RDA Spring 2018

SPRING 2018

1 X xx The official magazine of Riding for the Disabled Association

Making an Impact: Measuring the Difference We Make

Understanding Autism

Equine Health

It's Holiday Time!

RIDING ■ DRIVING ■ COMPETITIONS ■ EDUCATION ■ THERAPY

rda.org.uk

Thank you!

Stables Ponies New Driving Carriages Horse trailers New sheds Riding hats Disabled Toilets Saddle club classrooms Riding equipment and more!

Thanks to the generous support of players of People’s Postcode Lottery many RDA Groups have seen their projects change from dream to reality!

Letter from our editor

3

GET YOUR COPY OF RDA MAGAZINE

Riding for the Disabled Association magazine is free to everyone. To subscribe please contact RDA on +44 (0) 1926 492915 or via our website: rda.org.uk/subscribe

Cover photograph: 'Catchlight Photography', www.catchlight-photography.co.uk

T

his transitional season is a timely reminder that change is completely natural – and when it comes to the arrival of Spring, it is very welcome, too. In this issue, our feature on RDA holidays (page18) will hopefully set the scene for the warmer weather to come, time with friends and enjoying the outdoors.

Having spent the past twelve or so months working closely with RDA Coaches as we shape a new coaching pathway, I know that this change, when it comes, will definitely be for the better.

Indeed, the responses and feedback we have received

from around 750 coaches all over the UK have demonstrated a real appetite for creating something new – for embracing change.

RDA is a change-making organisation. Everything we do is about making a difference: looking forward to a new goal, a new way to overcome a challenge – changing lives. Our article about the impact of our activities (page 10) demonstrates our commitment to this, making sure that when we say we enrich lives, we really deliver on that promise.

But change can take many forms, and sometimes it

ABOUT RIDING FOR THE DISABLED ASSOCIATION

Riding for the Disabled Association Incorporating Carriage Driving (RDA) is dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities

through the provision of horse riding, carriage driving, showjumping and vaulting.

Through a network of 500 volunteer groups throughout

can be unsettling. Learning to support people who find change difficult is one of the challenges articulated in our fascinating article (page 14) about working with participants with autism. As RDA launches a new eLearning course to help volunteers feel more confident in supporting autistic people, the article looks at how different groups have made positive changes to welcome and support their riders more effectively.

As Director of Operations at RDA, I know we often have to pass on procedural or regulatory changes to our groups. There have

the UK, RDA provides opportunities for therapy, achievement and enjoyment, improving health, well-being and self confidence, and benefiting mobility

been several recently, in the areas of safeguarding and data protection, and I don’t underestimate how disruptive these changes can be. But just like our holidays, impact reporting and autism awareness, the changes we make are ultimately to ensure the best possible experience for our participants – and we support our groups every step of the way.

I hope you will enjoy this latest issue of RDA Magazine.

Guest Editor – Claire Milican, Director of Operations, RDA UK

and co-ordination.

RDA is reliant on voluntary help, donations and legacies to deliver its services. Please donate now at rda.org.uk.

RDA is a charity registered in England and Wales (No: 244108) and Scotland (No: SC039473)

rda.org.uk

THE RDA ONLINE SHOP

AN EXCITING RANGE OF GIFTS, CLOTHING, CARDS, STATIONERY AND MORE...

Visit us online at rdashop.org.uk Visit our online shop for a range of gifts for Birthdays, Christmas and Special Occasions - or why not just treat yourself while helping raise money for the RDA.

Contents The official magazine of Riding for the Disabled Association

t: +44 (0) 1926 492915 e: info@rda.org.uk www.rda.org.uk

5

Contents

RDA MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED BY Matrix Print Consultants Ltd Unit C, Northfield Point, Cunliffe Drive, Kettering, Northamptonshire, NN16 9QJ www.matrixprint.com RDA PRESIDENT Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, Princess Anne EDITOR Ffion Llwyd-Jones e: ffion@rda.org.uk DEPUTY EDITOR Caroline Ward e: cward@rda.org.uk

06 10 14

News Trefoil Guild, grants, and lasting legacies

RDA Impact Making a difference

Approaching Autism Better understanding

ART DIRECTOR Adriano Cattini e: adriano@matrixprint.com ADVERTISING SALES Catherine Baldock e: cbaldock@rda.org.uk EDITORIAL BOARD Ed Bracher Chief Executive, RDA UK Sam Orde Chairman, RDA UK Sal Atkinson Fundraising Manager, RDA UK Sue Adams-Wheeler Chairman of Coaching Committee, RDA UK Jess Cook National Partnership Advisor, English Federation of Disability Sport While every care is taken in compiling this issue of RDA magazine including manuscripts and photographs submitted, we accept no responsibility for any losses or damage, whatever the cause. All information and prices contained in advertisements are accepted by the publishers in good faith as being correct at the time of going to press. Neither the advertisers nor the publishers accept any responsibility for any variations affecting price variations or availability after the publication has gone to press. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the permission of the publisher, to whom application must first be made. The views expressed by contributors to RDA magazine are not necessarily those of the RDA, the publisher or its editor. Š2016 The Riding for the Disabled Association.

Material for consideration in this section of the magazine should be submitted via email or digital file transfer to the editor. Submissions should be made on the understanding that the Riding for the Disabled Association has the right to use the material in any part of the magazine and any of its other publications, promotions or website, free from any copyright restrictions, or appearance fees other than the issue of artistic and photographic credits where applicable.

Please include name of RDA group, photographer, riders and volunteers.

18 22 26

Everyone Loves a Holiday!

Shared experiences

Horse Welfare Injury prevention

RDA around the UK

34 What’s Going On 2018 events calendar

14 rda.org.uk

6

National News

National News Join the conversation @RDANational:

@ T h e _ C e n t r e _ NC E A O u r h o r s e

RDA rider star of FEI film A new FEI film, part of the ‘two hearts’ campaign, features Helen from Lowlands RDA and the horse she rides, Teg. Narrated by Helen, the film captures the impact of her stroke as a mother of two young children, and the heart-breaking moment a nurse told her she was ‘different’.

"In my heart, not different.

I am Helen," she says.

Helen’s powerful

narrative continues as she explains the benefit of being able to get back to riding: “On the horse I ignore the worries. And nobody knows about me.

Happy and free.”

In the words of FEI: “Helen reminds us of how truly powerful the connection between rider and horse really is.”

You can watch Helen’s story on YouTube, search for ‘I am Helen’.

Animal health

Grants to groups In the latest round of grants from RDA UK, 21 RDA Groups were successful and have received funding for their projects. From new arenas and training courses, to horses and carriages, these groups are turning funds into inspirational ideas and projects that benefit riders, drivers, vaulters, volunteers and horses.

Meirionnydd RDA commented: “Thanks to our

RDA grant, our group can now expand and progress.

We have already enrolled four new vaulters and new volunteers.” And Gareloch said: “Our project can now become a reality, thanks to the support of the RDA grant, other funders have supported us. Soon we can start building our new carriage driving arena.”

The next round of grants will open in the Autumn.

A new pilot study, part funded by RDA, shows high riderto-horse bodyweight ratios can induce temporary lameness and discomfort. The study should help develop guidelines to understand how to find the right horse/rider combination.

Dr Sue Dyson, Head of Clinical Orthopaedics (Animal Health Trust’s Centre for Equine Studies, Newmarket), who led the study, said: “While all the horses finished the study moving as well as when they started, the results showed a substantial temporary effect of rider weight as a proportion of horse weight. The results do not mean that heavy riders should not ride, but suggest they should ride a horse of appropriate size and fitness, with a saddle correctly fitted for both horse and rider.

“This is a pilot study: further work is required to determine if horse fitness, adaptation to heavier weights and more ideal saddle fit will increase the weight an individual horse can carry. This should help us develop guidelines for optimum rider: horse bodyweight ratios.”

Doug Smith, Chair of RDA’s Equine Committee commented: “Actively promoting the right combination of horse and rider is something RDA has done for years. We provide a weight chart, calculator and guidelines to help groups choose the right horse for each participant. We have also introduced more training for coaches and volunteers.

We can’t shy away from the issue, but it’s important people realise this is about finding an appropriate partnership.

Many factors affect which horse is right for each participant, and more information in these areas can only have a positive impact on equine welfare.”

@Chigride One of our riders, James Lingfield has yet again astounded us. Despite many challenges in his 17yrs

rda.org.uk

National News

7

r i d i n g g r o u p s a r e r e a l l y l o o k i n g f o r w a r d t o g e t t i n g b a c k t o t h e @ P e g a s u s C e n t r e t o d a y # R DA

Tracker tutorials on YouTube The Tracker team’s new YouTube video tutorials will assist with inputting online Tracker data. Find them in the Tutorials (log in to the Tracker account), and in the e-learning course at www. rda-learning.org.uk.

“These short videos show how to input Tracker data, sign up, add assessments, print reports, change passwords, add group information and more,” said Tracker Coordinator, Emma Bayliss. “Some people find it easier to learn following stepby-step instructions, so we hope it will be a really useful addition to our toolkit.”

For more information, contact Emma: ebayliss@rda.org.uk

Susan Bailey, BEM Susan Bailey, BEM, sadly died on Tuesday 12th December, 2017 aged 72. At her funeral, the church was packed with friends and representatives of the many charities she has helped over the years, including RDA. Susan was not only a tireless fundraiser for RDA (for individual groups and at national level), she was also influential in the world of RDA Carriage Driving, as an assessor and Driving Rep for

Trefoil and RDA Trefoil Guild, which selected RDA as its chosen charity for 2018, has already raised a fantastic £6,000 in the first month of its campaign. The nationwide organisation, which celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, has 20,000 members in guilds all over the UK who are joining forces to fundraise for RDA. With a target of £30,000, the money will go to support the Countryside Challenge at RDA’s National Championships for the next three years.

Trefoil National Chairman, Pat Downer, and National programme Advisor, Ann Hall visited the Championships last year to see what their support will mean for competitors: “We watched inspiring riders with multiple disabilities going round the course where they had to post a letter in a pillar box, pick an apple from a tree and put it in a basket, negotiate ‘road works’, collect an egg from a hen coop, open a gate and go through an

South Region. She used her considerable experience as a competitive driver to carry out assessments that were thoughtful and considered, and her uncompromising attitude to the safety of both drivers and horses was respected throughout the driving world.

As a fundraiser, Susan’s positivity and force of personality worked wonders in encouraging people to give their support.

She led from the front, and always managed to encourage new people to volunteer or

archway etc.

“Sponsoring this event will ensure its development and success over the next three years, enabling these inspirational riders to develop their confidence and skills.”

To find out more about the work of RDA, many Guilds are partnering with their local RDA group, and several groups have been asked to give talks; a presentation template has been produced. Contact Sally Atkinson at RDA National Office (satkinson@rda. org.uk) to receive a copy or to find out more about Trefoil’s fundraising campaign.

lend a hand. A Director at Guards Polo Club, Susan organised an annual fundraising event for RDA UK at the Club, which ran for several years.

Susan gave a huge amount of time, energy

and determination to the causes she loved.

As an assessor she followed the principle of doing what was best for the individual, the horse, and RDA. With thanks to Sally Merrick and Colin Pawson.

he has just been offered a place at Oxford Well done James He is a also an ardent @SpursOfficial supporter too

rda.org.uk

8

National News Social media news feed:

National News

@teire Save Harthill and Calderstones Park. The Disa

Volunteering at National Championships The National Championships relies on approximately 200 volunteers to enable the event to run smoothly.

Volunteer roles vary and include working in the stables, assisting at prize giving, collecting score

sheets, making cups of coffee and helping set up the event as part of our ground crew. Equine experience is not essential. We offer accommodation and meals for all volunteers, and we’ll even kit you out with an

event polo shirt!

To find out more about volunteering at the RDA National Championships: shadley@rda.org.uk or www.rda.org.uk/ runningyourgroup/ national-championships.

Regional Qualifiers

Family Buy-a-Brick Honorary Life Vice-President Sally Campbell-Gray MBE FRDA pledged her support to RDA’s National Training Centre by buying a brick for her whole family for Christmas. Seventeen members of the CampbellGray family received the gift.

“A Christmas present from me of which they are very proud!” said Sally. “They all intend to pass on the idea to friends and colleagues.

Perhaps this might encourage other families to ‘Buy a Brick’ and be as proud to be part of a wall as are the Campbell-Grays!”

Fundraising Coordinator Cat StuartYapp said: “We are so grateful to Sally and the whole family for getting behind The National Training Centre project.

The virtual bricks are a great way for RDA

supporters to be part of this exciting moment in RDA’s history. Thank you!”

‘Buy a Brick’ or one for every family member: www. rda.org.uk/buyabrick/

The regional qualifiers for the 2018 National Championships are now under way. The events offer participants the opportunity to compete to secure their place at the Championships in July. Qualifiers are offered in Carriage Driving, Dressage, Showjumping and Countryside Challenge.

Participants must achieve a set percentage and be placed in the top 2 at their qualifier.

Details for the tests, courses and requirements for each discipline can be found on the RDA website: www. rda.org.uk/runningyourgroup/ national-championships or contact Sarah Hadley: shadley@rda.org.uk 01926 405967.

Dates of each qualifier at: www.rda.org.uk/ runningyourgroup/events/

@ASDspectrumASD Denise achieved her RDA (Riding for the Disabled Association) level 4 recently which is the highest award

rda.org.uk

National News

9

abled riders at Beechley not only have a lovely ménage to ride in but they also have access to a woodland trail for out riding.

New Legal Advisers Following a review of our legal support needs and a painstaking procurement process, we have appointed national charities practice Anthony Collins Solicitors as our new legal advisers.

Among other things, they will be delivering the telephone helpline for RDA member groups to access guidance on a wide range of legal queries.

Groups can access the helpline by dialling 0121 214 3681 and asking for Shivaji Shiva (pictured) who leads the charity sector team at Anthony Collins, or his colleague Sarah Tomlinson, also a very experienced charity lawyer.

Shivaji is a charity lawyer who advises staff and board members of charities and other not-for-profit organisations including social care providers and many national charities promoting physical activity.

He and his colleagues advise on the creation of charities, their dissolution and most of the issues they encounter in between. This includes advising local member charities in national federations such as Mind and Carers Trust on governance issues and providing practical support on day-today issues including property arrangements, Charity Commission regulation, data protection, and a wide range of commercial contracts.

A well-known figure in the charity sector, Shivaji is an active member and former Secretary of the Charity Law Association, a serial charity trustee, and

an occasional transport campaigner. Shivaji is currently promoting a ‘miniHolland’ to provide peoplefriendly streets and safer routes to schools in South Birmingham.

While Shivaji is more likely to be seen riding a cycle than a horse (he has been honorary solicitor to Cycling UK for over a decade), he is keen to learn about the work of RDA and one of his colleagues is already volunteering with a local RDA group.

Find out more about Anthony Collins at Shivaji: www.anthonycollins.com/ why-choose-us/meet-ourteam/shivaji-shiva

National Training Centre Update We are delighted to announce the appointment of Greswolde Construction as the main contractor for the work on The National Training Centre. Work has started, and is expected to take about a year.

Here’s a reminder of what will happen at The Centre when it opens its doors next Spring.

T

he National Training Centre will be a training venue for RDA UK volunteers and coaches (i.e. those with a National, Regional or County role), and training for other RDA audiences, especially those we want to inspire to either support RDA or to get involved in what we do. The Centre will enable us to train those volunteers in a purpose-built environment for both practical and classroombased learning. The training and events will be an opportunity to learn, share knowledge and be inspired by others.

TYPE OF TRAINING/ EVENTS • National Coaching Conference • National Equine Conference • New Group Training • National Carriage Driving Conference • Volunteer workshops • RDASC Training and Exam • RDAC Training and Exam • Training Advisor CPD Days

• Education Mentors • Dressage Conference • Regional Officers Induction • Regional/County Coach Induction • Carriage Driving Induction • Regional Coaches Day • Classifiers CPD Day • Dressage Judges CPD Day • Regional Qualifiers Organisers Day

d that she can obtain. We are all very proud of her and her confidence has grown so much after joining Barguse Riding Stables.

rda.org.uk

10

RDA Impact

Making Sure We’re Making A Difference As the latest Impact Report arrives hot off the press, we look at how RDA is scrutinising its activities to reveal the difference really being made by its activities - most recently when it comes to volunteer training.

A

nyone involved in RDA will have heard the phrase ‘It’s just enough to see their smiley faces’, or something close to it, in reference to the impact of RDA activities. While we may sympathise with the sentiment (i.e. that making someone happy is important), this narrow view of the impact we have (not to mention the patronising tone of voice) is thankfully becoming outdated.

In fact, no, it isn’t ‘enough’ at all.

Quite rightly, RDA UK has started to interrogate its activities much more closely to understand if they deliver benefits for RDA groups and a real impact on positive outcomes for participants. Recent research projects have looked at The National Championships, RDA’s education programme and Endeavour Awards, Grants to Groups and volunteer training.

Supported by the RDA Board of Trustees and spearheaded by Chief Executive Ed Bracher, these research projects are beginning to deliver real insight into the difference RDA can make. “We were fortunate to receive funding thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery to enable us to carry out research into our impact – and it has proved extremely valuable,” explains Ed. “We have always been good at collecting the ‘big numbers’, and reporting on how

rda.org.uk

much activity we do, but that doesn’t answer the more difficult ‘so what?’ question. We know we do a lot – but what difference does it make? That’s where the research comes in.”

IMPACT ON PARTICIPANTS The first two pieces of research commissioned by RDA in 2016 focused on outcomes for participants, with

studies carried out at the National Championships and small focus groups involved in RDA’s Education programme. “This work really built on what the RDA Outcomes Tracker had started,” explains Ed. “Thanks to the amazing work our groups have been doing using the Tracker to record change in their participants over time, we are building a really robust picture

RDA Impact

in-depth interviews (qualitative).

Volunteer training has proved hugely popular at RDA in recent years, with more than 1,500 people attending workshops or other face-to-face training in 2017 alone, and a further 1,500 registered for elearning. This offered a great opportunity to gather feedback in large enough numbers for a reliable quantitative study.

The research had five key objectives: provide a view on the current quality of RDA training courses; understand the impact of training on volunteer experience; the impact of training

11

on rider experience; how effective the training has been in changing volunteer behaviour; and, to suggest any areas for improvement.

Questionnaires were sent to as many attendees as possible.

THE RESULTS “It’s always quite a nerve-racking experience when the research company presents their findings,” says Ed. “Not so much in case there are problems – part of the point is finding out areas for improvement – but in case we don’t get anything meaningful back. You can’t just

of the measurable impact RDA activities can have.”

The Championships and Education research projects have further strengthened RDA’s understanding of the difference specific activities can make – and why they are an important part of the overall experience. “Being able to say that 90% of competitors at the Championships say the experience improves their confidence in daily life is a massive endorsement for the event and the huge amount of effort and time that groups put in,” says Ed. “Similarly, we know that our education activities increase collaboration with schools and promote a greater understanding of how horses can help improve educational outcomes. With so many groups struggling to ‘make the case’ for RDA with their local schools, the insight we have in this area is proving invaluable.”

VOLUNTEER TRAINING Most recently, RDA commissioned research into its volunteer training programme. This is an area that has received considerable investment over the past few years, with several thousand volunteers attending training days and workshops and completing elearning courses. “With around 18,000 volunteers in RDA, we know that training should be a vital part of our support,” says Ed. “And instinctively we want the outcomes to be greater confidence and skills – and feeling a valued part of RDA. But until you really look into it, there’s no way of knowing for sure if it’s working.”

In general, for research projects to work effectively, you ideally need a large number of people to study (quantitative) or a small number of

rda.org.uk

12

RDA Impact

making sure that volunteers come away from training with a clearer idea of how to translate what they have learned into positive outcomes for participants, and identifying changes they could make when they get back to the group.”

go out and do it again!” But Ed needn’t have worried. With nearly 200 responses to the detailed questionnaire there was plenty of information do draw on.

Looking through the findings, there is much to reassure Ed and the Board that volunteer training is a positive experience. For example, 98% of those questioned said their training met or exceeded their expectations and that the informative content and the skill of the trainer were the most significant factors. “The positive response for this part of the research is a real boost to the team at National Office. We don’t employ professional facilitators to deliver our training, relying purely on the skills of individuals within RDA to share their knowledge. I have always believed that they do a great job and to see that reflected in the feedback is really valuable.”

While it’s nice to get positive feedback on how well training is received, it’s the questions about impact that lend real depth and meaning to the research.

For example, volunteers were asked about whether the training had made a difference to their volunteering experience. 23% said it had considerably improved their experience and 47% that it had slightly improved.

This was in areas such as improved knowledge, greater understanding of their roles and responsibilities,

rda.org.uk

improving skills and feeling valued and supported by RDA. “It made me more confident in my role so I enjoy it more,” explained one respondent.

IMPACT ON PARTICIPANT EXPERIENCE A bigger leap for this impact study was to find out whether volunteer training has an impact on participant experience back at the RDA group.

After all, training volunteers is all fine, but not if it has no discernible impact on the people who benefit from RDA’s activities. “Perhaps unsurprisingly, volunteers were slightly less sure about the impact on participants,” says Ed. Indeed, whereas 70% thought training had a positive impact on their own experience, this figure drops to 59% for impact on participants.

Where volunteers could see a direct link between their training and participant experience, it tended to be linked to feeling more confident in themselves. For example: carrying out the role correctly, communicating better and knowing what to do in a situation.

Similarly, when volunteers were asked about specific changes they had made as a result of training, only 36% said they had done so.

“This part of the research is particularly interesting in identifying an area where we could strengthen our approach,” says Ed. “Perhaps by

MAKING IT COUNT Investing in impact research is a valuable tool for creating publicity materials and encouraging support, but, as Ed explains, that shouldn’t be the primary objective: “It’s about getting visibility on where we are delivering on our objectives as a charity and where there is room for improvement. If we want to say we ‘enrich lives’ then we should be able to prove it – and if we are falling short then what can we change.”

When it comes to plans for future research projects, there is clearly no shortage of activity to measure.

Alongside the work into volunteer training, research has also been done into the impact of the charity’s grants programme, finding out how the projects that RDA UK funds have an impact on participant numbers or improvements in overall experience.

Similar research is being planned looking at the support provided to new RDA groups, and the impact of introducing a new activity.

“We are also looking at the feasibility of an impact study around therapists in RDA. This would be a different type of research altogether – but it could yield some fascinating results in terms of outcomes for participants.”

The RDA Impact Report has been distributed to all RDA groups and is available to order free from the group orders website at grouporders.rda.org.uk.

Thank you to everyone who has taken part in the surveys and interviews, which provide such vital insight into RDA's impact.

Kick-start your equine career at Hartpury From equine science and therapy to business and horseracing, you’ll graduate well prepared for an exciting career.

Book an open day to find out more

www.hartpury.ac.uk

14

Autism

APPROACHI The more we understand the better it will be – that’s the RDA approach to ensuring that participants with autism have the best possible time at RDA. Ahead of the launch of an e-learning programme on autism, we talk to some of the people who helped pull it all together, and why it’s so needed.

BROAD SPECTRUM There are around 700,000 autistic people in the UK and many RDA participants have this condition.

Known as a ‘spectrum condition,’ autism affects different people in different ways. The National Autistic Society (NAS) definition of autism is: ‘a lifelong developmental disability that affects how people perceive the world and interact with others. Autistic people see, hear and feel the world differently to other people.’ It adds: ‘autism is not an illness or disease and cannot be ‘cured’.

Often people feel being autistic is a fundamental aspect of their identity.’

CREATING AWARENESS In true RDA spirit, groups tend to ‘just get on and do it’ when faced with challenges, and autism is seen as simply another challenge, although a sometimes-confusing one that can be easily misunderstood.

Increasingly, there’s a general

rda.org.uk

Autism

15

ING AUTISM awareness of the need to understand and appreciate the condition.

Karen Stubbs has volunteered at New Yatt Group, in North Leigh, Witney for 18 years, and was on the RDA autism e-learning project team. She explains how her involvement started: “I was at the Regional conference at Newbury racecourse in April 2017, when there was a talk about autism, and a simulation that gave an idea of how autistic people see the world. From the questions being asked, it was evident people didn’t know how to teach autistic children. People were saying if they don’t hold the reins, then you make them do it, and I was thinking ‘No!’” Karen thought it would be good to do some work around autism awareness, and two days later, saw an advert on the RDA website for participants to start an autism awareness panel. “I just thought ‘Yes!”, she says.

Karen’s previous experience included part-time working and mentoring in a mainstream school that had autistic children.

“They could function,” she says. “But autism is a huge spectrum, and there’s a misconception that because they look the same as everyone else, there’s nothing different. If someone has a broken arm, you can see it; autism is not like that.”

NAS says “all autistic people share certain difficulties, but being autistic will affect them in different ways. Some autistic people also have learning disabilities, mental health issues or other conditions, meaning people need different levels of support.”

For the e-learning project, Karen and two others (a mother of an autistic child, and a schoolteacher in a special school for autistic children) had several conference calls and meetings at RDA National Office. All their input would enable Matthew Cobble, RDA Volunteer and Group Support Manager, to put together the new, comprehensive RDA e-learning course on autism awareness, and coping strategies.

Training and awareness has helped a lot

CALM AND SIMPLE Karen, who is also a County Coach, sees how much autism awareness is impacting groups’ work, and the need for calm along with routine.

At Rossington Hall RDA group, which has 76% of its participants identified as being on the autistic spectrum, Treasurer Sue Jones says: “We wanted to find out how to help the best we could.”

The group’s volunteers and instructors had a basic awareness-training day with Autism East Midlands. That’s

being followed with a May visit by AEM to observe the groups’ lessons, and then provide targeted training.

Sue says many people on the autistic spectrum like to have order and routine: “So we try to keep them on the same horse, and have the same volunteer, because if that changes it does have an effect on them. In general, the instructor doesn’t change, so that’s a constant.”

Karen comments that calm is also important, remarking on a group riding session that was ‘chaotic’. “At least, that was my first impression,” she adds. “There was too much of a coffee morning chatter, and one child was banging on his ears because so much was going on. They were all agitated, and it felt very busy.”

She spoke with the teacher about a ‘Silent Ride’ she’d read about in an issue of the RDA magazine, and asked if she could try it with the lesson the following week.

“So, I spoke to all the helpers, and said next week when we go into the indoor school, the only person to speak will be me, and let’s be really quiet and see what happens,” says Karen. “And so, nobody spoke a word including the

rda.org.uk

16

Autism

teacher who was a bubbly person, and the difference was amazing – children sat up straight, they were calm, looking around. And these are non-verbal children, and they began making little noises. And all the helpers went ‘Wow!’” Sue adds that she’s found there are some autistic people who don’t like to be in a group, or perhaps others who don’t like being in a confined area like an arena. “If they go around the estate on hacks, they tend to relate more to their surroundings, respond better, and are calmer,” she says.

MIXED SIGNALS Karen also describes how multiple instructions can be confusing. If a coach asks an autistic child to ‘move forward’, and then quickly follows it with an alternative instruction to ‘walk on’, because the rider hasn’t responded, then that is interpreted as two different instructions, she says. She also refers to ‘The Reason I Jump: One Boy’s Voice from the Silence of Autism’, written in 2005 by Japanese author Naoki Higashida, a then-13-year-old boy with autism.

“Key points are to use the person’s name, keep language simple, avoid too much information, give them time to understand, provide praise and reassurance, and always be very clear and precise,” she adds.

Karen got more perspective about routine from a teacher she visited: “Such as: the routine is go to the gallery, then put on the hat, then wait

rda.org.uk

The more we understand, the easier it is

until one rider gets on the pony, and then the other rider gets on. And, when finishing the lesson, don’t just end it, but say that they’ll walk around once more, and then get off. They may not respond, but they do have a lot of understanding.”

“We make sure to have a detailed rider profile,’ adds Sue. “And each group speaks with the parent or carer, to make sure we know the particular issues of that individual. We discuss challenging behaviours – such as putting on a riding hat, and how people on the autistic spectrum can also have physical disabilities. They can get really stressed and feel they can’t cope.”

The group also offers supports for parents, with picnic lunches, rides and crafts, meeting in the school holidays so parents can network.

TRAINING AND LEARNING As Sue comments: “Training and awareness helps a lot. The more people understand, the easier it is.”

The new Autism Awareness online learning course launches in April.

Matthew says: “The focus is to raise awareness of autism, and provide more support to RDA and others.”

The RDA e-learning website offers an opportunity to access courses written specifically for RDA volunteers and staff. Other courses include: Using the RDA Tracker, Disability Awareness, Governance, and Safeguarding.

Matthew adds that people have been asking about an autism awareness training course for a long time: “There seems to be more people being diagnosed with autism, and volunteers have asked for more support.”

The comprehensive course helps hone awareness of Autism’s ‘hidden’ differences, such as anxiety associated with social situations, sensory challenges and different interpretations of language and communication. It includes videos and practical ideas for supporting RDA participants with autism, to enable them to enjoy excellent RDA experiences.

Completing the course will answer questions: • What is autism?

• What are some of the challenges faced by people on the autism spectrum?

• How can I communicate effectively with people on the autism spectrum?

• How can I support an autistic person who is experiencing a moment of crisis?

• What actions can I take to create an autism friendly environment at RDA? Each lesson is done in a logical order, and a progress box indicates completed lessons. At the end of each course, there’s a quiz and a certificate to reward a pass mark.

As Matthew comments: “We want to pull it all together: autism, autism education, RDA coaches, and parents of children with autism.”

Through awareness and training, we can help RDA participants on the autism spectrum to learn and develop, and find out how much they can do, in their own way, in their own time. As Karen concludes: “Sometimes, with the best will in the world it doesn’t happen, but we always try.”

Become an RDA Coach!

The quality of coaching at RDA is second to none, combining equestrian knowledge with an in-depth understanding of a wide range of disabilities. At RDA we provide a tailored programme of training and assessment to help you achieve your coaching goals.

Whether you want to become a Group Coach or RDA Fellow – we will give you the support you need.

For more details please contact Fiona Harris on 01926 405970 / fharris@rda.org.uk

18

RDA Holiday

Everyone Loves A Holiday From magical driving experiences in the Scottish countryside, to exploring England’s woodland tracks, and even training for Grade 4 Bronze, silver and Gold, an RDA holiday offers a chance to “get to know other people, make new friends, and share horse experiences,” as Judy Olby puts it succinctly.

SHARING EXPERIENCES ”We do all the horsey things there’s no time to do in lessons, and simply enjoy having the time together, and playing with the ponies,” says Judy, Otley and District Group Chairman and Chair of the RDA Holidays Committee, who has been involved with RDA since 1980. “An RDA holiday is as much about getting to know people, as it is about anything to do with riding. Meeting friends, socially, can make the holiday – sometimes, it can be like a big family reunion.”

“Of course,” she adds, “We also see much progress and success with riding

rda.org.uk

because people get a chance to go riding every day, and sometimes twice a day.

They spend all week with the ponies, which is such a difference from just having a ride once a week.”

Lottie Dronfield, RDA Holidays Coordinator says: “When people have been on an RDA holiday, they just get so energised by it. It’s really heartwarming to see their reactions, and how riding holiday groups create such an energetic, positive atmosphere together. And the volunteers get so much out of it, too.”

North Yorkshire County Coach Claire Pope gained her three levels (Bronze,

Silver and Gold) over three years of going on RDA proficiency test holidays. “It’s a wonderful experience,” she says. “And it’s a learning experience too, outside of the proficiency test. I found that seeing all the various disabilities, and how people manage them makes you realise it’s not so difficult after all.”

FROM SIDESADDLE TO SHOWJUMPING “From May to September 2018, our holidays range across the board,” says Judy. “For example, there are two wonderful carriage driving holidays each year in Scotland and Yorkshire.”

The Scottish driving holiday is in June at Argyll RDA, while the Beamsley riding holiday is in September at the Draughton Riding Centre in Skipton.

August is the time for the Grade 4 to Gold training holiday in August – for which qualified dressage judges come to help with exams for the grades. As Judy says: “They really help people achieve their dream of doing the Bronze, Silver and Gold level. And, as it’s often the best riders that go on holiday, it’s good for them to have different mounts.”

Claire comments: “The chance to ride different ponies and courses really makes a difference. It can also be really hard to get the Grade test examiners together for a small group, so this is a great opportunity.”

Also scheduled for the summer, is a fun holiday camp for 10-14 year olds at Cranleigh RDA. “We have so much fun, and learn new things,” says Judy.

“We talk about natural horsemanship, how ponies think, and how to get pony to walk alongside you, without a halter.

And we do pony painting, where we find out about all the different parts of the pony, and paint them on – using safe paints, of course. We have found out yellow paint doesn’t stick to black coats, and washing red out of greys is a challenge!”

In September, there’s a chance to experience side-saddle riding. Judy adds that the teacher is a side-saddle dressage champion. The Beamsley side-saddle holiday is open to six riders – and no experience is necessary. Judy mentions one holiday participant who is enchanted by the beautiful traditional side-saddle habits/costumes, and commented: “To come and be able to do it is so exciting!” The holiday is based at Acrecliffe Equestrian Centre in Otley.

RDA Holiday

“The other activity that goes on is individual groups arranging special pony days, trips to the beach, and nonresidential country rides,” comments Judy. “And of course, there’s the permanent holiday facility at Clwyd in North Wales, which groups can book for a week. They do their own catering and riding/driving coaching using the centre’s ponies and facilities, which are excellent. Clwyd is booked up most of the time, it offers so much to holidaymakers.”

As Judy says: “We’re always looking for more places, and people, to run a holiday.”

FINDING THE VENUE Finding the right venue can be a challenge. While the proposed venue has to be large, it also has to have good facilities for a variety of disabilities.

For example, as Judy comments: “Some large venues such as bunkhouses may not have doors, which means there’s no private rooms. Or perhaps there’s not much more than the basic furniture.

While that may be fine for school groups, or similar, it won’t be of much use to someone with splints, or someone with autism who needs privacy, and a place to be quiet, away from other people and things. The venue must meet various

different needs.”

The venue must also be warm and cosy, with heating, and a washing machine and drying room, so people feel at home. Judy adds that while some people may be too tired, lacking in energy, others like to have evening events, so it’s important to provide relaxation options. She adds that one holiday group participant made some lovely buns, and shared with everyone: “That made the holiday really special!”

And she adds that perception of the place is important: “There is one specially converted chapel that enables 24 people to have self-catered holiday.

And one first-time holidaymaker said: ‘I like this place, it feels lovely.’ That’s what we want to hear.”

GETTING HELPERS Plenty of helpers are essential to ensure the holiday goes as smoothly as possible.

During the summer especially, some regular RDA helpers may have their own holidays, or have children at home during school holidays. So, it’s important to encourage new volunteers to participate in the holiday scheme.

As Lottie says: “When someone helps out on a RDA riding holiday for the first time, they’re not just making a difference as part of a team, they’re also learning

19

new skills, and making new friends.”

She encourages young people who enjoy being outdoors to consider volunteering at a RDA holiday. “It’ll be a boost to your CV, too,” she adds.

An alternate source of young, enthusiastic helpers can be the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme (DofE), as candidates look for ventures to enable their course completion. “They can be great helpers, “ says Lottie. “Generally enthusiastic, hands-on, and practical they may even become potential RDA helpers of the future.”

Lottie shares the story of Clarke Granger, a DofE Gold Candidate, who helped out on an RDA holiday at Escrick Park.

As Clarke wrote: “It was an incredible insight into just a small part of the RDA and how everything was adapted to accommodate for everyone’s needs.

Everyone was just so welcoming and I never felt out of place at all. Contacting the RDA was simple and most places contacted offered me a place via email.

Overall, the experience was great and I will not forget the people that I met and helped.”

Lottie adds that succession planning, looking to RDA’s future, is very important. “We need to make sure we always have eager young people willing to step in as older people may take a step

rda.org.uk

20

RDA Holiday

for one holiday, and one was a farmer’s wife who traveled miles every day. A husband who came along to help said he ‘didn’t know how to speak with people who were disabled’, so we invited him to a singsong with the group, and he came along and had fun, and was then completely at ease.”

back, while passing on their years of experience and knowledge.”

Judy suggests: “Bring your own helpers if possible, as that helps people feel relaxed.” Sometimes, the helpers may include the whole family. As Judy points out, that's when a family room ensuite in the accommodation can simply make the holiday.

She also comments that the local Women’s Institute (WI) are such a help: “Three WI members did all the catering

rda.org.uk

MAKE IT YOUR OWN… An RDA holiday is a unique experience, beneficial to everyone and especially to the riders and drivers who are given more time to expand their knowledge and ability.

“We’d love to develop holidays overseas,” says Judy. “One rider independently found a Western riding holiday, herding cattle in Montana, USA, and simply loved it!”

Wherever an RDA holiday is based, it’s always about having a passion for horses, shared with like-minded people.

It’s a wonderful opportunity to enhance equine skills, take part in new activities, and gain a real sense of achievement,

whether as a rider, organiser, helper, or volunteer.

As Judy concludes: “In the end, it’s simply all about people and horses – making lasting friendships, finding out what you can do, and creating your own special holiday.”

There are two separate grants (up to £250 each) for RDA Groups & National Holidays.

Grant1: To help a group organise an RDA holiday or day out for riders in their group, county or region and to support National Holidays.

Grant2: To help groups provide the opportunity for one or more of their riders to attend an RDA National Holiday in 2018.

HELPING YOUR HORSE TO HELP OTHERS

E V A S 20% EXCLUSIVE OFFER FOR RDA MEMBERS

USE CODE RDA20 WHEN SUBSCRIBING

Equine Health is the magazine for people who care about the wellbeing of the horse, covering key welfare issues such as nutrition, worming and farriery, with regular focus on competition horses. Read by horse owners and industry professionals alike, Equine Health will provide everything you need to know to be better informed and make better choices.

March/April 2018

The only health resource for the equine industry

British breeds in crisis

Why subscribe? l Learn more about horses’ health needs l Gain expert insight into equine care l Ensure your horse is happy and healthy

Ex-racehorses – a unique veterinary challenge Thin soles: problems and solutions

Order today with code RDA20 Visit magsubscriptions.com/rda or call 0800 137 201

BEST PRACTICE • RESEARCH • PROFESSIONAL ISSUES • NEWS 001_EQHE_2018_40_March-April_COVER.indd 1

05/03/2018 13:40

22

Horse Welfare

PROUD SPONSORS OF RDA MAGAZINE'S HORSE WELFARE FEATURES

Injury Prevention Prevention is better than cure when it comes to the health of your horse, and musculoskeletal (muscle, joint and bone) health is no exception. Fortunately, a lot is known about risk factors for injury, and there are a number of simple steps that can be taken to ensure your horse has the best chance of a long and happy career.

ABOUT NATHALIE: NATHALIE COLE BSc(HONS) BVSc MRCVS IS AN EQUINE VET CURRENTLY BASED IN SURREY. SHE IS THE RDA HONORARY VET, MANAGING THE VETERINARY TEAM AT THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS AND WORKING WITH THE CHARITY TO PROVIDE ADVICE AND EDUCATION. NATHALIE HAS AN INTEREST IN EQUINE MEDICINE.

rda.org.uk

O

rthopaedic injuries and diseases cause pain, can be costly to treat and usually result in time where a horse cannot be used in activities causing disappointment to those who would normally enjoy riding them.

Damage to a horse’s musculoskeletal system can be acute, such as a sudden sprain or fracture, or chronic; smaller less obvious injuries occurring over a period of time leading to tissue degeneration and arthritis. Damage can range from mild, requiring a period of rest and medication, to severe, which can be career ending, or even fatal.

CONFORMATION There are two recognised causes of injury to a horse’s muscles, joints and bones; a normal load on an abnormal structure, or an excessive load on a normal structure. It is widely accepted that no horse has perfect conformation (perfectly formed and aligned bones and joints). Also, a minor conformational defect does not necessarily mean a horse’s career will be limited by injury. However, when choosing a horse for RDA work it is important to ensure its conformation is assessed by a veterinary surgeon to ensure they can perform their duties safely and comfortably.

If a horse has abnormal

conformation, they may be at an increased risk of injury even when carrying a “normal” weight for a horse of their size and condition. Figure 1 shows how forces are distributed evenly through a normal joint (a), yet unevenly in a joint with abnormal conformation (b). Even under “normal” loading there is increased pressure on tissues such as bone and cartilage on the inside of the angle, and increased strain on tissues such as ligaments and muscles on the outside of the angle, increasing the risk of damage. While we cannot alter the conformation of a mature horse, once a weakness is identified we can easily modify the loading of any abnormal structures by reducing the weight we ask a horse to carry and the type of work we allocate to it. For example, a horse with abnormal conformation may be better suited to walk-level dressage than a more high-impact discipline such as showjumping.

FOOT BALANCE Horses free from significant musculoskeletal abnormalities have the best chance for a successful, injury free career. However, their soundness should not be taken for granted, and they still require careful management.

Maintaining good foot balance ensures joints in the lower limb are correctly loaded and is known to guard

Horse Welfare

23

against injury. Regular assessments by a qualified farrier are an important part of any horse’s routine care.

Without appropriate care problems can develop rapidly, as seen in Figure 2. In a well-maintained foot, the hoof pastern axis (red and green lines) should be in alignment. This abnormal angle caused significant lameness when walking due to the abnormal loading of the joints and tissues, and ridden work on feet in this condition would have led to further pain and injury.

RIDING SURFACE It is important to ensure riding surfaces are well maintained as an uneven surface can increase the risk of both acute injuries and accelerated wear and tear. Some surfaces may also be safer than others, however risks of a new surface reduce with repeat training.

Training horses on a range of surfaces has been shown to protect against injury – a perfect excuse to go out for that hack around the countryside.

FITNESS AND TRAINING Just as we would not expect an unfit person to jump straight off their sofa and run a marathon, it is important that we build horse’s strength and stamina carefully with training. Doing too much too soon can lead to fatigued muscles that cannot support the skeleton correctly, leading to instability and injury. Horses that have been out of work, or are new to RDA work will need to be introduced to their new workload gradually. It is also essential to work to build core strength as well as fitness.

This is particularly important for RDA horses so that they can safely support any riders who may have impaired coordination or balance. Horses should be thoroughly warmed up before each session to further reduce the risk of sprains and strains.

BODY CONDITION Maintaining your horse in an ideal body condition is vital. Carrying excess fat places additional strain on even healthy joints and muscles, increasing the risk of injury due to overloading.

As horses are large animals, the weight of fat on an overweight horse can sometimes weigh as much as a person.

Adding a rider without taking this

rda.org.uk

24

Horse Welfare

qForces are distributed

qUnevenly distribution

evenly through a joint with normal conformation.

of forces through an abnormal joint can increase the risk of injury without careful management.

STRAIN

into consideration can be equivalent to asking a horse to carry two riders, something we would never normally do.

Also, as carrying weights are calculated as a proportion of the horse’s body weight, overweight animals are at risk of a further penalty. As fat increases a horse’s measured body weight, their initial calculated carrying weight is higher than it would be if they were in a normal body condition, further increasing their workload. Care should be taken when calculating carrying weights for overweight horses, and permitted weights should be reduced until ideal body condition is achieved and a correct carrying weight can be calculated. See the Spring 2016 issue of RDA Magazine for a reminder on how to fat score your horse.

HORSE-RIDER COMBINATION By placing any rider on a horse, or asking it to pull a carriage we are changing the forces placed on its musculoskeletal system compared to a horse that is unloaded. While horses

rda.org.uk

PRESSURE

can tolerate some additional loads, allocating a weight that is inappropriate for a particular animal can overload anatomical structures, and is a known risk factor for injury. A recent study by The Animal Health Trust concluded that increasing rider weight as a proportion of the horse’s weight had a significant effect on gait and behaviour. It also found that riders who were a higher proportion of their horse’s weight caused more noticeable discomfort due to imperfectly fitted tack.

It is important to assess each new horse-rider combination to ensure that the partnership is appropriate. It is also important to monitor existing combinations over time to ensure they continue to be a good match.

The amount a horse can safely carry can change for a number of reasons, including if it gains or loses weight, develops a medical problem or is returning to work after an injury. Rider weight can also vary over time and this should be equally closely monitored.

When riding, some disabilities may affect

balance or coordination meaning rider weight is unevenly distributed through the horse’s back and limbs, leading to relative overloading of some joints. Such individuals may need to be allocated a ‘riding weight’ that is different to their actual weight, and this may change over time. While this may seem like a lot to think about when choosing a horse, RDA resources are available to help you find the perfect partner.

If you have further questions about your horse’s individual risk, or how to implement any of these tips your vet, RDA Regional Vet or RDA Regional Equine Advisor will be happy to advise you. Injury is a risk for any athlete, but by following the tips above can help you keep this risk as low as possible, so you can concentrate on enjoying your time with your horse.

PROUD SPONSORS OF RDA MAGAZINE'S HORSE WELFARE FEATURES

26

Out & About

Join the conversation @RDANational: @Chigride It was great having the riders back today following three days of very c

Out & About T

his issue we are looking at the many ways RDA's regional teams support their groups.

Countryside Challenge, at The College of West Anglia at Milton, Cambridge CB24 on Sunday 20th May 2018. It is an event for those wanting to achieve a higher level and the chance to qualify for the National Championships at Hartpury. It is a fun day out for everyone and boosts participants’ confidence.

Regional funds helped the Cambs College Group buy Bonnie, a 15hh cob who enjoys the competition and went on to Hartpury last year. The region is helping fund a driving/riding horse to enable more people to have the chance to ride or drive, and there have been many training days to make sure everyone is up to scratch and riders are reaching their goal.

Gay Redman, Regional Chair East

Arena Funding

I

n December, the Princess Royal opened the new Woodbridge and District RDA Centre. They just managed to get salt on the new concrete before her arrival, and the riders rose to the occasion and were very patient.

The Group raised funds and built a new indoor arena in a new location, all in the space of a year. The region helped with funds and

advice. There are 12 horses/ ponies.

The Gaddesden group was given a grant for the Vaulting barrel, and put on a wonderful Vaulting Nativity play, produced by Christina Grieve. The small children were jumping up onto horses and we all were entranced by their performance. It was a very special evening.

The Region hosts the Dressage Qualifier and

Way Up North

T

he most Northern Region before you reach Scotland, we cover everything under the Borders from Cumbria in the West to Northumberland in the East, comprising ‘Cumbria’ ‘Durham’ and ‘Northumberland’.

County Chairs and Coaches will visit groups annually, more often if needed. Training events move around the Region; we have four centres (Washington, Pegasus, the Riding Centre for Special People, and the Calvert Trust) and

Three-Year Plan

T

he Regional Committee is responsible for providing training and updates for its groups, and for our Region, these events have come along like buses this past six months!

Carol, our new Regional Coach, organised her first training day in October 2017,

then helped co-ordinate the National Coaches Training Day in January. Both were well attended by coaches and volunteers and the Region received positive feedback about the content of the days.

County representatives have organised training for groups in First Aid and Safeguarding.

@RDAR avelrig Thank you to all the wonderful Wednesday volunteers who have given the horses some pampe

rda.org.uk

Out & About

27

challenging weather. Here we have Piers on Paddy and Harry having been presented with his Grade 1 star card from Greg.

We all look forward to a future full of smiling faces. smaller groups. All groups offer riding, and three offer carriage driving.

More groups are looking at offering carriage driving in the future.

The Region’s AGM moves among venues, as does the Regional competition, alternating West and East.

Hartpury is also a big commitment, but we have groups that go there.

We have a regional web site, annual newsletter and social media (Facebook).

In Northumberland, groups have the ‘Haggard Trust, a large legacy left for the purchase and welfare of RDA ponies in that county. It has provided several ponies for groups, and helped with

Our next Annual Regional training day is scheduled for October and one of the aims of the Regional Coach is to have a long-term programme, so each event, while able to be a ‘stand alone’ training day, is also part of a three-year plan: 2017 was all about the new participant, 2018 will focus on record keeping and the New Coaching Pathway and 2019 will look at coaching &

unexpected veterinary bills. Applications are considered by the Regional Chair, Treasurer and a County Chair. The Region has also helped with holidays for groups and money for special purchases.

We hope our newest group,

teaching skills.

In April, the Regional Committee is organising a Supra-Regional Conference at Wakefield Group, the programme put together by Jo, our Driving Representative, includes presentations on physiotherapy, updates from National Office and Coaching for Gold.

Michelle and Elspeth (County Coaches), Judy

Ponteland and District RDA, will become a full member in April. It is already looking to offer carriage driving.

Carole Barr, Regional Chair, North

(County Chairperson), Carol (Regional Coach), Moira (Training Advisor) spend many voluntary hours each year visiting groups, meeting and assessing group coaches. They are always supportive, and offer constructive feedback and top tips!

Carolyn Brown, Regional Publicity Officer, NE & South Yorkshire

Multiple Rainbows!

W

hen I opened the Rainbow Care Farm, I thought an RDA Group would complement the Care Farm, offering that next level of achievement and enjoyment.

After speaking with Sue Ingleby, Southwest Regional Chairman, I decided setting up two new projects would be ambitious.

However, after the Rainbow Care Farm was established, and encouraged by Care Farm customers, I looked into it again. With the help of Sue Ingleby and friends, we started the ball rolling and the Rainbow RDA Group was born. We climbed a mountain of paperwork, found fantastic volunteers and had amazing support from the local community.

Sue Downer, Somerset County Coach, gave muchneeded support and training.

In July, our four horses and ponies passed the assessment and we officially became an RDA Group. We hope by Spring to have fundraised enough money to purchase a mounting ramp for riders with physical disabilities. We all look forward to a future full of smiling faces.

Rexy White, Founder Rainbow Group, South West

ering and cleared a lot of snow in the yard. Cup of tea all round! #thankyou #volunteering #snowcangonow

rda.org.uk

28

Out & About

Social media news feed: @RDANomad I can’t wait to learn more from Sue Mack on lots of @RDAnational Countrysid

Healthy Inputs

I Emphasis on Training

T

he lesson was hard work, but I really enjoyed it,” writes Nia Harmes, North Wales participant. “I would definitely do a session there again, especially riding Lolly.

She was amazing.”

The clinic Nia attended was one of the three riding clinics run and subsidised

by North Wales Region this winter. Region exists to support the 10 RDA groups and their participants across North Wales.

In our Region budget, we place particular emphasis on training, and not only participant training, as we also offer training events to volunteers and coaches so they may acquire new skills and qualifications, and keep up with help and information from RDA UK. This aims to give our participants the best possible service from our RDA Groups, and encourages progression of skills for volunteers and coaches so that they can continue to help RDA groups for years to come.

We are lucky to have a variety of County and Regional coaches in our committee, as well as a number of representatives with different skills in particular areas, such as

Carriage Driving, Vaulting and Dressage. We also call on RDA specialists to provide training clinics for our Groups, such as Sue Adams Wheeler, Chair of the Coaching committee and Sarah Rodgers, a RDA Dressage judge. Sue and Sarah have advanced knowledge of horse schooling and help riders train towards competitions as well as progressing the horse’s education.

am sometimes asked what the Regional Committee actually does.

Our role is to support the groups within our region to deliver the best RDA sessions.

TAs, County Coaches and County Chairmen have consistent and direct contact with all the groups. County Coaches assess and review coaches, and County Chairmen get to know and understand the individual groups. These relationships

are essential to build up our support mechanism. In addition, West & Central Scotland has specialist representatives for dressage, carriage driving and showjumping. Other regions include endurance and vaulting. They assess and support groups to branch out into these exciting, specific disciplines. We also have a Participant Representative and Equine Welfare Officer, who represent the core

Alys Lewis-Jones, Regional Chair, North Wales

Supporting Experiences

G

rampian and Highland Region stretches between Orkney and Dundee in the East of Scotland.

The regional committee has approximately 10 experienced members, including Claire Milican from National Office.

Committee members regularly attend RDA National training events, to keep informed about RDA strategy and training,

and the region’s plan and budget reflects RDA’s strategy and training.

Plans for 2018 include four practical training days covering mounting/ dismounting with our regional physio, and proficiency tests and equine welfare with regional and county coaches and our equine welfare advisor.

Classroom-based training days will have specialist speakers on autism

and epilepsy, disability awareness and participant experience. We try to spread the training around our large region to ensure at least one training event in each county to reduce travelling time.

For our small programme of grants for Groups, requests are submitted twice a year and considered by the committee. The region also provides support from the Brown fund to help with travelling costs to compete at the National Championships, and to attend regional

@jasschools For the Me and My World section of JASS I decided to volunteer. I had been living in Spain, so I had no idea where

rda.org.uk

Out & About

29

de Challenge tips & training and meeting all #TeamRDA Coaches at @ScroptonRDA on Friday, I will see you there!!!

purposes of RDA. The Regional Physiotherapist and Regional Vet are available for advice, while the admin team includes Secretary, Publicity Officer, Regional Treasurer and Regional Chairman. It’s quite a gathering of expertise to guide and to support. A highlight is the Trade Stand at Blair International Horse Trials, flying the flag for RDA. Our Regional Committee members are all volunteers, keen to give their time and experience to the progression of RDA in this part of Scotland. We offer a listening ear to the groups, provide updates on current policies and legislation, and providing training.

Members of the Regional Committee remain in their role for a maximum of nine years, providing a healthy, gentle, input of new people.

Kate Bennet, Regional Chair, West & Central Scotland

training, national conferences and AGM. Regional committee members are happy to give advice or to answer queries; if we don’t know the answer we’ll find someone who does! As a Regional committee we want to support groups to provide the best possible experience for all our RDA participants, volunteers and coaches in Grampian and Highland Region.

Barbara Manson, Regional Chair, Grampian & Highlands

On the road

V

Chance to Compete

O

ver half of the RDA groups in Mid West take part in our Regional Qualifiers. The Regional committee supports groups throughout the year, but this friendly day of competition really brings the region together: regional committee, volunteers and participants.

Nearly 100 competitors take part in Dressage, Countryside Challenge and Showjumping. While some classes are qualifiers for the National Championships, we encourage as many participants as possible to join in, so we also offer fun non-qualifying classes in all disciplines. Some County teams also run a ‘Fun Show’ in advance of the Qualifiers, which offers practice opportunity, with less competition pressure.

An important part of the

RDA experience, these events offer a chance to compete, achieve and demonstrate individual capability. They are also fun and sociable – opening up the wider world of RDA, building friendships, confidence and encouragement to do more.

Competition days rely on the support of volunteers, and the Mid West has a strong team of experienced and enthusiastic coaches, organisers, administrators and helpers who make it possible for participants to have the best possible experience.

This year’s Dressage and Countryside Challenge Qualifiers on 21 May is at The Avon Centre in Bristol, while the Showjumping Qualifier is on 14 May at the Wilton RDA Group, The Pembroke Centre, Wilton. We wish lots of luck to everyone taking part, and a huge thank you to the whole Mid West team.

acating a warm bed on a cold winter morning and setting off to visit a Group makes me question why I volunteered for the RDA 45 years ago. A long drive ends in the welcome sight of stables, bustling volunteers, and ponies prepared for the first ride. A welcome cup of coffee, a hat, some gloves, a warm coat and I feel instantly better.

I love meeting everyone. They are patient with my endless questions and in turn they ask me questions that I hope I answer satisfactorily.

I ponder other groups, and other journeys.

There’s the visit with Lesley Davies to Hope House in Nottinghamshire, created within a school for children with autism and learning difficulties, which teaches me so much about setting up a new RDA group. I visited the Mount Group in Leicestershire, where they showed determination and resolution amid tragedy. At Ashmount, I found Jane Corrall, new Leicestershire County Chairman, who brilliantly organised Sam Orde’s Big Ride as one of her first jobs.

All our Groups work hard and with dedication, and become expert at dealing with various riders’ requirements. I try to ensure good communication between Member Groups, North Midlands and National Office.

While emails are excellent, talking to people is definitely the most effective way.

How lucky our riders are to be part of RDA. You make ask what Regional Chairmen do for our groups? I can only say that it is what the groups do for the RDA that’s important.

Rachel Vaughan-Johns, North Wiltshire County Chair

Clarissa Howkins, Regional Chair, North Midlands

to start. My mum helped me contact the volunteer centre & I found out about the Riding for the Disabled. I’ve learnt so much!

rda.org.uk

30

Out & About

Social media news feed: @CastleWoodCov Huge thanks to our amazing team of dedicated volunteers from Arden RDA who

Always Here for You We are always here for you, To give support to all you do For your riders, drivers, vaulters and others Oh yes, and for your Volunteers too.

We are always here for you, Be your group for many or for few Well lend a hand to your happy band And we’ll bring a cake along too.

We are always here for you, To advise, to assist, to encourage, to do The best you are able for your friend in the stable Or to answer a question or two.

Sharing Success

T

he Region is the voice of the Groups, and we aim to listen to our Groups and build a close relationship and understanding of their needs so we can arrange training days, courses or events to suit individual preferences.

Cluster Meetings allow Groups to share ideas and feel part of the wider RDA family, while at regular meetings we share news, discuss strategies, and plan for the future.

The annual 32-page North West RDA News has 3,000 copies, distributed at our conference, and has articles from every Group in the Region, along with event photographs, and Regional and County Officers’ reports.

It can be used by Groups as a marketing aid to show they are part of a successful and thriving community.

It is designed to be given to potential sponsors at all levels and to celebrate our participants’ successes.

We also use the Regional

website, Facebook and Twitter to promote our events and celebrate Groups’ news.

This keeps us in touch with participants, parents and carers, and the volunteers and supporters within the Groups.

Our Groups meet up during the year and our newly introduced Regional Holiday gives everyone a chance to spend time together. Our Groups often share ponies for events: Isabel Slack from our Mid Cheshire Group has just won first place in the Para Summer National Qualifier for Solihull, riding Bracken Bank Flash Harry helped by his owner, Annie Wordley from West Lancs Group.

This is the first time a small (13.1 and three quarters hh) Fell pony has won such a prestigious event. They were also placed third in the Para Winter Championships.

Sheila Saner, Regional Chair, North West

We are always here for you, To explain why, ‘it’s change yet again’ To help spread the good word, to avoid the absurd To get the best from your everyday crew.

Group Friendships

T

he committee’s main objective is to provide our participants the best possible RDA experience. What shines

out is the friendship and willingness to give huge amounts of time to support our 28 Groups.

As in every Region across

@RDARavelrig Thank you to Andy & Rae with the Bank of Scotland Foundation they have raised over £1300

rda.org.uk

Out & About

31

o braved the freezing temperatures to ensure that all 25 children from Castle Wood School had their lessons on Wednesday.

Saving the Day We are always here for you, For its the Qualifiers we do We sort all things out, with no room for doubt That the competition is there just for you.

We are always here for you, To make others aware of what you do For you do excellent work, from which you never shirk So that smiles and fun always come through.

We are always here for you, If you find that you are in a stew With a rule that you broke or a thing you forgot We’ll sort it, as best we can do.

We are always here for you, Of that you can be so sure.

We are your raincoat in the boot of your car We may not be needed, but you’ll know where we are!

We are always there for you.

Anon, West Mercia

the UK, each committee member carries out their specific role to the highest standard. We recently organised courses from trainers who travelled ‘across the water’ namely Claire Milican, Mike Butcher, Sue Mack and Sarah Hadley.

These visits are always well received and much appreciated.

We also had a celebration lunch to recognise exceptional volunteers in our Region, and our two Vice Presidents, Dr. WillieJohn McBride MBE and George Jones presented the awards. We are fortunate to have the support of these two gentlemen, the former an Irish Rugby International and president of the Wooden

Spoon Charity, and the latter a musician and entertainer.

Brentford Group was temporarily without a coach and might have been unable to operate regular sessions.

However, Lesley Dickson, an assistant coach with Craigantlet Group offered to change groups. She was quite inexperienced and needed back-up to get her started at the new venue, and the Regional and County Coaches, and Chairmen stepped in for several weeks to ensure Lesley was confident in her new role.

She is now ‘flying solo’ and enjoying the new challenge.

I

n the South East, the Regional Committee’s responsibilities range beyond ‘front of house’ events, providing services that groups can draw on at any time, often when they least expect it.

Godstone RDA in Surrey is an active, established group running eight sessions for more than 50 riders a week.

But disaster struck when we lost two key coaches when the mother of a motherdaughter duo fell ill. We suddenly faced losing 2/3 of our classes in one fell swoop.

When we turned to the Regional Committee, it raced into action and Regional Coach, Fiona Dent, stood in to keep things going. Quickly identifying a potential coach,

Fiona ‘fast-tracked’ her assessment and the coach was up and running without delay. Fiona continues to cover an evening class and is working with two other instructors who will hopefully be available to us shortly.

Fiona definitely saved the day. She also helped assess our hats to ensure they met the correct standards. Sadly, a donation of new ones did not, so we’ve had to splash out on replacements.

County Chair, Pauline Lane, also helped manage a potential safeguarding issue, guiding us through the process so that it was handled sensitively and calmly, according to the correct protocols. It ended happily.

Having been independent for over 40 years, when we found we had to call on the wonderful services of the Region they were there for us, and I can see why its support is so important to all of us at Group level. Thank you!

Gill Morrison, Godstone, South East

Caroline Twemlow, Regional Coach, Northern Ireland

for Ravelrig. Does your work run a similar scheme? #bosfoundation #charity @AskBankOfScot #rda #ravelrig

rda.org.uk

32

Out & About

Social media news feed: @DuchyCollege A group of ‘over 18’ students went along to a fun pub night at the Tamar Inn, Calstock i

Group Grants

Celebrating Success

T

S

outh Region support includes coach/ volunteer training, a contribution to FirstAid training, funding (annual training day for each county, and Regional Qualifier), and a donation towards competition costs.

It subsidised the 2017 Supra Conference.

Groups’ support includes two Regional coaches, ten County coaches, two Regional physiotherapists, three Regional vets, two Equine Advisors, Regional Show jumping, Dressage, Driving, Safeguarding, Participant and Publicity representatives, and Treasurer and Secretary. Our County Chairman covers the New Groups' liaison representative role.

The Region’s website includes information on training, Regional Qualifier, RDA UK and photographs.

Ray and Caryll drive the promotional caravan (provided by The Windsor Lions) .

New for 2018, groups can apply for small grants.

The Region will fund a contribution towards hiring ponies for the Regional Qualifier, and hopes to provide more Regional training days/workshops.

We ran a Tracker workshop in 2017, and the first 2018 Regional workshop was a Governance and Volunteering day in March.

Frances Lochrane, Regional Chair, South

Initial Impressions

R

ecently appointed in the role as Regional Chairman, I am probably the least qualified to offer an opinion on anything further than my ‘initial impressions’. Four key areas come to mind: we must support groups and regional officers in their vital work; there is a need to coordinate activities to provide opportunities to share knowledge and generate team spirit; we need to provide training to ensure regional officers and coaches are ‘fit for role’; and, the development of participants, volunteers and Trustees so that everyone makes an active contribution and feels valued.

Over the past few months, Regional Coach Karen Glasgow has delivered a training programme to prepare four Group Coaches for their Coach exam. On the day the ‘Beast from the East’

chill hit UK shores, members met at Drum RDA to be put through their paces. Four areas were tested: stable management, RDA policies, physiotherapy and disability awareness, and giving a private lesson to an unknown participant on an unknown horse. Huge thanks to Cicely Young who took on a variety of roles to test each of the candidates, and was ably assisted by Watson and Ernie during the riding phase, and Fraser and Fudge during stable management.

Everyone found the training ‘so useful if not a bit scary’ and a perfect way to set up for the exam. Good luck to all, and I look forward to welcoming new County and Regional Coaches in the future.

Kim McCutcheon, Regional Chair, Edinburgh & Borders

he Yorkshire and Cleveland Region recently hosted a Celebrating Success Lunch for all the Region’s groups.

Despite poor weather, almost 200 riders, volunteers, supporters and families from 17 different RDA groups gathered for the event at The Rendezvous Hotel in Skipton.

The idea was to have the Region’s groups share their successes over the last year: groups sent in résumés highlighting their rider’s and horse’s achievements, and volunteers who deserved special mention. It was amazing to see just what the groups had to share.

John Chuter, the Regional Chair, welcomed Sam Orde, who joined us for the

Not the Police Force

O

ur first year as Regional Chairs has been a ‘baptism by fire’. Splitting the role caused some concern, but we felt the key benefit was someone would always be ‘on tap’, and there has been.

One year on and we have attempted to build on the good work of the Regional Committee. We felt a key characteristic to ‘bonding’ with our Groups was a robust communication strategy, and we introduced

@AngelaBishop33 @BBCBreakfast horses are amazing. Those of us who work with horses know this. riding for the disabl

rda.org.uk

Out & About

33

in aid of the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) Duchy branch. They were lucky enough to win a print in the silent auction.

celebration and made the presentations to the groups.

There were many longservice awards to volunteers and horses, and YELA awards to our young volunteers.

Shared successes included Regional Qualifiers, the National Championships, the Special Olympics and the Big Ride, and individual successes at group level.

Rosettes were presented to all riders and supporters.

The Maggie Tansley Trophy, presented for the

a newsworthy social media page to accompany the successful internet site.

We met with some concern during our visits, some thinking we were the ‘police force’, but we think we’ve allayed fears as we’ve been willing volunteers, and good tea makers, all with a sense of humour.

Our purpose was to build a good relationship, and earn the respect of participants through listening, sharing experiences, offering support and advice, and admiring the commitment and dedication. We feel that encouragement, being open-minded and working as team players

first time in memory of the regional chairman who died last year, was awarded to Tommy Hill of Snydale RDA, for his achievement at the Regionals.

The Riverside Group, Bingley, won the draw and will be receiving a custom saddle from the Worshipful Company of Saddlers.

A fabulous day!

Moira Wragg, Regional Publicity Officer, Yorkshire & Cleveland

are essential ingredients to prosper and survive.

The Regional Training has proved successful and worthwhile, and has integrated the Groups into a tight networking facility.

The highlight of our year was working with the Green Meadow Group on a 15Km ride, which turned into a 27km ride through the Welsh countryside that

Getting Voices Heard

G

reater London region has over 2,000 RDA riders and carriage drivers. Ensuring the views of participants are represented on the regional committee is the role of newly appointed Participant Rep, Philippa George. “I’ve been a rider at Park Lane Stables RDA for several years, and I also volunteer there,” she explains.

A student of Child Care at Richmond Adult Community College, Philippa brings experience of working with young people to her role as a volunteer, and hopes to do the same as Participant

hosted Sam Orde’s ‘Big Ride’. Several Groups and participants supported this event, resulting in a financially and socially successful day.

Our mantra is to continue our journey around South Wales along a positive pathway and to work collaboratively with all participants, being reliable, a successful conduit between National Office and the Groups, and recognising and nurturing participants’ talent.

Joan Lean and Julie Humphry, Regional coChairs, South Wales

Rep: “It’s important for all participants to know they have a voice at RDA, and to make sure their views are heard. That might mean feeding back to the committee about their positive experiences, areas for improvement and ideas of things that could be done better.”

All Regional Participant Reps sit on the RDA UK Participant Committee, which ensures RDA’s 25,600 riders and drivers are supported by the organisation to achieve their goals and have the best possible experience. “Before I was approached by Mike (Locke, Regional Chairman), I didn’t really know about the Participant Rep role, what it would involve and how best to support our participants. But now I’m really looking forward to the challenge, to visiting groups, talking to participants in the region and doing what I can to make sure their voices are heard.”

Mike Locke, Regional Chair, Greater London

led, helping veterans, they aid recovery in so many ways, stimulating people in ways no other treatments or people can.

rda.org.uk

34

Calendar 2018

Calendar 2018 May

1 May

East Regional Qualifier – Carriage Driving Location: College of West Anglia, King’s Lynn

1 May

South East Regional Qualifier – Countryside Challenge & Showjumping Location: Felbridge Show Centre, Felbridge, West Sussex

6 May

Yorkshire & Cleveland Regional Qualifier – Dressage & Showjumping Location: Northallerton Equestrian Centre, North Yorkshire

13 May

Yorkshire & Cleveland Regional Qualifier - Countryside Challenge Location: Middleton Park Equestrian Centre, Middleton Grove, Leeds

14 May

Mid-West Regional Qualifier – Showjumping Location: Wilton RDA, Pembroke Centre, Nr Salisbury

14-18 May

RDA Endurance Week 2018

15 May

South West Regional Qualifier Countryside Challenge & Dressage Location: Lakefield Equestrian Centre, Cornwall

6 May

16 May

Introduction to Therapeutic Riding in Surrey Location: Diamond Centre, Carshalton, Surrey

South Wales Regional Qualifier Dressage & Showjumping Location: Carmarthenshire College, Carmarthenshire

10 May

18 May

Northern Ireland Regional Qualifier – Countryside Challenge & Dressage Location: Danescroft, County Antrim

North Midlands Regional Qualifier Countryside Challenge Location: Scropton RDA Centre, Scropton, Derby

11 May

20 May

North Regional Qualifier – Countryside Challenge, Dressage & Showjumping Location: Washington Riding Centre, Washington Tyne & Wear

12 May

Introduction to Therapeutic Riding in Cheshire Location: New Barn Farm, Ollerton, Knutsford, Cheshire

13 May

Yorkshire & Cleveland Regional Qualifier – Countryside Challenge Location: The Unicorn RDA Centre, Middlesbrough

rda.org.uk

North West Regional Qualifier Countryside Challenge, Dressage & Showjumping Location: East Liverpool RDA, Eccleston Liverpool

20 May

21 May

Mid-West Regional Qualifier Countryside Challenge & Dressage Location: Avon Centre, Bristol

22 May

North Wales Regional Qualifier - Carriage Driving, Countryside Challenge, Dressage & Showjumping Location: Penycoed Riding Stables, Oswestry

24 May

Scottish Regional Qualifier Carriage Driving Location: Hopetoun International HDT, Hopetoun International HDT

30 May

South Wales Regional Qualifier - Countryside Challenge & Led Dressage Location: Pencoed College, Pencoed

June 4-8 June

RDA Scottish Driving Holiday Location: Argyll RDA, Oben

July 13-15 July

RDA National Championships Location: Hartpury College, Gloucestershire

September

SEIB RDS Search 4 a Star Qualifier Location: Stretcholt Equestrian Centre, Bridgwater Somerset

25 September

20 May

November

South Regional Qualifier Countryside Challenge, Dressage & Showjumping Location: Wellington Riding Centre, Hook Hampshire

RDA Gala Awards Dinner 2018 Location: Gibson Hall, London

14 November

RDA AGM Location: The Trades Hall of Glasgow, Glasgow

Keep your horse looking a picture.

With Insurance from SEIB You love your horse and want them to have the best from the moment they become part of your life.

We offer insurance that will provide protection for you and your horse throughout the various stages of your lifetime together.

Through sickness and in health our insurance will be there providing peace of mind.

Call and speak to one of our team, they know about horses and will be happy to help you make the right insurance choice, keeping you both protected but at the right price.

Free print with every new policy*

This space available Please call Catherine on 01536 527297 or email cbaldock@rda.org.uk for more details

By Carolyn Bailey – Artist Carolyn is an artist who specialises in equestrian and canine portraits, bringing out the subject’s character and spirit. She also likes to bring a contemporary touch to her paintings, mainly using watercolours, inks and pastels. She has painted many commissions and also enjoys experimenting with her own subjects.

For more information about Carolyn’s work please e-mail carolynjbailey@btinternet.com call 07753 802048.

Carolyn’s Facebook page Art by Carolyn Bailey.

We can insure your dogs and cats too if you have another policy with us. Please ask for a quote.

HORSE & PONY · HORSEBOX & TRAILER LIVERY YARDS · EQUESTRIAN HOME · MOTOR · LIABILITY BUSINESS · HOME · RIDING SCHOOL · & MUCH MORE...

Call 0345 450 0654 www.seib.co.uk *Terms and conditions apply, image shown may not be the same as supplied, print will be supplied A4 size, frame not included. South Essex House, North Road, South Ockendon Essex RM15 5BE.South Essex Insurance Brokers Ltd are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. (local call charges apply)

WIN

One lucky RDA reader will win 3 fully installed, arena mirrors from Mirrors for Training – worth £2,500

Mirrors for Training are giving one reader the chance to have three of our Professional Arena Mirrors installed, indoors or outdoors, for free. These 6mm, steel backed, non-warp frames feature galvanised steel and have safety features built in, just in case.

Mirrors provide instant visual feedback, allowing you to correct your position as soon as you spot a fault, so you can improve and get the most from each riding session!

To enter the competition email info@mirrorsfortraining.co.uk and explain why you should be chosen as the winner and how winning the mirrors would be of benefit to you!

Competition closes 9th July 2018 and is open to UK mainland residents only.

To find out more about Mirrors for Training, see: www.mirrorsfortraining.co.uk