Dear RDA UK volunteers and staff,

Welcome to RDA 2021! Not the start we hoped for, but I hope you are keeping well and managing ok in spite of it all. Unsurprisingly after a break of a few weeks, this is a bumper issue, so pop the kettle on, make yourself comfortable and I promise we’ll get through it together.

First I’d like to welcome three new Regional Chairs to the RDA UK team: In Great London - Paul Turner; Celia McMorran in Northern Ireland and in West & Central Scotland Dominic Ind. Thank you and welcome to you all.

Thanks also to the outgoing Chairs: Julie Frazer (NI), Mike Locke (GL) and Kate Bennet (W&CS) for everything you have done to support your regions and the wider RDA community while in post.

Remember we still have a vacancy for a Regional Chair in the South West. Email Faye at fmckenning@rda.org.uk for details.  

 

Sad loss of two RDA ‘stalwarts’

It is with sadness that we report the deaths of Carolyn Walker MCSP from the South West Region, and Jane Matthews from Mid-West.

Carolyn was a long-standing, dedicated RDA supporter and CPTRH member who held many roles over the years, notably as a Chartered Physiotherapist providing support and advice to RDA groups. We will miss Carolyn's professional caring attitude, her great sense of humour and her love of travel to HETI conferences.

Jane was a great stalwart of RDA in Wiltshire, having in the past held positions such as County Chairman, Chairman of Lackham RDA and latterly Wansdyke Driving Group to name but a few of her roles. She was a tireless fundraiser and driving force for RDA right up until she became unwell, and will be sadly missed.

With thanks to Lynne Munro and Rachel Vaughan-Johns.

 

Emergency grants to groups and other funding options

We are opening a third round of emergency grants for groups (the information will be circulated in tomorrow’s email to groups).  Groups can apply for grants for financial hardship - if they are struggling to maintain the group; or for a grant to help them restart (when possible) or adapt to broaden their services and benefit more people.

All information and the application form can be found here:  www.myrda.org.uk/runningyourgroup/group-fundraising

A useful list of external funding and financial support can be found at: https://learn.sportenglandclubmatters.com/mod/page/view.php?id=670

 

Vacancy for RDA UK Chair

A reminder that we are recruiting for a new Chair for RDA UK. Don’t hide your light under a bushel! RDA is full of talented, experienced people who would be ideally placed to bring their knowledge of RDA and leadership skills to our national board. Click the link below for more details, or call Chief Executive Ed Bracher for an informal chat (or if you have someone you would like to recommend).

www.rda.org.uk/join-the-rda-uk-team/

 

National Championships (real and virtual)

Our assumption at the moment is that the National Championships will go ahead, and our Championships team has been working closely with Hartpury College to ensure we can do this safely.

As such, this year’s event will have fewer classes, and take place over two days (17 & 18 July) rather than the usual three. We will be keeping numbers on site to a minimum, and in line with other equestrian events we will be encouraging competitors to ‘arrive, compete and leave’. Where groups need it, accommodation and stabling will be provided as normal.

In addition, because of the need to run fewer classes, and to ensure as many people as possible have an opportunity to take part, we will be running a virtual championships in September.

All the details can be found on MyRDA here: www.myrda.org.uk/runningyourgroup/national-championships

We will still need a number of volunteers to help run the Championships, so if you can give your time please email Faye McKenning at fmckenning@rda.org.uk

Regional Qualifiers

Regional Committees are in the process of agreeing their plans for qualifiers. Some will be taking place at venues as normal, and some virtually. Please contact your Regional Chair if you have any questions about the qualifier in your Region.

 

Free NAF garlic supplements

NAF (the feed manufacturer) is offering RDA groups in mainland England, Wales and Scotland free 500g and 10kg tubs of its garlic feed supplement (now discontinued so not to be sold on, but sealed and in date).

Interested groups should fill out the form at the link below. The details will be sent on to NAF for them to allocate supplies, based on the number of horses and how much they have in stock. This is on a first come, first served basis and we can’t guarantee groups will receive some.

Offer closes 22 January. Groups can apply online at:

www.myrda.org.uk/runningyourgroup/horses-and-rda/feed-supplements   

Any questions email Helen at hkallow@rda.org.uk

 

Horsefest – exclusive ticket offer for RDA members and volunteers

HorseFest is a new, three day festival for horse fans, taking place from July 23 to 25. Visit www.horsefest.org for all the details.

Early bird tickets are on sale now while available or until 28 February. Thanks to the team at HorseFest, we have secured a further discount for RDA members and volunteers with 10% off any Adult, Young Person, Child or Family entry ticket. Just use the code HORSEFESTRDA10 at the checkout on the website.

More information about HorseFest and this exclusive offer at MyRDA here: www.myrda.org.uk/exclusive-horsefest-ticket-offer-for-rda-members/

 

That’s it! I knew you’d make it.

Best wishes and stay safe,

Caroline

Caroline Ward
Head of Communication & Insight, RDA UK
01926 405968
cward@rda.org.uk