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Rachel Medill MBE elected as new Chair of RDA UK

June 17, 2021

Rachel Medill, MBE brings trustee and equestrian knowledge to ‘meet the growing need for support’

RDA has announced that Rachel Medill MBE will be the charity’s new Chair of Trustees. Voted in by members at an Extraordinary General Meeting, Rachel will start the new role immediately. The appointment follows a rigorous recruitment process, with exceptional candidates coming forward to be considered for the prestigious post.

Rachel has a lifelong connection with horses. She was shortlisted for junior and young rider British eventing teams and was 14th at Burghley before starting her career in the City of London (as Director of PR, Corporate Communications and Direct Marketing). In 2000, she left the City and has since held various consultancy and board positions, including 5 years as an independent director of the British Equestrian Federation.

In 2008, Rachel founded a charity, Ride High, in order to support children who are vulnerable, isolated, disadvantaged or otherwise struggling to cope with daily life. She developed programmes which use horses to connect with children, and associated educational projects to build confidence and self esteem as well as social, communication and literacy skills. In 2020, having built the organisation into a thriving social enterprise, she stepped back from her full-time role as CEO with the intention of bringing her strategic and business experience to a national leadership role in the charity sector. In 2016 Rachel received an MBE for her services to children.

“We are delighted to welcome Rachel Medill to RDA,” says Chief Executive Ed Bracher. “She joins us at an exciting but undoubtedly challenging time, as we bring our groups out of lockdown and get back to pre-COVID activity levels across the UK. We are finalising our strategy for the next five years – including an ambitious programme of growth and development – and I know we will benefit from Rachel’s experience and understanding of our work.”

Rachel Medill says; “I’m very excited about becoming Chair of Trustees at RDA UK as it combines so much of what I am passionate about. I join a community of people united by their belief in the extraordinary, gentle power of horses to bring happiness and aspiration. In the wake of the pandemic when so many people are struggling I want to encourage the widest range of people to be involved and engaged with the organisation so that we can meet the growing need for our support.”

Filed Under: Group Admin, News
Page Last Updated: June 17, 2021

Weekly News 10 June

June 16, 2021

I was sad to hear about the death of Carolyn (Carol) Hall who had been suffering from Dementia. Until her retirement on health grounds some 5+ years ago, Carol was the backbone of the West Suffolk Group, where she was coach and Chair. She was also County Coach for Suffolk and a Coach Developer for East Region. Carol volunteered for over 40 years. She worked tirelessly at the Regional Qualifiers and Regional Training Days.  She was a regular volunteer at Hartpury on the Countryside Challenge Course and helped make all the riders feel very special when competing there. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her.

With thanks to Sue Diggins and Sue Price

EGM reminder

A reminder about next week’s EGM – please cast your group vote for the new Chair of RDA UK if you haven’t already done so. The link to vote is: www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/EGM17June21


3 Carriages available

North Meols Carriage Driving Group is sadly having to close and they have 3 carriages, a Fenix, a Charles Wylie, which takes a wheelchair, a Bennington, and a ramp available to donate to other RDA groups. If your group might be interested, or you would like further information, please contact Fiona Caplan on either bafilo@tiscali.co.uk or 01704 566728.


30-minute webinar

Tonight, 7pm Coaching Week special

To mark Coaching Week, we hear from Abingdon Coach and regular blogger India Collins-Davies about what coaching within RDA means to her, what she missed during lockdown and what is enriching her life once again now the group is back open and filming their virtual qualifier videos. She’ll also use the opportunity to reach out to young coaches and volunteers who are thinking about joining the coaching pathway.

Register at: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_7lxOcr11QeOu-Td7VYw6Nw

Next week: 17 June, Surprise webinar

The surprise is I don’t know what it is yet! Rest assured there will be one and it will be excellent. I’ll circulate the details in next week’s email so apologies that it will be very short notice.

Regional Equine Advisor for three regions

We are looking to fill this vital role in Grampian & Highland, North Midlands and North Wales. If you or anyone you know might be interested please take a look at the role description here: https://myrda.org.uk/assets/Role-Profile-Regional-Equine-Advisor-0621-pdf-1-1.pdf

Any applications or enquiries to Emma Bayliss at ebayliss@rda.org.uk

Corporate Fundraising Workshop

Thanks to giving you the wrong email address for Clare Pryme, making it somewhat difficult for people to register, the corporate fundraising workshop is being rearranged for a later date (tbc). If you would be interested in attending, do let Clare know at cpryme@rda.org.uk so she can contact you when a date has been agreed. As before, this is for 15 people (one delegate per group please), with places offered on a first come first served basis.

As a reminder, this workshop is:

An Introduction to Corporate Fundraising: a practical learning session designed to benefit people who are completely new to fundraising. The workshop provides insight into corporate fundraising and increasing your knowledge in this area. Led by highly experienced corporate fundraisers, the session will introduce a practical approach and cover a wide range of topics including:

  • The different fundraising methods corporates could use to support your organisation.
  • Gaining an understanding of what corporates expect in return for their support.
Filed Under: Events, Fundraising, Group Admin, News
Page Last Updated: June 16, 2021

Weekly News 3 June

June 16, 2021

Few good things have happened as a result of COVID-19, but one silver lining has been the increased recognition of volunteering and the absolute necessity of people giving their time in all sorts of ways so that communities can survive and thrive.

This Volunteers’ Week I like to say thank you to each and every one of you for everything you have done to support your group and the wider RDA community through this incredibly tough year.

Sadly, I have to report the death of Pat Messam, County Physio in Norfolk for many years and Joint Regional Physio for East Region. Norfolk County Coach Lorna Mitchell says: “Pat, though a quiet gentle person, had great strength of character and resilience who made a difference to so many of us in Norfolk.”

An interview with Rachel Medill

Ahead of the EGM to vote in the new Chair of RDA UK, we asked Interim Chair and Regional Chair for South Region Frances Lochrane to record a chat with nominee Rachel Medill, to help you put a face to the name and find out more about her. The conversation is available to watch here: https://youtu.be/hVqN5jGF-m4

Fundraising Workshops

Our fundraising team will be delivering a series of training sessions for novice fundraisers over the next few weeks, via Zoom. There are 15 places available on each workshop on a first come first serve basis (one person per group please). Further workshops are planned, including for those with more experience of fundraising.

  1. An Introduction to Corporate Fundraising: a practical learning session designed to benefit people who are completely new to fundraising. The workshop provides insight into corporate fundraising and increasing your knowledge in this area. Led by highly experienced corporate fundraisers, the session will introduce a practical approach and cover a wide range of topics including:
  • The different fundraising methods corporates could use to support your organisation.
  • Gaining an understanding of what corporates expect in return for their support.

Details:

  • Wednesday 9 June, 10:30am – 1:00pm
  • Register your interest by Monday 7 June to: cpryme@rda.org.uk

 

  1. An Introduction to fundraising: if you are new to fundraising and want to develop your understanding and knowledge of fundraising this is the workshop for you.  We will cover topics including:
  • Useful tools and resources to find funding opportunities.
  • A practical introduction covering basic principles and best practices. 
  • Understanding how to manage your relationships and why your relationship(s) with your donors and supporters is critical to your success.

Details:

  • Wednesday 17 June, 10:30am – 1:00pm
  • Register your interest by 15 June to: cyapp@rda.org.uk

 

  1. An Introduction to Grant Making: whether you are new to grant fundraising, looking to build on your fundraising experience, or you are supporting others to make grant funding applications, this programme will help you build your knowledge and skills to do so.  This workshop is aimed at attendees at various levels of experience. We will cover topics including:
  • How to find funding opportunities and how to decide which funds are right for you.
  • Investigate reasons applications are rejected, and top tips for increasing your success rates.
  • Understand how applications are assessed and start to look at your applications from the perspective of the funder.

Details:

  • Wednesday 22nd June, 10:30am – 1:00pm
  • Register your interest by Monday 20 June to: rthompson@rda.org.uk

30-minute webinar

Tonight, 7pm Volunteers’ Week Special

Lindsay Correa, National Volunteering Lead and Faye McKenning, Projects Co-ordinator: Volunteer Development will be talking about all things volunteering, and Lindsay’s volunteering journey. If you have any questions please send them to fmckenning@rda.org.uk

Register at: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_nfsR3IA1SFaxjvsLsoYy8w

Next week: 10 June, Coaching Week

To mark Coaching Week, we hear from Abingdon Coach and regular blogger India Collins-Davies about what coaching within RDA means to her, what she missed during lockdown and what is enriching her life once again now the group is back open and filming their virtual qualifier videos. She’ll also use the opportunity to reach out to young coaches and volunteers who are thinking about joining the coaching pathway.

Register at: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_7lxOcr11QeOu-Td7VYw6Nw

You can catch India’s blog here: https://www.rdacoachindia.co.uk/

RDA Banners mystery!

We seem to be missing a couple of RDA event banners (like you might put above a stand or on a fence). They are big and white and have just our logo and website on them. Is there any chance you know where they are? Have they been forgotten about during lockdown? We’d love them back so if you can help solve our mystery please email Cat cyapp@rda.org.uk

Filed Under: Events, Fundraising, Group Admin, News
Page Last Updated: June 16, 2021

Weekly News 27 May

May 28, 2021

New Chair and EGM

Group Chairs have been sent the information about the nomination of Rachel Medill as the new Chair of RDA UK and the notice of the EGM on 17 June. If you are a Group Chair and you have not received this information, please contact Amanda Perkins aperkins@rda.org.uk.

About Rachel Medill, MBE

Rachel has a lifelong love of horses. She was shortlisted for junior and young rider British eventing teams and was 14th at Burghley before starting her career in the City of London (as Director of PR, Corporate Communications and Direct Marketing). In 2000, Rachel left the City and has since held various consultancy and board positions, including 5 years as an independent director of the British Equestrian Federation.

In 2008, Rachel founded a charity, Ride High, in order to support children who are vulnerable, isolated, disadvantaged or otherwise struggling to cope with daily life. She developed programmes which use horses to connect with children, and associated educational projects to build confidence and self esteem as well as social, communication and literacy skills. Having seen the organisation into its long-term home and onto a secure financial footing, she stepped back from her full-time role as CEO at the start of 2020 with the intention of supporting a number of other charities.

In 2016 Rachel received an MBE for her services to children. She no longer rides but wants to take up carriage driving.

To help introduce Rachel, we will be recording a Zoom conversation between her and Frances Lochrane, who has been Acting Chair for the past 6 months.  We will be circulating the link to this early next week.

 

Government Restart Grants for businesses – England only

From 1 April 2021, local authorities in England have been able to allocate one-off grants of up to £18,000 to support non-essential businesses to reopen safely as restrictions are eased.  Indoor riding schools are eligible to apply and are included as an example of an eligible business in the “Leisure” section of the official guidance. The Government has now confirmed that riding schools which operate outside only (i.e. without an indoor facility) are also eligible to apply.

The “Gym and Sports” section of the guidance includes reference to non-profit establishments. The first step to check if your RDA Group meets the criteria to make an application is to visit:  www.gov.uk/guidance/check-if-youre-eligible-for-a-coronavirus-restart-grant . 

If you then wish to make an application, you will need to contact your local authority directly for details on how to apply.  If you are not sure which local authority area you are in, you can find out here: www.gov.uk/find-local-council .

The application closure date for this scheme is 30 June 2021 and payments to successful businesses will be made by the end of July 2021.

You can view the full guidance issued to local authorities here:  https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/986420/restart-grant-guidance.pdf

 

30-minute webinar

Tonight, 7pm, Restarting RDA: Don’t wait for ‘normality’ to return

The process of restarting RDA sessions after a long break will require planning (and yes, undoubtedly some paperwork), even if COVID restrictions are eased and things feel largely back to normal – so it makes sense to start sooner rather than later. We look at the considerations for a safe and orderly restart. We will be chatting with Lesley Davies from Belvoir Vale RDA Group and will have some ideas from other groups about how they have got started.

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_aADeuzJoRx2WEsZKlTdjOQ

 

Next week: 3 June, Volunteers’ Week

Lindsay Correa, National Volunteering Lead and Faye McKenning, Projects Co-ordinator: Volunteer Development will be talking about all things volunteering, and Lindsay’s volunteering journey. If you have any questions please send them to fmckenning@rda.org.uk

Register at: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_nfsR3IA1SFaxjvsLsoYy8w

 

National Lead for Dressage

We are sad to be losing John Robinson as National Lead for Dressage. We would like to thank him wholeheartedly for the time he has put into dressage nationally, providing training, forging strong links to British Dressage and being an invaluable asset leading the team of judges at our National Championships.  It has been an honour having someone at the highest level of Para Judging involved with RDA giving us credibility and the knowledge to keep moving forward. We wish John well and thank him for his time and support of RDA over the years.

We are now looking for an inspirational National Lead to promote the world of dressage as a core activity and experience within RDA. Are you passionate about dressage and unlocking potential? Could you bring your knowledge and experience to make a difference to people’s lives? If you think this is you, please visit myrda.org.uk/assets/Dressage_Lead_Role_Description.docx for more information.

Closing date: Monday 5 July 2021.

 

Volunteers’ Week 1-7 June

A reminder that next week is Volunteers’ Week. Anyone who wants to share their ‘why I volunteer’ stories can email Faye fmckenning@rda.org.uk  anytime between now and the end of Volunteers’ Week.

Filed Under: Features, Fundraising, Group Admin, News
Page Last Updated: May 28, 2021

Weekly News 20 May

May 28, 2021

Sidewalkers: clarification for Scotland

In Scotland, one sidewalker for riding and carriage driving is permitted if an area is in Level 1 or 2 but not in Level 3.  We understand Glasgow and Moray remain in Level 3. 

 

Search for a ‘heritage champion’

For over 50 years RDA has been at the forefront of disability sport, and a pioneer in the world of horses for therapy. In partnership with Sporting Heritage, we are now looking for a volunteer (or volunteer team) to capture, record and share our heritage: preserving our history and making it more accessible for future generations.

If you know someone who might enjoy this challenge, the full spec can be found here:

myrda.org.uk/we-are-looking-for-a-volunteer-heritage-champion/    

Anyone interested can pop me an email cward@rda.org.uk

 

30-minute webinar

Tonight, 7pm, RDA Endurance

To coincide with Endurance Week and the launch of this year’s RDA Endurance league, we hear from new National Lead for this increasingly popular activity, Gilly Roper.

Register at: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_kw6qcDH8QHCNr9XONbfnkg 

Next week: 27 May, Restarting RDA: Don’t wait for ‘normality’ to return

The process of restarting RDA sessions after a long break will require planning (and yes, undoubtedly some paperwork), even if COVID restrictions are eased and things feel largely back to normal – so it makes sense to start sooner rather than later. We look at the considerations for a safe and orderly restart.

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_aADeuzJoRx2WEsZKlTdjOQ

 

Coach Reflection cards

A recent CPD workshop for coaches highlighted the benefits of being able to reflect on sessions in a positive and productive way. In response, we have developed a series of reflection cards as part of our e-learning platform. These can be used at the end of the day on your own, but are just as useful worked through with others. Although developed for coaching, these are suitable for everyone involved in RDA sessions (participants, volunteers and coaches) and are available here: www.rda-learning.org.uk/courses/coach-reflection/

 

Volunteers’ Week 1-7 June

Just a heads up about Volunteers’ Week, as usual the first week of June. This year we will be using our Volunteer Wellbeing research to highlight the reasons people volunteer with RDA (and the benefits) and asking volunteers to share their own experiences with us. Anyone who wants to share their ‘why I volunteer’ stories can email Faye fmckenning@rda.org.uk  anytime between now and the end of Volunteers’ Week.

 

Equi-Scotia courses

Please find here information about courses which might be of interest to develop and deliver non-riding activities to support mental health and well-being: https://www.equi-scotia.com/our-events/

Filed Under: Events, Fundraising, Group Admin, News
Page Last Updated: May 28, 2021

Weekly News 13 May

May 28, 2021

Side walkers

The Road to Restart Working Group can now confirm that one side walker from outside the rider’s household/bubble will be permitted to support the rider on the opposite side of the equine to the leader from late May (17 May in England, Scotland and Wales and 24 May in Northern Ireland).

The side walker and leader must be socially distanced by at least 1m at all times. They both must practice good hand hygiene and the side walker must wear a face covering over nose and mouth whilst in the session.  The leader must either look away from the rider and side walker at all times or wear a face covering, or can choose to do both.  As a reminder, if any volunteers are supporting any participants outside their household/ bubble they must be appropriately trained and with a green card.  The COVID-19 basic training record is only for household/bubble members supporting the rider they are in a household/bubble with. 

If the rider needs two side walkers then these both must come from the rider’s household/ bubble and (unless the leader is from the same household), the leader must face away from the rider and side walkers at all times or they must wear a face covering. The leader and the side walker on the same side must also aim to be socially distanced as much as possible.  This applies to England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Two side walkers from outside the rider’s household/ bubble are permitted on the Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey where physical distancing restrictions are no longer in force.  

The timing of this change is being tied to the level of confidence in each of the respective countries about permitting 2 households to meet indoors and/or to permit contact sport.

It is also proposed when legal limits on restrictions are removed, expected to be 21 June in England, then two side walkers from outside the rider’s household/ bubble will be permitted.  Dates for other home countries will be in step with removal of legal limits, these dates have not yet been announced.

   

New Rider Assessments

A number of groups have asked if they can assess new riders. The answer to this is yes!  When doing so, you should aim to be socially distanced as much as you can but if you have to breach social distancing, you should ensure you practice good hand hygiene (sanitise your hands before you come into contact with anyone and immediately afterwards) and must wear a face covering.

 

30-minute webinar

Next Thursday, 20 May, RDA Endurance

To coincide with Endurance Week and the launch of this year’s RDA Endurance league (see below), we hear from new National Lead for this increasingly popular activity, Gilly Roper.

Register at: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_kw6qcDH8QHCNr9XONbfnkg 

 

Tea with a Pony Conference – 19 May, 9-10:30am

A reminder to sign up this Zoom conference on Wednesday 19 May to mark the launch of Tea with a Pony.  The conference will focus on the benefits of equine experiences for people living with Dementia, and also how RDA are using the Dementia Friends initiative. Panellists include: Ally Rood (MRes in Horses for Dementia), Lorna Kook (Retired Occupational Therapist), Claire Jenkins (RDA UK Trustee) and Meg Hardman (Chair, Medical Equestrian Association and RDA Honorary Medic)

Register for the conference at: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_eXHBC1UiQnmNBgVPM6zNSg

Please share the details of this conference to anyone you think might be interested – from within and outside of RDA.

 

Toyota Parasport Funding for groups in England – closes 31 May 2021

The Toyota Parasport Fund has launched a new round of funding with awards of between £1,000 and £5,000 for organisations in England looking to support disabled people to return to sport or activity, when relaxing of coronavirus (Covid-19) restrictions allow them to do so.

The link to their webpage is here www.sportengland.org/parasporttoyota. Applications are made using a standard small grants application form and there is an accompanying funding guide.

Although this grant is only applicable to groups in England at the moment, groups in other nations can get more information on what is available in their home countries using this link: https://parasport.org.uk/toyota-parasport-fund

 

Endurance League

As we approach Endurance Week next week, a reminder about the RDA Endurance League, which is running until next April to allow as many groups as possible to take part. Participants can also use a mechanical horse (though they still need to take a real horse’s heart rate!). Carriage Driving groups can add Endurance to their activities.

Find out more about this hugely popular initiative here: myrda.org.uk/runningyourgroup/endurance/

 

Every Mind Matters

This week is Mental Health Awareness week and Every Mind Matters is updating its resources to help conversations about mental health and the things in our daily lives that can affect it. Every Mind Matters – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Filed Under: Events, Fundraising, Group Admin, News
Page Last Updated: May 28, 2021

Weekly News 6 May

May 6, 2021

30-minute webinar

Tonight: 6 May, 7pm, Buying Equines

RDA Honorary Vet Nick Hart, Equine Coordinator at RDA UK Emma Bayliss and Sarah Healing of Penniwells RDA discuss the dos and don’ts of equine purchase.

Register at: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_rB17oRf9RIWxM9R2vMHrFw  

Next Thursday, 13 May, A week off!

Since I’m at least a day behind with everything this week, there is no webinar planned for next week. You can have the evening off! We’ll be back the following week.

Stella Hancock Award – a note from National Carriage Driving Lead, Eileen Cornish

Congratulations to Shifford Driving Group in the South Region for being awarded the Stella Hancock Award of £150 towards the training of a new coach for their group. I look forward to her joining the CD Coach ranks in the not-too-distant future once her assessment is completed.

National Office phones: disruption 13 May

You may know we’ve been struggling a bit with the phone system we installed that is supposed to help staff answer calls from home. It has proved a bit unreliable and we are trying a new system, which will be installed next week, 13 May. This may mean the phones are out of action for part or all of that day. I suggest you email us instead, either direct to the person you need, or to info@rda.org.uk and your message will be forwarded to the right person.

Filed Under: Events, Group Admin, News
Page Last Updated: May 6, 2021

Weekly News 29 April

May 6, 2021

Opportunity to purchase horses

Thanks to everyone who responded to Tuesday’s email (groups in England, Wales and Scotland) about the horses for sale. We are working with the owner for the rest of this week and next and will update you as soon as there is any news.

30-minute webinar

Tonight: 7pm, RDA Insurance Explained

Richard Doubleday, Executive Chairman of Howdens Insurance Brokers discusses the RDA Insurance. Register at: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_vAuxrSipS36DnO_yKbHayA

Next Thursday, 6 May, Buying Equines

RDA Honorary Vet Nick Hart and Emma Baylis discuss the dos and don’ts of equine purchase. A group with recent experience of buying RDA horses will also share their advice.

Register at: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_rB17oRf9RIWxM9R2vMHrFw  

Activity Levels survey

In order to help us understand activity levels within groups at the moment, we are issuing a survey to all signed-off groups by the end of this week. I apologise that this means some of you will hear from me again!

‘Tea With a Pony’ Conference 19 May

As part of The Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Action Week #DAW2021, RDA will be hosting a Zoom conference on Wednesday 19 May to mark the launch of Tea with a Pony.  This conference will focus on the benefits of equine experiences for people living with Dementia, and also how RDA are using the Dementia Friends initiative. Panellists include: Ally Rood (MRes in Horses for Dementia), Lorna Kook (Retired Occupational Therapist), Claire Jenkins (RDA UK Trustee) and Meg Hardman (Chair, Medical Equestrian Association and RDA Honorary Medic)

Register for the conference at: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_eXHBC1UiQnmNBgVPM6zNSg

Social media boycott this weekend

Along with other British Equestrian member bodies we will be uniting with the football community and other sports for a social media boycott from 3pm on Friday 30 April to 11:59pm on Monday 3 May in support of bringing an end to online abuse and hate. You can read British Equestrian’s statement on this here: www.britishequestrian.org.uk/news/british-equestrian-backs-social-media-boycott-this-weekend

We know that many groups use social media as a key part of their operational communication, so may not feel able to take part in a total boycott, but your support for this initiative is appreciated.

We will be posting a final statement ahead of the boycott about 2pm tomorrow. Please feel free to share/use that message as you wish on your own RDA group channels #EnoughIsEnough #DrawTheLine

Introductory Offer to join Equestrian Employers Association

The Equestrian Employers Association provides support, resources and advice to employers in the equestrian industry. They provide a number of templates that you can use for your employment needs if you employ staff, such as a Contract Creator, Staff Handbook Creator, Health and Safety toolkit and Code of Good Employment as well as information on pensions and payroll to help you to be a compliant and Good Employer. They also have an employment advice helpline.  In addition, they have useful information and templates for those who need to have a Riding Establishments Licence.  They are offering a special introductory rate to RDA groups signing up for the first time of £37.50 per year compared to the usual £49.50. Please note this discount does not apply if you are already a member and please do not pass this on as this offer does not apply to anyone outside of RDA or with Accessibility Mark accreditation. More details here: https://equestrianemployers.org.uk/homeRDA

Horsefest cancellation

The organisers of Horsefest have sadly had to make the difficult decision to cancel the event this year, due to ongoing uncertainties surrounding COVID restrictions.

If you have tickets (bought or won), please see the following message from their Facebook page (www.facebook.com/HorseFestuk):  “We would like to encourage anybody who has purchased tickets or accommodation for this year’s event to roll them over and come party with us in 2022. For anyone who would prefer a refund, this can be arranged by logging onto their TicketSellers account (details are on the email sent to ticket holders). Those who have won tickets – these will transfer to next year’s HorseFest automatically.”

Filed Under: Events, Group Admin, News
Page Last Updated: May 6, 2021

Opportunity to buy a horse

April 28, 2021

We have been speaking with an establishment that is selling a significant number of horses and ponies that could be suitable for RDA.  There is a possibility, if we are able to move fairly quickly, that we could (collectively) purchase a significant number of these horses and give them a good and meaningful life with RDA.  I should stress, though, at this stage we are exploring this and there is no firm agreement.

Initially, we just need to be able to gauge demand. If you are actively looking for new equines for your group (ie, you know what you need and have an idea of your budget etc), we have a very quick online form for you to fill in to register your interest. If you are looking for more than one, please complete the form as many times as necessary.

Clearly, there will be more stages to this but for now your initial show of (serious) interest is all we need. If you can complete the form as soon as possible that would be great. Certainly by the end of 28 April.

Please follow the link to the online form here www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/RDAequines

Filed Under: Events, Group Admin, News
Page Last Updated: April 28, 2021

Weekly News 22 April

April 28, 2021

Here’s a lovely thing to kick off with: Tonight’s The One Show (7pm, BBC One), features volunteer Jane Dowding of Green Cottage RDA in Dorset receiving a ‘One Big Thank You’ in celebration and recognition of everything she does to support the group. Congratulations Jane, so well deserved. 

The Swiss Cheese model

As more people are vaccinated, and Lateral Flow Testing becomes more routine, we are understandably getting questions about whether this means we can change our guidance (specifically in the area of sidewalkers), and whether other precautions are still necessary.

The problem is that no single measure to prevent the spread of Coronavirus is 100% effective – including vaccines – and it is vital that, for now, we continue to follow social distancing, good hand hygiene and use face coverings where appropriate, even if people are vaccinated or have tested negative. Rest assured, our working party is reviewing our guidance regularly and everyone involved is committed to a return to RDA activities for all riders and drivers as soon as possible.

The ‘Swiss Cheese’ model explains the need for multiple safety measures in quite a neat way if you are interested:  www.bbc.co.uk/news/resources/idt-40ac92b1-1750-4e86-9936-2cda6b0acb3f 

30-minute webinar

Tonight: 7pm, Physiotherapy advice

Regional Physio for Grampian & Highland Valerie Cooper will advise on helping participants return to activity.

Register at: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_kjcf1rn5Q1CtB_gyKGNkUQ

Next Thursday, 29 April, RDA Insurance explained

Richard Doubleday, Executive Chairman of Howdens Insurance Brokers discusses the RDA Insurance. Register at: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_vAuxrSipS36DnO_yKbHayA

Competition rulebook

If you are having difficulty using the Rulebook inserts we produced for this year, full copies of the Rulebook and the inserts (in A4 and A5) are available here: myrda.org.uk/runningyourgroup/national-championships/ .

For 2022, the Rulebook will be re-designed and full copies will be printed.

British Equestrian Launches Youth Development & Performance Pathway Handbook

British Equestrian has launched the first edition of its Youth Development & Performance Pathway Handbook, which focuses on the Olympic and Paralympic disciplines of dressage, para dressage, eventing and showjumping.

The handbook outlines the various stages that an aspiring rider might go through as they progress through their chosen discipline, starting at entry level and progressing through the various development stages, up to being an athlete at the upper levels of the World Class Programme.

The digital e-book is available to view here:  www.britishequestrian.org.uk/competitors/youth-development-performance-pathway-handbook

Filed Under: Events, Group Admin, News
Page Last Updated: April 28, 2021
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