Congratulations to Susan Hewetson-Brown of Newbury Pony Driving group for receiving the Dudley-Smith Award, which recognises volunteers who have made an important contribution to RDA Carriage Driving.
Emergency grants to groups
A reminder that our current grants round for groups closes on 29 January. All information and the application form can be found here: myrda.org.uk/runningyourgroup/group-fundraising
Carriage Driving Lead
After years of dedicated service, Margaret Brockie is stepping down from her role as Carriage Driving Lead. Margaret has done a huge amount to encourage and develop driving with RDA (including the introduction of Driving to the National Championships), and to promote RDA Driving to the outside world. She has been a huge support to the staff team, the Driving Committee and our Driving groups around the UK. Thank you Margaret for everything you have given to the role.
We are now looking for a new Carriage Driving Lead. If you would like to register your interest, please email Emma Bayliss ebayliss@rda.org.uk
New webinar series
We are introducing a new series of webinars on a range of topics, kicking off next Thursday 28 at 7pm with an interview with RDA Equine Lead, Doug Smith. Doug will be answering questions about equine training during lockdown.
To register for this webinar visit:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_mquTojfESQKMrqvmTivtCg (If registration is full or you can’t make the date, a recording will be available afterwards).
If you have a question for Doug please email it to Emma Bayliss as soon as possible ebayliss@rda.org.uk
If you would like to suggest a topic for future webinars relating to lockdown and restarting, please email groupsupport@rda.org.uk
Creative Writing Competition
Please spread the word about the Creative Writing Competition. Entries close on 26 February. It is open to RDA participants of all ages and abilities and entry is completely free. All entries will receive a rosette, with a prize for the overall winners.
More details and an entry form can be found here: myrda.org.uk/runningyourgroup/education-asdan/ or contact Alex Walker awalker@rda.org.uk or 01926 405971.
Online Accredited Equine Facilitated Learning courses
Here are a couple of great opportunities for those looking to develop their skills in Equine Facilitated Learning, brought to you by Equi-Scotia.
Introduction to Equine Facilitated Learning
The online ‘Intro’ course is a series of three 2-hour evening workshops suitable for anyone with an interest in the subject. Visit www.equi-scotia.com/our-events/ for more details.
Professional Certificate in Equine Facilitated Learning & Development
This qualification is suitable for those with relevant qualifications who are active in the delivery of; education, counselling, coaching, youth work, therapy, equestrian activities and/or mental health services. Visit www.equi-scotia.com/professional-certificate-in-equine-facilitated-learning-efl-and-development/ for more information.
HETI 2021 – call for abstracts
This year’s HETI Conference (June 7-11 – real or virtual) is taking place in Seoul Korea. Under the theme of “Widen the Spectrum”, the organisers will welcome over 800 instructors, therapists, and experts from around the world for an exchange on the developments and future vision for the sector.
The organising committee is accepting submissions of abstracts for talks or poster presentations. If you are interested in taking part, please visit http://heti2021.org/html/user/core/view/basic/main/166/mail/m-e03.html
Free Zoom talk from The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies
Edinburgh & Borders Regional Vet Tess Fordham has arranged for RDA members to be able to join the following free talk:
Wednesday 27th January 7.30pm via Zoom –
Equine Lockdown Lard – so many experts, so few solutions – what’s the latest in equine obesity? Dr Ruth Morgan will be presenting her latest research into equine obesity.
Sign up here: https://edinburgh.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/equine-client-evenings-jan-20th-730pm-strangles-and-jan
With many thanks to Tess.
An evening with Sophie Christiansen
Sophie Christiansen CBE is giving a talk ‘Pandemic to Paralympics’ on 28 January from 6-7pm on Zoom. The event is a fundraiser for Andover RDA and Sophie’s Gold Club. Details and bookings here: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/charity-web/charity/displayCharityCampaignPage.action?charityCampaignUrl=AndoverRDA-talk
