50th birthday. The Princess was presented with a posy, and book about Devon by Sophie Case and Maddie Cavill, before touring the stables with owners Joyce and Jacky Newbery. She watched displays by nine riders and then presented commemorative rosettes. After meeting volunteers and supporters, the Princess unveiled a plaque and cut a birthday cake, and commented: ’It is a rare treat for me to be able to celebrate 50 years as an RDA Group because this is one of the oldest Groups in the Country.’

Sam Orde arrived in pouring rain at Forde Abbey, near Chard, for her Southwest Region ‘Big Ride’ in August. Luckily, the rain stopped as she set off on her first ever RDA carriage drive.

Three turnouts from the Forde Abbey Driving Group drove round the Abbey grounds, and Sam presented the drivers with certificates and rosettes. After lunch, provided by the Chard Group Fundraising Committee, two young Group riders went on a short endurance ride, supported by ten walking volunteers – they also received certificates and rosettes.

For the final event, Sam went on a five-mile ride on Squirrel, loaned by Greta Duff, a rider organiser from the Chard Group.

Many thanks to everyone who helped organise a happy and successful day.

Sue Veale, Southwest Region Publicity Officer sjv@buckstone.eclipse.co.uk

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Xxxx Regional Reports

WEST MERCIA

her National Citizen Scheme to promote RDA at a major local venue. Driven by her desire 'to give RDA something in return', Emily and team put on a display at the Park Hall Farm experience day.

Staffordshire groups said thank you to Sue Lang, the outgoing County Coach, (succeeded by Mary Leather), after nine years at the helm.

Sue continues as Chairman of her local group, and Joint Chairman of the County alongside Fiona Round.

In July, 16 riders of Wyre Forest Riders RDA gave their first demonstration ride in July, at Stourport Riding Centre’s main arena. The Group has participated in the RDA Outcomes Tracker programme, first entries in the

RDA Regional Competition, and first Endurance Awards.

The children and ponies all performed brilliantly, supported by the dedicated volunteers. And Harley, who was unable to sit up on a pony last September, can now sit on a saddle, and engage with his volunteers – all skills developed through the year, which his mother puts down entirely to riding.

In Warwickshire, it was a pleasure to listen to Ed Bracher set out the vision for Lowlands Farm as the future home of the National Training Centre and the National Office team.

Trevor White, Regional Publicity Officer tanonag@btinternet.com

Jackie and Victor

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he Regional team has promoted awareness through links with the Pony Club, with the Area 7 PC SJ Championships providing an opportunity to learn about RDA. ‘I would commend this joint approach to any RDA group with a Pony Club link,’ commented Anona White, the Regional Chairman.

In Staffordshire, the Tettenhall Group open day at The Mill included displays to show off riders’ achievements. Former jump jockey Richard Pitman donated a signed copy of his book, which raised a lot of money for the local fund.

‘RDA can make dreams come true,’ according to Jackie Doughton, who qualified for

32 32

the National Championships, but whose horse was not able to get to Hartpury. Herefordbased Ride2Achieve team offered its horse, Victor, and Jackie and Victor finished second in the walk-only Freestyle, achieving Jackie’s dream of performing at the RDA’s top event.

The Shropshire county team raised its profile through meetings, briefings and displays, and the Cardington & Rushbury YFC raised £1000; County Chairman Jackie Whittle praised the youth of Shropshire.

Fifteen-year-old Emily Peters, whose mother rides with the Baschurch & Loppington Group, was chosen as part of

Harley

rda.org.uk rda.org.uk

Regional Reports Xxxx

YORKSHIRE & CLEVELAND

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ore than 90 riders, from nine groups, took part in the regional qualifiers. Fourty-five riders represented the Region, with at least one rider from every group at the qualifiers. For some riders, it was their first time at the Nationals. The Region’s participants gained nine rosettes in show jumping, 19 in the Countryside Challenge, 44 in dressage, 11 in Best Turned Out, one in the musical ride, four in the Arts and Crafts, and one in Search for a Star Showing – and the Region had the most participants taking part in the Horse Care and Knowledge section.

The region held two Big Rides. The first was part of the Endurance GB’s Brough Park Ride, with varied terrain including open fields, twisty paths through woods, and quiet lanes. The group completed a 15km course. Later in the summer, Sam Orde joined riders from the West Yorkshire part of the Region for a route round St Ives Country Estate near Bingley. Four riders on lead reins completed the shorter 3km course, and eight riders completed the 10km course.

Judy Olby ran successful riding holidays over the summer, with participants from all over the country – they made new friends, learned new skills, and improved their riding. Of the two final holidays of the summer, one was a side-saddle holiday.

Big Ride

John Chuter is the new Regional Chairman, and we look forward to working with him over the coming years. The Regional Committee said farewell to Barbara Birchall, who has given years of service to dressage in the Region; Cathy Burrell replaces her as Dressage Rep. Elizabeth Beckerlegge stood down as the Regional Physio, and Fiona Hainsworth will be the Physio support for the Region. The Region is exceedingly grateful for all the work done over the years.

Moira Wragg, Regional Publicity Officer yorkshireandclevelandregion@gmail.com

07891 366473

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Calendar and Calendar Obituary

On your calendar for 2017/2018 OCTOBER 2017 17 October West Mercia Big Ride 2017 (All Day) Lowlands Farm Sarah Constance Bromet. 1933 – 2017.

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Sarah Constance Bromet

arah Bromet was a volunteer for RDA National Office from 1972, when ‘the office’ was just a couple of desks in the British Horse Society building at Stoneleigh Park, and later when RDA moved to its own building on the same site (where Sarah was central to the planning and organising of the building project).

When asked to recall Sarah’s particular involvement in RDA, everyone who worked alongside her simply says ‘she did everything!’ Turning her hand to any task necessary, Sarah was instrumental in any number of events and fundraising initiatives, and could always be relied upon to come up with new ideas – and to see them through.

She arranged the first RDA Christmas cards that still provide a vital fundraising boost to groups today. Ordered from the ‘overs’ from the previous Christmas, boxes of cards would arrive at Sarah’s Wroxton home, where she and colleagues would package them up and send them out to groups.

Sarah was similarly ‘hands on’ with the RDA stands and stalls at horse shows around the country. She helped to choose and store stocks of pens, t-towels, badges and more, delivering them to shows, helping to man the stands and taking everything down afterwards.

A notorious practical joker, Sarah was loved in RDA for her sense of humour and fun, keeping spirits high no matter what. She insisted that birthdays were always celebrated in the office with cakes and lunches, and parties at Sarah’s house were not uncommon.

Sarah was made an Honorary Life Vice President in recognition for everything she did for RDA. Always accompanied by one or more dogs, Sarah was at the heart of the early days of RDA: a font of knowledge, able problemsolver and cherished member of the RDA family.

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30 October North West Supra Regional Conference (All Day) Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool, Merseyside NOVEMBER 2017 01 November National Coaches Training Day – North Wales (All Day) Clwyd Special Riding Centre, Wrexham 05 November Dressage Judge Training Day (10:30 am - 3:00 pm) Middleton Park Equestrian Centre, Middleton Grove, Leeds 09 November National Coaches Training Day – North Midlands (All Day) Markfield Equestrian Centre, Leicester 10 November RDA UK Annual General Meeting (All Day) Saddlers Hall, London

21 November Regional Equine Advisor Training Day (10:00 am - 4:00 pm) Berkswell & Balsall Rugby Club, Meer End, Balsall Common DECEMBER 2017 05 December National Coaches Training Day – Yorkshire and Cleveland (All Day) JANUARY 2018 25 January National Coaches Training Day – NE & S Yorkshire (All Day) FEBRUARY 2018 08 February National Coaches Training Day – North West (All Day) 22 February National Coaches Training Day – East (All Day) MARCH 2018 01 March National Coaches Training Day – Northern Ireland (All Day) Coleraine RDA, Coleraine

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