Dear RDA UK volunteers and staff,

Congratulations are in order for some people this week. Congratulations to Natalie O’Rourke from Park Lane Stables RDA who received her MBE from Prince William last week. You can read all about Natalie receiving her MBE at Windsor Castle here.

We’d also like to extend our congratulations to Tess Hardy from Lowestoft RDA, who recently was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the prestigious Equestrian Business Awards. Read more about Tess and her achievement here.

 

General News and Information

National Para Equestrian Classification Hubs confirmed for 2023

If you know of a participant that would like to compete in Graded Para Competitions with RDA, British Dressage and/or British Carriage driving, please direct them to submit their application to be classified along with supporting medical information to British Equestrian.

This is a 2-stage process:

Stage 1 - Submission of forms and medical information for the Classification Working Group (CWG) to process.

 Stage 2 - If the CWG confirms the applicant has a medical condition(s) which meets the minimum impairment criteria, they will be invited to have an Athlete Evaluation (physical assessment) at one of the hubs listed.

Please refer to the British Equestrian Classification for full details, including the eligibility criteria, rules, application process and forms.

For 2023 dates please see our MyRDA - Classification page.

Job Vacancy: Head Girl/Lad at Penniwells RDA

Penniwells RDA are looking for a Head Girl/Lad to take the lead on day-to-day yard duties, working with a small team of coaches, grooms and volunteers. The rewarding role would suit an enthusiastic, motivated, and experienced person. The ideal applicant will have BHS Level 3 or equivalent and be keen to coach RDA riders of all levels. If you know of someone who would be interested in the role, please share this with them. More information on the role is available here.

Reminder – Together Fund

Groups can still apply for the Together Fund, which is provided to us by Sport England to support groups in providing physical activities for certain audiences, including disabled people. This can be either using the available Hardship fund or New Ways to Engage. Please can we ask you to continue to encourage groups to apply for this Fund. All information can be found here.

Don’t forget, we also have two information workshops on the Together Fund available on January 4th at 1.30pm and 7pm.

Register for Wednesday 4th January 2023 at 1:30pm here.

Register for Wednesday 4th January 2023 at 7pm here.

Reminder – Horses4Health grant for Tea With a Pony 

Thanks to the support of Horse World and their fundraising activity Horses 4 Health, we are able to offer a second round of grant applications of up to £500 to RDA groups to apply for to either start offering or continue to develop their Tea With a Pony sessions. This is a great opportunity for those groups that may need some help getting started with Tea With a Pony.

In order to apply, applicants must fill out the grant application form, found at the bottom of the page here.

Application forms should be returned by Friday 6 January 2023.

 

Offers and discounts

Launching the all-new Bolesworth International - 14 to 18 June 2023

Discover Bolesworth's groundbreaking new country lifestyle and equestrian show featuring premium and artisan retail, celebrity dining and drinking experiences, live music and an array of exhilarating outdoor lifestyle experiences!

Register now and get 20% off general admission tickets as part of our exclusive pre-sale!

Register here.

 

Opportunities from other organisations and charities

SGB club and member survey - Scotland only

Sportscotland and horsescotland want to understand the wider benefits people experience from taking part in sport. Please take a few minutes to tell them about the sport and physical activity that you do, both with your club and in your everyday life.  They’re also keen to understand how you became involved in your club, what you feel are the benefits of taking part and how this is helping you achieve your goals. As a thank you, every survey completed by 17 February 2023 will be entered into a prize draw for £1,000 of sports equipment for your club.

Click here to open survey.

 

Best wishes,

Brigitta Falcini

Communications Coordinator

Riding for the Disabled Association

01926 405964