Dear RDA UK volunteers and staff,

This will be the last newsletter of the year and the National Office will be closed from the 24th December– 3rd January, reopening on the 4th January. The next newsletter in the new year will be on the 12th January. If we need to contact you in the meantime we will of course do so.

With all that being said, from myself and all of us at the National Office – Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.
 

COVID and the equestrian industry

At present, there are no new COVID restrictions that alter the way RDA groups can operate. Naturally, if that changes we will update everyone as soon as possible. In the meantime, British Equestrian have issued their response and recommendations for the wider equestrian industry, which you can find here: www.britishequestrian.org.uk/news/government-s-covid-plan-b-brought-in-for-england

 

Now open: Grants for Recovery – RDA Grants for Groups Fund 2021

Once again, we are very pleased to be able to make funds available for grants to RDA Member Groups – thanks to the support of Players of People’s Postcode Lottery. The closing date for applications is Friday 7 January 2022.

Our Funding Priorities

·       Group recovery and increasing participant numbers back to pre-pandemic level

·       Developing new activities and opportunities for growth

How to apply

All the information groups need on criteria, how to apply, how much they can apply for and the application form is in the downloadable document here: www.myrda.org.uk/runningyourgroup/group-fundraising-events/

Any questions about Grants to Groups please email groupgrants@rda.org.uk or call Peter Dean 01926 405963.

 

New Year’s Resolutions with RDA

I know it’s a little early to be thinking about New Year’s when we’ve not had Christmas yet, but I am planning a new campaign encouraging people to start their New Year’s Resolutions with RDA. This could be starting volunteering with RDA, gaining their pink coaching certificate, transitioning to canter, getting onto a horse, etc. If you or someone else you know would like to be an early participant in this, please get in touch with me (bfalcini@rda.org.uk) so we can chat about it. I will be sharing people’s resolutions and stories on our social media, with the aim to inspire others to follow suit. This is open to all, those in RDA (volunteers, staff & participants) and those outside of RDA. So do please share.
 

Vacancy: Opportunities in the Fundraising Team:

Two fantastic opportunities to join RDA’s Fundraising Team have opened up: Grant Giving and Individual Giving Officer and National Events and Community Fundraising Manager.

Both posts will support the delivery of the respective fundraising strategies in their areas of income generation, and help raise funds for core work and RDA’s ambitious strategy to increase the number of participants by 10,000 over the next three years.

If you are interested in applying, please follow the links below for further information on the roles and how to apply. This is an ideal opportunity for someone looking to take their next steps in their career in fundraising in a dynamic and fun environment. 

Join the RDA UK team - Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA)
 

RDA Dressage Judge Training

We have now finalised our Judges training days for 2022. There are four on offer positioned across the regions so hopefully everyone can attend a session that is closest to them. All four days will start in the classroom followed by a practical demonstration. The classroom content will include:

-        Language used when judging

-        What to expect in terms of disabilities (ID, VI, physical etc)

-        Difference between judging BD and RDA

-        Classification presentation including compensating aids
 

Tea, coffee and lunch will be provided. Please let us know of any dietary or access requirements on the booking form. Please do allow a few minutes for the booking form to submit, it can be slow to process the data. You should then receive an automated email confirmation; this may go to your junk folders so do check if you don’t receive it in your inbox. For dates, venues and booking form please see link https://www.myrda.org.uk/dressage-judge-training-booking-form/ password is dressage.
 

Weekly Webinar

For anyone who missed our weekly webinar last week on Introducing The Princess Royal Coach Academy, you can watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ihDW0vmWJA
Next Webinar: Strategy Overview with Ed Bracher (13th January 2022)

Further to the consultation on the RDA strategy, Chief Executive Ed Bracher will be reviewing some of the feedback and will discuss the next steps in the process.

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-5J08jbITqSKy7fWjxObyA

 

BEF Para Equestrian Entry Programme

British Equestrian (BEF) host Para Equestrian Entry Programme training days funded by Sport England. This training initiative offers regional training opportunities led by top international coaches. The aim of this initiative is to encourage young riders to make the next steps towards competing in British Dressage (BD) Para Equestrian competitions and entry onto the talent pathway.

These regional training sessions take place in RDA centres which offer a safe environment for riders at a pathway entry point and progression opportunities for those who do not own their own horse. The opportunity is open to riders from the RDA centre's own group and other local groups. The date of the next Entry Programme training day at the Unicorn Centre, Middlesbrough will be on Sunday 13th March 2022 with Angela Weiss.  

Please share this with your groups and if a rider would like to attend, please email Georgie Wheeler georgie.wheeler@bef.co.uk  at the earliest opportunity to secure a place. For more info on this programme please follow the link Para Equestrian Entry Programme - British Equestrian
 

Best wishes,

 

Brigitta Falcini

Communications Coordinator

Riding for the Disabled Association

01926 405964