Dear RDA UK volunteers and staff,

Thank you to everyone who travelled to the National Training Centre for our 2022 AGM. It was really lovely to get together, meet some newcomers to the organisation, and get the opportunity to catch up again with many others as well.

General News and Information

Access Sport Appointed to Review Accessibility Mark Scheme

British Equestrian are partnering with Access Sport on the review of the Accessibility Mark scheme. They are looking for all riding schools, centres, and establishments to get involved either via a ten-minute survey, take part in a discussion group or by submitting feedback. This support will help shape the future of disability inclusion and could benefit businesses. Please can you share this amongst your groups and network. All survey respondents can opt into a draw to win one of five feed prizes from Dodson & Horrell worth £750!

Read the full story here: https://bit.ly/BEFAccessSportAM

 

Opportunities from other organisations and charities

SEIB Yard of the Year Awards – nominations now open!

The four SEIB Yard of the Year Awards is now open for nominations, where they celebrate excellence in competition, teaching, training, and horse care. Within the Awards, there is the category of Best RDA Centre, which also includes accessibility mark centres. This Award is judged on teaching, horse care, facilities, atmosphere, marketing, and business acumen. Last year, Erme Valley RDA won this Award.

You can enter your RDA centre by following this link here: https://www.seib.co.uk/yard-awards/

Equine Health Week – 28 November – 4 December

British Equestrian have just launched a new annual initiative, Equine Health Week, to draw attention to the highest standards in welfare. The week will feature educational content across their social media channels, including sharing some top tips on good health management and biosecurity at home and when out competing. As a Member Body of British Equestrian, we will be supporting the initiative and sharing some of their guidance across our own RDA UK social media channels.

Find out more here: https://www.britishequestrian.org.uk/news/british-equestrian-puts-equine-health-first-with-dedicated-awareness-week

 

RDA UK team update

Welcome to Ian Proudler!

We are pleased to welcome a new team member to our Income & Engagement team at the National Office. Ian Proudler has been appointed to the 12-month maternity cover role of Senior Partnerships & Philanthropy Manager, with responsibility for managing and growing the RDA Corporate Partnerships and Major Donor portfolio while Clare Prysbet is on maternity leave.

Ian is an experienced fundraiser, working most recently at Doncaster Deaf Trust. He has also worked for the Curlew Recovery Project, Harrogate Hospital & Community Charity, and British Heart Foundation, among others.

Please join us in welcoming Ian to RDA.

 

Best wishes,

Brigitta Falcini

Communications Coordinator

Riding for the Disabled Association