(RDA) has recognised the particular challenge faced by its groups during 2020 with series of one-off awards presented at the charity’s virtual AGM. The four ‘Brilliant’ awards acknowledge the dedication of the RDA community throughout lockdown and the gradual restarting of activities.

Brilliant Person Award, sponsored by Childs Farm

Trish Clarke of Gareloch RDA won this award for her creative, problem-solving attitude and everything she has done to keep her group engaged and together during lockdown. Her nominator said: “Trish always sees a problem as an exciting challenge and her enthusiasm and caring personality have enhanced and improved our whole group. Thank you Trish, you’re an inspiration.”

In her acceptance speech, filmed and shown at RDA’s virtual AGM, Trish said “I am honoured and delighted. The RDA is a great organisation, and one that I am proud to be associated with. One of the core strengths of RDA is its ability to foster teamwork and I am lucky to work with a fantastic group of people. This award is a tribute to their hard work and support.”

Brilliant Young Person, supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery

RDA rider Teagan Murphy was the deserving recipient of this award. Teagan wanted to ensure that the ponies at her group had enough to eat during lockdown. In order to raise money, she cycled 55km in stages around her local area with the support of her family. Her original aim of £200 was well and truly beaten with her final total of £1,380.

Brilliant RDA Group, sponsored by Oliver Wight

Equipower RDA won this award for their extraordinary efforts to keep their riders and volunteers engaged during lockdown. They ran fitness classes, mental health support services, educational activities, fundraisers and more.

Ettrickbridge & Dryden group were highly commended in this category for their weekly ‘horsey homeworks’ for schools, regular news-drops and zoom social events.

RDA UK Award, sponsored by Andrews Bowen

Natalie O’Rourke of Park Lane Stables won this award. With stables closing due to the pandemic Natalie was concerned that RDA participants at her group would not be getting their equine therapy. Undaunted, she took a pony to local adults and children in lockdown to brighten up their day. She also visited the children of key workers at schools, elderly people in care homes and a child in Great Ormond Street. Natalie is now running Stable Management and Wellbeing in Wellies sessions, which are proving to be very popular.

Anne Allen was highly commended in this category. She opened up her own stables in order to provide a venue for her group, teaching horse care, feeding, grooming and taking part in a specially devised obstacle course.

Watch the citations and acceptances on the RDA YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/rdanational

RDA held its 51^st AGM, chaired by our President, Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal. In a first for RDA, the meeting took place on Zoom and was livestreamed on YouTube. Hundreds of members tuned in from around the UK to watch the event, which also included an awards presentation for volunteers and riders.

In her President’s Address, The Princess acknowledged the challenges that RDA and its 500 member groups have faced since the start of lockdown in March. She recognised the dedication shown by the charity’s volunteers and coaches to ensure that RDA’s commitment to disabled people has not suffered.

The Princess, who previously ‘met’ with volunteers and riders on Zoom during the first lockdown, spoke about the individuals throughout the organisation who have shown great leadership in helping RDA to adapt and innovate throughout this period.

RDA Chief Executive Ed Bracher also acknowledged this point, saying he has ‘never been more proud to be part of RDA’ than during this year.

“My main message is one of thanks to everyone in the RDA community – collectively, you have done so much to support each other during this crisis,” he said.  “When I look back over 2020 I will, of course, remember a time when we all felt the stress, uncertainty and frustration of what was happening. But I will also remember a time when our community really pulled together and supported each other.”

Private meeting with President’s Award winners

After chairing the AGM, The Princess moved to a private break out room to meet winners of The President’s Award – RDA’s most prestigious award for over 30 years ‘above and beyond’ voluntary service.

Award winner Lynne Munro said: “At first the idea of a virtual awards ceremony was strange but actually turned out to be a great experience. A couple of practice sessions helped too! We each had lots of individual time chatting with Princess Anne in a relaxed, friendly and personal way with lots of anecdotes and laughter too. The only downside was no photograph with The Princess but that is a small price to pay for what was, for me, the most exciting thing to happen in my kitchen during lockdown!”

Ed Bracher said: “Thank you to all of these volunteers for their amazing service to and support for RDA over the years – we are blessed to attract volunteers to this organisation who not only stay with us, but also do incredible things to take us forward.”

President’s Award winners

Susan Robson            
Susan Robson joined Richmond and Catterick Group in 1983 chairing the group between 1983 and 2000 leading them through some tough times. Throughout her 50 years involvement with RDA Sue has held positions at group, county and regional level.  Her greatest achievement has been in the practical help she has given to disabled people throughout the region with whom she has a natural empathy having had her own challenges with dyslexia. These she has overcome through willpower and a dogged determination not to let that limit in any way what she can do. 

Jane McMurray
Jane McMurray is one of the founders of RDA in Northern Ireland and started Lisburn RDA in 1975 . The Group continues to provide riding for pupils from Parkview to this day. 

Jane’s lifelong association with horses and wide experience have been invaluable both at group and regional level where her contribution should not be underestimated. She has never held an official regional post but for many years no Dressage Competition, Holiday, or Day Out took place without Jane’s help, quietly working away in the background assisting wherever she was needed, always ready with a kind word and encouragement

Brigid Hamill
Brigid Hamill was one of the founder members of Windsor and Ascot Driving Group in 1975 and is still supporting the group today.  The group started with donkeys and jubilee carriages and now has three lovely ponies – over 40 volunteers and currently 13 drivers. She has recently given up coaching, but she can still be seen busy helping, head holding and assisting participants at the sessions.  She is a great “mother” figure in the group, always there with a listening ear, supporting the team, and has given so many people over the years the opportunity to enjoy driving.  

Lynne Munro
Lynne Munroe first met the RDA in 1974 as a placement activity during her physiotherapy training in the East End of London working with disabled children riding horses. Over the years, Lynne has touched every part of RDA at Group, County and National levels. She is a “doer” who will put her hand to any aspect of the daily delivery of tuition, support and encouragement to both participant and volunteer alike. She has helped to develop vaulting as a core RDA activity. Perry RDA group in Shropshire, where she is a regular coach, has benefitted from her careful guidance.

Isobel Buchanan
Isobel joined the Winton Group as a volunteer in 1977 four years after it was founded. She did a variety of roles and became Chairman in 1990 and remained in that role for nine years.

The group was very active during this period, raising substantial funds, owning a minibus, and taking disabled children on holiday each year.  Isobel was called upon to take the Chairman’s role again in 2008-2014 and was County Chairman from 2011-2015

One of her proudest memories is when a Winton Group rider won a silver medal at the Special Olympics in Shanghai, China in 2007.  

Anne Mitchell
Anne has run and worked at Barrow Farm since its start in 1976 – she has taught and supported hundreds of disabled people to appreciate riding and driving. Through her enthusiasm, determination and dedication Barrow Farm has progressed from 12 to over 140 riders and drivers each week. She has been involved in all aspects of running the organisation and has trained and developed many RDA coaches.  Anne has also contributed to RDA at County and Regional level.  She has taken part in and run many training courses for coaches and volunteers.

Lesley Furnell
For over 30 years Lesley Furnell has dedicated herself to RDA through her expertise as a physiotherapist. Lesley moved from her previous group to Shiresmill Riding Therapy Centre in 2000.  Qualifying as a Group Coach in 2004, she has worked tirelessly displaying endless patience and care with all participants.  For nearly 10 years she has held Group governance roles and been a key player in increasing activities, improving training for volunteers and developing funding streams.

As Regional Physio from 2004 to 2016, Lesley travelled extensively capturing the latest thinking and developments, readily passing on that knowledge and understanding to the Region and RDA nationally.  She was a member of the International Coordination Group representing RDA and presenting papers at HETI conferences worldwide.  Throughout, she has encouraged many young therapists to get involved with RDA.

Lesley has channelled her energy into qualifying as a Coach Developer, part of a successful Regional Coaching Team.

Watch the RDA AGM & Awards live on You Tube

The RDA AGM & Awards will be broadcast live on YouTube tomorrow from about 10:30 to midday on Friday 6 November. Simply head to our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/rdanational . Please encourage your volunteers and wider RDA community to tune in by sharing this link.

RDA Tartan scarf

As the cold weather begins to take hold, you might be interested in purchasing an RDA tartan scarf. These beautiful (and warm!) Lochcarron of Scotland scarves were produced during our 50^th anniversary and can be bought through the good people at Norvite Farm & Country with all proceeds to RDA. www.norvitefarmandcountry.com/11406/products/rda-50th-anniversary-tartan-lambswool-scarf.aspx . 

Resource for managing horse care

Tess Fordham, Regional Vet for Scotland has produced a useful template form for groups with horses to ensure consistent care and decision-making in an emergency. This might be useful if you have different people coming in on different days to look after them. You can find it here (third form in the list on the right hand side of the page): myrda.org.uk/runningyourgroup/horses-and-rda/

Carriage Driving Facebook Page

With Carriage Driving groups still unable to return to activity, don’t forget there is a Facebook group for helping to keep you in touch with your RDA carriage driving community. In Facebook search for ‘RDA Carriage Driving’ and request to join. 

As promised, please find here our latest advice regarding the lockdown in England from 5 November to 2 December.

Group closure

In order to comply with the country-wide lockdown, RDA groups in England should close until 2 December. Reducing the spread of COVID-19 is a priority and as an organisation we will act accordingly.

Two possible exemptions

There are two situations where, in specific, individual cases, RDA activities may be requested to continue by a school or healthcare provider for specific educational and/or therapeutic purposes.

These situations are:

• Where a school wants to continue RDA sessions for their students as it forms part of their normal provision for education and training
• Where an individual or members of a small group have been referred or prescribed RDA activity by NHS, social care providers or similar and the trustees have written approval from this NHS healthcare (e.g. GP, CAMHS etc.) or social care provider for this activity to continue as part of ongoing medical assistance or therapy.

These situations will be covered by RDA insurance where trustees have received a written request from the education or healthcare provider. It is up to the trustees to decide if they want to meet these requests. Staff and volunteers required for these sessions can travel in this instance as this is classed as essential.  If these exemptions apply to any of your activities and you plan to remain open, please email groupsupport@rda.org.uk so we are aware of which groups this relates to. 

Horse care

Riding centres and stables can remain open for the care and exercise of horses during this period to protect animal welfare.  Staff and volunteers can travel in this case as this is classed as essential.

Exercise should be done following our existing insurance and exercising of equines policy, which permits volunteers to exercise equines for the benefit of the equine both at an RDA venue and away from an RDA approved venue (e.g. hacking from the venue where this is possible and safe).  Most groups will have this in place anyway.  This needs to be agreed, signed and retained by the trustees.  All of these activities would be covered by RDA insurance as long as this policy is followed. 

Protecting your RDA community

The health of everyone within our RDA community is paramount. It hopefully goes without saying that volunteers and staff should be under no pressure to attend RDA for any purpose if they don’t want to.

The government has released new advice that those over 60 and those who are clinically vulnerable are at higher risk from COVID-19.  Those at risk should:

• be especially careful to follow the rules and minimise contact with others
• continue to wash hands carefully and more frequently than usual and maintain thorough cleaning of frequently touched areas at home and/or workspace.

We are therefore advising that where possible these individuals should avoid any RDA activities that involves mixing with other households. 

The government has also advised those who are clinically extremely vulnerable to shield. These individuals will receive a letter confirming this.  Further guidance is available on www.gov.uk .

This includes: ‘You are strongly advised to work from home. If you cannot work from home, you should not attend work for this period of restrictions.’  Therefore, any staff or volunteers should not undertake any RDA work or volunteering away from their home during this period. 

I hope that this brings some clarity, but if you are in any doubt about your next steps please do get in touch.

Watch the RDA AGM & Awards live on You Tube

The RDA AGM & Awards will be broadcast live on YouTube from 10:30 to midday on Friday 6 November. Simply head to our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/rdanational . Please encourage your volunteers and wider RDA community to tune in by sharing this link.

If you have any questions about the AGM please contact Amanda Perkins aperkins@rda.org.uk 

Report into activity levels

The report following the survey into current activity levels is now complete and can be read or downloaded at myrda.org.uk/assets/RDA-Activity-Levels-Report.pdf. By the end of this week I will be issuing a press release about the report and it will be on the main RDA website in our news section. The report makes several recommendations about how RDA UK (which includes National Office staff and National, Regional & County volunteers) might respond to the findings, and we will be following up with our plans to do this in the coming weeks.

Vacancy: Great London Regional Chair

Mike Locke has done a fantastic job as Regional Chair for Greater London, and he is now stepping down. We are looking within our RDA community for his replacement, so please do get in touch with Faye McKenning in the office (fmckenning@rda.org.uk) if you would like to find out more about the role – or any other RDA UK volunteer positions currently vacant.

Clare Balding’s new book – an opportunity for fundraising

Clare Balding’s new book, Heroic Animals, is now out, and she is keen to support RDA groups through the book if possible.

I have a plan, but at the moment I’m only looking for an initial show of interest so I can see if it’s going to work and how best to coordinate it.

The idea is that your group buys the books that you want through normal channels (currently on Amazon for £13.60 and in Sainsbury’s for £10 – rrp £20), then you get in touch with a coordinator at National Office (possibly me but this hasn’t been decided yet) to request however many bookplates you need, which we will get signed by Clare. You then add these bookplates to the books, which can then be used for fundraising, raffles etc (depending on how popular this is, we should be able to arrange personal dedications).

It would be best if there was just one person from participating groups coordinating things at your end.

Let me know if you think you might be interested. And if you have an idea of how many books you think you might want signed that will help too. If it looks like a goer I’ll set this up asap.

RDA rider of 33 years and former trustee of Glasgow RDA Elaine Boyd has been voted on to this year’s Shaw Trust Disability Power 100 – a list of the top 100 influencers with disabilities in the UK. Elaine’s motto is: ‘Don’t be pushed by your problems. Be led by your dreams.’ Many congratulations from all of us at RDA.

Find out more about aviator, accountant, charity trustee and adaptive sports enthusiast Elaine here: disabilitypower100.com/project/elaine-boyd-fcca/ 

COVID announcements

Our thoughts are very much with groups in those areas affected by new and tightened restrictions. I just wanted to reassure everyone else that if I don’t mention specific local or regional COVID updates in these emails, it’s because we are communicating directly with the regional teams in those areas.

CAF Resilience Fund for groups in England (with apologies to everyone else)

The Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) has opened a £20m fund to distribute its share of the government’s coronavirus support package. Small and medium-sized charities in England have until 10 November to apply to the CAF Resilience Fund, which will make grants of between £10,000 and £100,000.

Full criteria and details here: www.cafonline.org//charities/grantmaking/caf-resilience-fund 

Competition opportunities

The SEIB Search for the Start RDA class is open until 27 October. Details here: www.seib.co.uk/competitions/search-4-a-star-rda/

Horse Monkey and Lee Pearson are running an online Walk/Trot dressage test, to be judged by Lee during Your Horse Live. It is open to disabled and non-disabled riders so it’s not RDA specific, but you might know of someone who would like the chance to enter. Click this link here.  

Survey into activity levels
I promised you the report this week into activity levels. Please accept my apologies that it didn’t make it over the finish line in time to have here as a link. It will be on MyRDA as soon as possible and I’ll put the link in next week’s email.

Safeguarding training

A reminder that we are now able to offer a couple of options for renewals of safeguarding training. Although it is not practical to offer in person Face to Face Workshops, we do now have the option of using Zoom. And if you attended a face to face course last time you can refresh using the e-learning. More info here: myrda.org.uk/runningyourgroup/safeguarding-2/

Following the survey to groups about activity levels and the factors affecting the continued closure of groups post-lockdown, the following report has been produced. Please feel free to download it for your own interest. This will be publicly launched on Friday 6 November.

With thanks to all the groups who took part in this research.

RDA Activity Levels Report

COVID announcements

The First Minister’s announcements on Wednesday 7 October in Scotland does not change our existing guidance to groups.

Following Boris Johnson’s announcement on Monday 12 October we are reassured that RDA activities in England can continue in the same way in all 3 tiers, medium, high and very high.  All tiers permit organised outdoor sporting and physical activity, which covers RDA activities, this includes activities in so-called ‘indoor’ arenas. Even though travel should be kept to a minimum we are also reassured that travel for charitable purposes and to access our services is permitted in medium and high risk alert levels and travel inside very high risk alert level areas.  Travel into or out of very high risk alert level areas is advised against unless it is necessary.

More detailed updates to Covid guidance is available here

Disability dispensation in England and Wales

We have had confirmation in England and Wales that coaches can now support disabled participants where it may mean they need to be closer than social distancing would normally allow (1m in England and 2m in Wales).  This is only permitted if this is for a short duration (few minutes), if the activity has been risk assessed and the coach is wearing a face covering. A face covering is mandatory for this situation.  This means that coaches can now support riders to mount and dismount, check girth, stirrups etc. where they would not have been able to do so before. This has been available to Scottish coaches since the middle of September. Further information can be found here.

Face coverings

We have recently revised our policy on face coverings. Those leading and sidewalking are now allowed to wear face coverings during sessions if they so wish. This is not a substitute for social distancing for activities where people will be in closer contact for more than a few minutes. This means sidewalkers still need to be from the rider’s household/ support bubble.  We would not recommend riders to wear a face covering during ridden sessions as this could impede communication between rider and coach/ volunteers but they can choose to do so if they feel more comfortable, as long as this does not interfere with their safety on the horse (i.e. no loose elements). Further information about face coverings can be found here.

Insurance refund

Your group will be receiving a letter in the next week or so with information about the insurance refund we have been able to negotiate through our brokers as a result of lockdown. The letter will specify the refund due to your group (15%) and how you can claim it.

Survey into activity levels

I have started analysing the results of the recent survey into activity levels at groups. This will be written up as a report, and I will share the findings with you next week. Many thanks to everyone who took part.

Safeguarding training

We are now able to offer a couple of options for renewals of safeguarding training. Although it is not practical to offer in person Face to Face Workshops, we do now have the option of using Zoom. And if you attended a face to face course last time you can refresh using the e-learning. More info here: myrda.org.uk/runningyourgroup/safeguarding-2/

Countryside Challenge Competition

Many thanks to Sue Mack for running the Countryside Challenge competition. The winners have now been informed, and the new ‘obstacles’ will be incorporated into the course (along with a special appearance from ‘Stevie The Scarecrow’ from Stevenage & District). Congratulations to Clytha, Haworth, Newtownards and Wellow for their winning group entries, and Laura Smith and Daniel Davies who entered individually.

RDA Tracker

The rdatracker website is not working, so please don’t try and use it for the time being.

Staff contacts

The most up to date names, specific roles, numbers, emails and working times will always be found here: myrda.org.uk/about-rda/meet-the-team/ (Go to MyRDA, then Contact Us, then Meet the Team).

Phones

The new phone system at National Office is up and running. It’s the same as the old one (mainline 01926 492915) but there are now options when you call in to help direct your call. 

Dressage Anywhere

RDA classes for Dressage Anywhere have reopened. The schedule for October is now live and there is a range of led, independent, VI and graded tests available. www.dressageanywhere.com/Competitor/EnterCompetition/601

Duke of Edinburgh Awards

Duke of Edinburgh Awards are researching the amount of DofE volunteering that has been happening since lockdown. If you have DofE candidates signed up with your group, please complete the survey if you can – even if there hasn’t been any activity. Thank you. www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/RDADofE2020

Starting with some sad news. This last month saw the passing of two RDA ‘greats’, Sister Chiara Hatton-Hall and Miss Liz Dendy.

Sister Chiara was one of our founders, attending the very first meeting of the ‘Advisory Council for Riding for the Disabled’ that the BHS set up in April 1964.  She was the first Chair of the Training Committee and created much of what we now recognise as the basis of our excellent Coaching support.  She helped to set up FRDI (which became HETI and brings together RDA-type organisations around the world) and was respected across the globe. 

Liz Dendy was Chair of RDA in the 1990s, skilfully steering us through the transition towards Federation, which many of you will remember. She was instrumental in setting up the International Paralympic Committee, and was a champion for disability sport worldwide.

We owe them a huge debt of gratitude and our thoughts are with their families.

Phone system down on Friday pm

There will be a new phone system at National Office from Monday 5 October (No change to phone numbers). This will be set up from 2pm this Friday.  If you need to contact the office between 2 and 4 pm on Friday, please use the group support email (groupsupport@rda.org.uk) or call 07599 236 036.

AGM and Voting papers

Next week your group will receive voting papers for the virtual AGM on 6 November. Please complete and return your responses as soon as possible.

Government Kickstart Scheme

You may have heard that the government has created a new scheme to encourage and support employers to create work placements for young people in England, Scotland and Wales.  The Kickstart Scheme pays the costs for young people who are currently on Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment to be employed part time for 6 months.  The placements should support young people to develop the skills and experience they need to find work after completing the scheme.

There is a minimum number of 30 people who must be enrolled on the scheme, although you can do so as part of a consortium, so RDA UK is looking to see if there is enough interest from groups for us to take this further. You can find out more about the scheme and how to register your interest here: myrda.org.uk/government-kickstart-scheme/

New Coaching Lead

Karen Thompson has taken on the role of Coaching Lead for RDA UK. Karen replaces Sue Adams-Wheeler, who has stepped down after 9 years in post. Sue led on many changes in coaching including the new Coaching Pathway and we are hugely grateful for her leadership and experience throughout her time in the role. Karen runs Kesteven Rideability in the North Midlands, and is County Coach and Regional Dressage Rep for North Midlands. 

Virtual Windsor

Congratulations to all the RDA riders who took part in the first ever RDA Dressage Challenge at Virtual Windsor Horse Show, supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. The overall winner, Elise Coubrough, and the highest placed in each grade will share in the £1,000 worth of vouchers kindly donated by Wychanger Saddlery. You can find all the results from the weekend here: virtual.rwhs.co.uk/results/

Survey about activity levels and closure

I’ll be closing this survey at the end of this week, so please take part if you haven’t already. It takes about 5 minutes and will give us valuable information to help us support you better in the coming months. www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/RDAActivityLevels

Brilliant Person Awards

Our Brilliant Person Award closes this weekend, so there’s just time for your entries. Visit www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/9L6QD99

BBC Sports Personality of the Year – Unsung Hero Awards

Nominations are open for BBC SPOTY, which this year also features the ‘Captain Tom Young Unsung Hero’ award. More information and entry details here: www.bbc.co.uk/sport/get-inspired/27037119