rdasouthscotland | National Office Update

28 April 2021

National Office Update

Dear RDA UK volunteers and staff,

I was very sorry to hear about the death of Jane Guilford, North West Regional Physiotherapist. Jane had been a hard working and dedicated volunteer with RDA for nearly thirty years, including as Chair of the Camsley Grange Group in Cheshire.

As a qualified Physiotherapist, as well as helping children during her working life, she willingly supported the riders across the North West Region and was a valued member of the Regional Committee. Jane leaves a legacy of positivity and sound advice, and she will be sorely missed by all who knew her within RDA and beyond. Our thoughts go to her family at this sad time.

With thanks to Sheila Saner.

In happier news, I am delighted to welcome Kathy Mottershead as the new County Chair for Gloucestershire. Kathy is a coach and trustee at Watershed Group. She takes over from Caroline Longsdon. Thank you Caroline for everything you have done to support RDA UK over the years.

Opportunity to purchase horses

An email was circulated to Regional Chairs and RDA Group Contacts in England, Wales and Scotland yesterday, inviting groups to register their interest in purchasing horses from a large riding centre that is closing. Groups have until the end of today to complete the online form, which can be found here: www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/RDAequines

A copy of my original email can be found on MyRDA here: www.myrda.org.uk/opportunity-to-buy-a-horse/

30-minute webinar

Tomorrow: 29 April, 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.

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. The survey will be similar to the one we carried out last October, and is invaluable for our negotiations with insurers, as well as finding out what percentage of our usual participant numbers we are currently able to work with.

The results will also be circulated to Regional Chairs to help with the local support you provide your groups. Please encourage your signed-off groups to take part.

‘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)

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.”

Best wishes and stay safe,

Caroline

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