If you know someone who might be interested, please find all the details here: www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeship/-289371
Apprenticeship role in accounts at RDA National Office
June 12, 2018
Page Last Updated: September 18, 2018
RDA National Championships 13-15 July
June 8, 2018
The RDA National Championships – the biggest event of its kind in the world for disabled horse riders and carriage drivers – returns this July with nine new classes in equestrian vaulting and the first ever Endurance competition. The three-day event, which also features dressage, showjumping and carriage driving, attracts over 400 qualifying competitors from all over the UK.
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.
“In response to its growing popularity with RDA groups around the UK, we have added nine new classes to the Vaulting competition this year,” explains event secretary Sarah Hadley. “Since we first included it at the Championships it has proved a big hit with spectators and competitors alike, and this year the competition will take centre stage in the main arena on Saturday afternoon. Visitors can expect an inspiring and gravity-defying display of gymnastic skill, teamwork and horsemanship!”
Endurance will be making its debut at the event, with an introductory competition of up to 2 km. “We would love endurance to become a permanent fixture on the schedule after this year’s event. Testing the horse/rider partnership in a totally different way from our other activities, it will be great to see how our teams approach the challenge and get the most out of their horses and ponies,” says Sarah.
For classified riders, the Championships is an important fixture in the competition calendar, and with talent spotters on the lookout for the next Sophie Christiansen or Lee Pearson, the pressure will most definitely be on. “We pride ourselves on the friendliness of our event, but don’t underestimate the seriousness of the competition,” says Sarah. “There isn’t a competitor here who isn’t trying to do their very best and go home with a red rosette.”
The RDA National Championships takes place from 13-15 July at Hartpury College, Gloucester. Free entry. Visitors welcome.
Page Last Updated: September 18, 2018
Building starts at National Training Centre
June 5, 2018
RDA has broken ground on the building of its first ever National Training Centre. Due to open in spring 2019, the Centre at Lowlands Farm, Shrewley, will be an important focal point for the charity, which provides therapy through horses to disabled children and adults all over the UK.
The new Centre will provide training for hundreds of volunteers, helping to ensure they have the skills they need to support RDA’s 500 riding and carriage driving groups. “After months of planning, it is fantastic to have reached this milestone,” said Project Chair Patrick Riley. “Getting to this point has been a real team effort and we have received so much support from the local community.”
Once open, the Centre will also provide commercial riding lessons and venue hire opportunities, as well as RDA sessions for disabled clients. “We want the Training Centre to become a thriving and busy hub for a wide range of equestrian activities – and a real asset to the local community.”
Solihull-based firm, Greswolde Construction, is carrying out the work, which involves the renovation of existing equestrian facilities on site and the creation of a new building with office space and training rooms. “We are used to building in busy live environments, but they tend to involve humans. Horses are a first for us,” says Greswolde Director, and project leader, Chris Harrison. “We are working very closely with the RDA team on site to ensure everything goes smoothly and that their work isn’t disrupted.”
Despite having started work on site, fundraising continues for the project, which is attracting donations from local businesses and individuals keen to show their support for the life-changing work carried out by RDA. “We have been delighted by the response to our appeal,” said Patrick. “RDA has been changing lives through horses for almost 50 years and donating to this project is a great way to recognise this remarkable achievement.”
To register your interest in the project, to donate money or to offer equipment or expertise, please contact Sal Atkinson at RDA UK on 01926 405975 or email satkinson@rda.org.uk.
Page Last Updated: September 18, 2018
Volunteer opportunity: Could you help to raise awareness of RDA and its work in West & Central Scotland?
April 24, 2018
We have two volunteer roles available to help raise awareness of RDA. Please take a moment to read the descriptions below and see if you could give your support.
Regional Publicity Officer
RDA is looking for a volunteer for West & Central Scotland Region to publicise the work of RDA and its member groups to the public through online, print and social media. The role would suit someone with communications and PR experience who is looking to use their skills for the benefit of others.
Event co-ordinator for the RDA stand at Blair Hose Trials.
RDA has been supported by Blair Horse Trials for many years, and we benefit from a great position at the event, where we sell a range of merchandise, including RDA branded items and RDA Christmas cards. In addition, we take the opportunity to publicise the work of the RDA and particularly the activities of the groups within West & Central Scotland.
We are looking for a volunteer to be in charge of this project, including liaison with Blair Horse Trials, organising the stock and information displays plus other additional events or occasions.
For more information on either of these exciting and rewarding roles please contact Gillie Drapper, Regional Publicity Officer, West & Central Region Scotland Mobile: 077481 83239 or email: drapper@kilewnan.org.uk
Page Last Updated: September 18, 2018
NAIDEX 2018 is nearly here!
April 12, 2018
We are looking forward to seeing everyone on the RDA stand at NAIDEX 2018, we are pleased to be an official partner for the event taking place 25-26 April at the NEC. Come and say hello, meet the team and have a go on our mechanical horse!.
Book your FREE tickets today!
Page Last Updated: September 18, 2018
Appointment of a new Chair for RDA
March 26, 2018
After three terms of three years Sam Orde will be retiring as Chair of RDA UK at the end of March 2019. Sam has been (and continues to be) an exemplary Chair for the Association and does an incredible amount to further our work. We are extremely grateful to Sam for her hard work and commitment.
The Chair of RDA UK is a vital role combining a number of different requirements in terms of skills and experience as well as being the key leadership figure for the association. Candidates may come from either within or beyond RDA and can be nominated by one of the following:
a) 2 RDA member groups;
b) 2 Regional Chairs;
c) The Board of RDA UK
In order to ensure that we fill this post in a way which is fitting for our development, we have appointed a recruitment consultant – Hanover Fox – to help the current Board nominate its preferred candidate. Therefore we would like any interested person to speak to, and apply via, Hanover Fox. This will enable us to ensure that all applicants are assessed against the same criteria and we can work with Hanover Fox and our panel made up of people representing the constituents of RDA to find the best person for the role and for RDA.
The advert for the role is here below, and as you will see, if you want more information, or to discuss the role, please contact Phil de Glanville at the address shown.
Page Last Updated: September 18, 2018
RDA AGM announced
March 26, 2018
Notice is hereby given that the Fiftieth Annual General Meeting of the Riding for the Disabled Association Incorporating Carriage Driving will be held at The Trades Hall of Glasgow, 85 Glassford Street, Glasgow G1 1UH on Wednesday 14th November 2018 at 2.00pm.
The RDA Memorandum & Articles of Association allow Member Groups to submit resolutions for inclusion on the AGM Agenda. Please see clause 8.3 of the Articles of Association. Resolutions must be received by Friday 21st September 2018. Please note that this year we will be electing a new RDA UK Chair at the AGM.
The Agenda and accompanying papers (including a location map), will be circulated to all Member Groups prior to 14th November.
Page Last Updated: September 18, 2018
A World First Trek to Everest Base Camp
January 15, 2018
In Spring 2018, RDA rider, Max Stainton will attempt to reach Everest Base Camp to raise funds for Riding for the Disabled Association. Max, who has cerebral palsy, will be leaving the electric wheelchair he relies on daily in Kathmandu and swapping to a Nepalese horse for the ascent up to Base Camp with a team of supporters walking alongside. We believe a trek of this kind has never been achieved before. This is a once in a lifetime challenge for Max and the Riding Everest team, who are aiming to raise £50,000 towards the first ever RDA National Training Centre, helping to make this dream project a reality. Find out more about this amazing event, how you get involved and show support
Max is a disabled finance professional who works in London. He has lived with Cerebral Palsy all his life and has ridden with RDA since aged 5.
Page Last Updated: September 18, 2018
RDA official partner for NAIDEX 2018
January 11, 2018
RDA are pleased to be event partner for NAIDEX 2018 Europe’s biggest show dedicated to the care, rehabilitation and lifestyle of people with a disability or impairment.
Come and visit our stand in the Sports Arena section, have a go on our mechanical horse and learn more how you can get involved with our charity.
Register online today for your FREE TICKETS NAIDEX 2018
Page Last Updated: September 18, 2018
Vacancy for Council Chair at British Equestrian Federation
January 8, 2018
The BEF is seeking a new Council Chair. Please follow this link for details on the role and application process: BEF Council Chair Vacancy
Page Last Updated: September 18, 2018
