So what’s it really like at the RDA National Championships? It’s time for the annual review from our very own Mrs Broon:

Just Sniff it up! Mrs Broon’s Nationals 2017

Third year at Nationals!! How amazing is that? Actually managing to get to Nationals three years in a row.

This year was different as we were a bit more organised but there was the usual flurry of activity starting the minute we qualified.
First there was the “How we’re gonny get there” organisers sorting out transport and travelling for horse and people.
Of course there was the “Who’s all goin” group sortin all that out. There’s was a wee bit easier as the horse and rider had to be on the list then somebody to look after the horse.
Then there was the “Who’s doin what when” organisation. How many nights to book for people and stables and last minute changes and adaptations to travel arrangements, horse transportation etc.
The most important of all was the How are we gonny pay for it” group, also know as “BegginLettersRus”
Most of the roles overlapped and we dragged in outsiders to do wee bits of it but somehow it all came together.

Then packing. In, out, change it all about and repeat! No more to be said in that subject except to discuss among yourselves how many pairs of knickers really are required for a 2 night stay away from home.

All the arrangements made and packing done, we set off. I had luxury transport travelling with SuperKate (Kate Bennet West and Central Scotland Regional Chair) who’s great company. Evelyn Lapsley ( Chair of Equi-Power trustees board) who owns Basil (the horse I was riding) and was the groom for the weekend, traveled with Borders RDA and Berwickshire Vaulters sharing vehicles. Coach Helen Kallow was collected from visiting her in-laws and left her hubby and three children there to come and help.

Once we arrived the support and camaraderie was amazing as usual. An RDA Volunteer (Jamie) took fantastic care of us and we spent the whole weekend with friends old and new. My turn to ride was Sunday morning. All went well and we did well, 4th place in a class of 14 with only 3.24% between 1st place marks and me.

That’s not just what it’s all about though, it’s about the fun and laughter that goes with it. Emma Wells was going around on her scooter on Sunday taking videos of people and asking what about RDA we liked the most. My friends gave me a challenge (which I accepted) to tell her that what I love most about RDA is the slogan and then show her how attached I am to it. I accepted that challenge and somewhere she has video of me doing exactly that showing her the slogan tattooed on my backside.

What sums up the weekend for me though, is having a wee wobble just before going into the arena. I had the sudden urge to blow my nose and couldn’t find the hanky in my pocket. Helen (coach) said “Just sniff it up and go and do it! You’ll be fine” So I sniffed it up, went and did it and it WAS fine! That’s what it’s all about!