PRESS RELEASE 
September 2022

RDA Coaching Conference returns for 2022


 

Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) is known for its commitment to coaching and training, not only for the participants but for the many dedicated coaches who make the work of RDA possible.
An RDA coach will need to acquire skills and experience that go beyond the requirements of coaching non-disabled equestrians. The equestrian knowledge is still essential, but the RDA coach must be able to assess the physical or mental challenges of their participants, to be able to engage, challenge and motivate them and to ensure their wellbeing alongside the best possible welfare for the horses. Being an RDA coach is a challenging but hugely rewarding experience.
The sessions that RDA provides for disabled participants could not be carried out without the commitment of nearly 3,000 volunteer coaches. More coaches are needed to meet RDA’s ambition   to increase participant numbers to 35,000 over the next few years, and the Coaching Conference recognises the importance of training current and future coaches for the breadth of skills that they will need.
 This year’s conference will take place on October 2nd – 3rd 2022 at the RDA National Training Centre in Shrewley, Warwickshire and at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Stratford-on-Avon.
The programme covers a broad range of presentations, workshops and practical sessions and is open to all current and aspiring RDA coaches.
Highlights include a workshop on “The Art of Brilliance”. This is a well-being workshop focused on bringing out the best in people. Other sessions include presentations on how neuro-mechanics can help with balance and coordination and a demonstration about how to coach for a better canter.
In addition, there are talks on Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity (EDI) as well as advice on adapting saddle fit for RDA riders.
An after-dinner speech from Kady Chatman, former British Army educator and consultant in leadership and mentoring will reinforce the importance of the coaching community and the supportive learning environment that this creates.
This year’s top coaches will be presented with awards that include Coach Mentor of the Year, Coach of the Year, New Coach of the Year and an award called The Extra Mile.
 
Four coaches have been selected for the prestigious Young Coach of the Year award that recognises their achievements and progress throughout the year.
The RDA Coaching Conference also marks the 12-month anniversary of the launch of the Princess Royal Coaching Academy, an RDA initiative that acknowledges the importance of high performing coaches working with disabled riders with the aim of increasing the number of coaches moving to advanced training, which in turn will increase the number of disabled people RDA can support.
Above all, the RDA Coaching Conference is an opportunity for new and experienced coaches to share their knowledge and experiences and be part of the future of coaching with RDA.
 

 

About Riding for the Disabled Association
At Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), our horses benefit the lives of disabled children and adults. With fun activities like riding and carriage driving, we provide therapy, fitness, skills development and opportunities for achievement – all supported by teams of volunteers and qualified coaches at RDA groups and commercial centres all over the UK.
RDA is an inclusive and diverse organisation. We welcome clients with physical and learning disabilities and autism, and there are no age restrictions. Through our network of member groups, RDA is at work in every corner of the UK, in our cities and remote rural areas, bringing the therapy, achievement and fun of horses to as many people as we can. Our activities are recommended by Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists, and the majority of our participants are referred to RDA by a health professional.
Regular riding improves core strength, balance and coordination and our welcoming groups help to combat isolation and loneliness and boost wellbeing and happiness. From research tracking the difference we make, we know that typically 68% of beneficiaries experience improvements in their communication, 76% experience more enjoyment, 77% demonstrate greater confidence, 76% show physical improvement and 82% improve the ability to build relationships.
Before Covid-19, our 450 RDA groups and 50 Accessibility Mark centres were working with 25,000 beneficiaries each year, supported by 18,000 volunteers and volunteer coaches. The pandemic and subsequent lockdowns resulted in the complete closure of our groups in 2020, followed by ongoing efforts across the organisation to adapt our services, reopen groups, rebuild confidence among beneficiaries and volunteers and restart activities as much as possible during 2021.
COVID had a disproportionate impact on disabled people and we know many of our riders and carriage drivers have experienced a loss of physical condition and confidence that continues to impact their ability to return to RDA. We are currently back to about 68% of our pre-Covid participant levels (17,000 disabled children and adults, supported by 14,000 volunteers). In addition, several RDA groups have either closed or merged with others, reducing our overall number from 450 to 432.
RDA is reliant on voluntary help, donations and legacies to deliver its services. Please donate now at 

 www.rda.org.uk
RDA is a charity registered in England and Wales (No: 244108) and Scotland (No: SC039473).
 
For more information:
Please contact Brigitta Falcini, Communications Coordinator at RDA UK on bfalcini@rda.org.uk or on 01926 405964.
High Resolution images available on request

www.rda.org.uk