Chigwell Riding Trust is look for an experienced coach five days a week. This is a great opportunity for the right person. The role includes Coaching, schooling horses and yard work. Accommodation on site and a car is essential. Contact Deborah on 020 8500 6051 or email deborah@chigride.org.uk for more information.
The new faces of para-equestrian dressage to represent Great Britain
July 31, 2019
The British Equestrian Federation has announced the UK Sport National Lottery funded para-equestrian dressage squad which will compete at the FEI Longines European Championships in Rotterdam, Holland (21–25 August 2019).
This year’s team includes three combinations who will be contesting their first senior championships, while Sophie Wells and C Fatal Attraction will be out to defend their Freestyle gold medal from the European Championships in 2017.
In alphabetical order, the selected squad has been named by British Dressage selectors as…
- Mari Durward-Akhurst (Grade I) with Glesni Owen’s Sky O’Hara
- Nicky Greenhill (Grade IV) with her own and Gary Greenhill’s Betty Boo
- Sophie Wells (Grade V) with Charlotte Hogg’s C Fatal Attraction
- Georgia Wilson (Grade II) with her own and Geoff and Julie Wilson’s Midnight
Performance Manager Georgina Sharples said “Many congratulations to all the selected combinations, their owners and support teams. It is wonderful to see three first-time championship athletes included in this selection – they’ll have the chance to experience a championship environment as part of the build up to Tokyo 2020. Also representing Great Britain in her eleventh major championships, Paralympic, World and European multi-medallist Sophie Wells, will bring a wealth of experience as will a highly committed and knowledgeable support Team.”
Jason Brautigam, British Dressage Chief Executive, commented; “It’s fantastic to see three new names getting the call-up to the team this year, alongside the extensive Championship experience of Sophie Wells. With qualification for next year’s Paralympics already assured, it’s great to provide opportunities for new combinations to make their mark on the international stage. Competition for places has been fierce this year, with a number of riders in line for selection, which shows the fantastic depth we have in the programme just one year out from Tokyo. Congratulations to the chosen four and we look forward to cheering you on in Rotterdam.”
Nicky and Sophie have also been selected with direct reserve horses, Nicky with Gary Greenhill and her own King Edward I and Sophie with her own Diadeem.
The British senior teams are supported by the BEF’s UK Sport National Lottery funded World Class Programme.
Page Last Updated: July 31, 2019
July 18, 2019
Job opportunity at the RDA – Project Co-ordinator (Tracker)
RDA National Office, Shrewley, Warwick
RDA is a leading national charity, dedicated to enriching the lives of disabled people through horses and our team at national office work closely with our network of national volunteers to ensure RDA Groups are able to provide an excellent experience for those who take part in our activities.
About the role:
We are seeking a new member of staff to play a key role in coordinating the delivery of our Tracker development plan. This role is an opportunity for someone who prides themselves on their ability to engage with key stakeholders and has strong project management and organisational skills.
The main responsibilities of the role include leading in three key areas:
- To co-ordinate the development of the Tracker tool
- To ensure groups using the Tracker have sufficient guidance and support
- To promote the use of tracker data by RDA groups
It is important that you are a confident communicator with exceptional customer service skills as you will be providing advice and guidance to our volunteer workforce on a regular basis. We also value adaptability; someone who will enjoy working on a new project and the challenges associated with a varied workload.
This is a fixed term role finishing on 31st March 2020 working 3 days (21 hours) per week although flexibility will be needed leading up to events with extra hours covered by time off in lieu.
Salary is £20,000 (pro rata) per annum.
Please ring 01926 405966 or email mcobble@rda.org.uk for more information, or send your CV and a covering letter to mcobble@rda.org.uk or Matthew Cobble Group Support and Volunteer Manager, RDA National Office, Lowlands Equestrian Centre, Old Warwick Road, Shrewley, Warwick CV35 7AX.
Closing date for applications is 2nd August 2019.
Page Last Updated: July 18, 2019
HRH Princess Anne launches 50th anniversary tartan for RDA in Scotland
May 2, 2019
A new tartan has been produced by Lachcarron of Scotland in celebration of 50 years of Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) providing therapy through horses. The tartan was launched at an Anniversary event in Edinburgh by RDA President, Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal. The Princess met with volunteers and participants from around the country and was presented with her very own RDA tartan scarf by brothers Andrew and William McLeod.
In addition to launching the tartan, the event was an opportunity to celebrate 50 years of RDA in Scotland. There are 54 individual RDA groups in the country, supporting almost 3000 adults and children with physical and learning disabilities to benefit from horses. In her address to guests, The Princess thanked the volunteers – over 2,500 in Scotland – without whom RDA would not be possible. She acknowledged the whole team effort that it takes to help make such a real difference to people’s lives through riding and carriage driving.
Kim McCutcheon, Edinburgh and Borders Regional Chair for RDA, said “The tartan has been designed to incorporate the charity’s colours and it was lovely to launch it at a special celebration alongside our wonderful volunteers and participants. It would be fantastic to see the tartan worn across the whole of the UK and by purchasing a scarf you are helping to support another 50 years of therapy through horses.”
The event was kindly held at the People’s Postcode Lottery office in Charlotte Square, Edinburgh. Clara Govier, managing director of People’s Postcode Lottery said ‘It has been a honour to support Riding for the Disabled in celebrating their fiftieth year here in Scotland, and see the launch of their new tartan. They are an incredible charity, working across Britain to improve the lives of thousands of people. They are hugely popular with the players of People’s Postcode Lottery and have received over £2.5 million in funding since 2013.’
The tartan costs £22.95 and can be ordered from kate@tarandoun.co.uk
Page Last Updated: May 2, 2019
Job opportunity at RDA NATIONAL TRAINING CENTRE – NTC Centre Manager
April 2, 2019
RDA NATIONAL TRAINING CENTRE
CENTRE & COMMERCIAL MANAGER
RDA has developed a new National Training Centre and we are now seeking a dynamic and driven person to lead the work to make this a commercially successful, world class equestrian centre. Based near Warwick, this is an exciting opportunity for the right person to make a significant impact on our work and what we can achieve.
The Role
The Centre Manager will be responsible to delivering an exciting plan to develop the activities on sire, ensure excellent customer service and manage the facility. The Manager will oversee all operations at the Centre, develop and increase commercial activity, and plan the expansion and next stage of development. Working with our yard team and coaches, s/he will also be responsible for ensuring that the Centre meets the highest standards, allowing it to be an example of great practice to the wider RDA network and beyond.
Salary – £30,000 – £35,000 (depending on experience), plus benefits
See www.rda.org.uk for the role description and more information
The Successful Candidate
You will be a driven individual, with a passion for what RDA achieves and a willingness to go the extra mile to make sure that the centre meets its targets. You will have a proven track record of managing a facility and managing a team to deliver challenging targets; and you will be dedicated to ensuring we achieve a high standard of customer service. You will be comfortable working with volunteers and support the ethos of a voluntary organisation.
About us
RDA is a National federation of charities that enriches the lives of disabled people through activities with horses, by providing meaningful therapy, opportunities for achievement and the joy of working with horses. This National Training Centre is a new venture, which will house our new National Headquarters and will help us underline our commitment to training and supporting our volunteers to continually improve and increase our service.
Apply:
Please send a CV and covering letter, explain why you meet the criteria to:
Angela Sly, asly@rda.org.uk
RDA, Lowlands Equestrian Centre, Old Warwick Road, Shrewley, Warwickshire, CV35 7AX
Closing date for applications Monday 15th April 2019
NTC MANAGER job ad full version
NTC MANAGER Background
NTC Centre Manager Job Description
Page Last Updated: April 2, 2019
Job opportunity at the Elisabeth Curtis Centre
March 1, 2019
The Elisabeth Curtis Centre is a dedicated RDA centre providing riding for over 100 children and adults with special needs and disabilities. We now have vacancies for two part time grooms to join our team.
One position to cover; Monday to Thursday mornings, Friday, Saturday morning and evening 24 hours
Second position to cover; Monday to Thursday afternoon/evening, Friday, Sunday morning and evening 16 hours
Hours/days may be negotiable depending on co-worker Flexibility needed to ensure cover for emergencies etc. Main duties include:
• Bringing in, feeding, grooming and tacking up ponies
• Mucking out and general yard duties
• Checking fields
• Tack cleaning
• Clipping when required
• Exercising ponies – either ridden or groundwork (Centre weight limits apply for ridden work)
Will need to be able to work independently and with our team of coaches and volunteers
28 days paid holiday (including bank holidays) Salary dependant on experience.
Proven experience or relevant qualifications required, for example;
BHS Stage 2 Care (eQL Level 2 diploma in Horse Knowledge and Care) or the eQL Level 2 WBd diploma in Horse Care.
BHS Stage 3 Care (eQL Level 3 diploma in Horse Knowledge and Care), or the equivalent level of WBd.
DBS Check will need to be completed.
Applications in writing to elisabethcurtiscentre@gmail.com or The Elisabeth Curtis Centre, Chestnut Avenue, Bromham, Bedford, MK43 8HP – CV and covering letter
Any queries, please call 01234 604063
Closing Date – 15th March 2019
Page Last Updated: March 1, 2019
RDA Brand Research – have your say
February 22, 2019
Survey now live
Following the RDA UK Board’s decision to research the RDA brand, our research partners, The Frameworks, have compiled an online survey, which will remain open for the next month. The survey takes a few minutes to complete and will ask for your views on RDA, our reputation, name and logo.
You can find the survey using the link here:
Why are we taking this step?
For several years, throughout the whole organisation, the strength of the RDA brand has been under discussion. The milestone of our 50th anniversary seems to have reignited the topic.
With strong feelings – and only limited anecdotal evidence – on all sides of the debate, the RDA Board has decided to carry out a research project to gather some real insight into the RDA brand for the first time.
A brand research company, The Frameworks, has been appointed to carry out this work, with a brief to explore three key questions:
1) To what extent does our current brand hold us back from achieving our aims?
2) To what extent does our current brand help us to achieve our aims?
3) How significant is the RDA brand in creating a sense of belonging among the RDA community?
The research aims to include the views of as many people with the RDA community as possible, and will involve one-to-one interviews, focus groups and and the online questionnaire.
The results of the research will be presented to the Board in June. Depending on the outcome of the research, the Board will then decide whether or not to take any further steps.
We hope that you, your participants, volunteers and supporters will want to take part in this discussion. It is important we end up with a range of views from across the whole organisation.
For more information, please see the prepared FAQs below or, if you have any further questions, please contact the office on info@rda.org.uk
FAQs
Why has the RDA Board decided to research the RDA brand?
The strength (or otherwise) of the RDA brand has been under discussion for several years within all parts of the organisation. The milestone of the 50th anniversary seems to have reignited the topic. In order to gain clarity and proper insight into this area – rather than rely on a small amount of anecdotal evidence – the board has decided to undertake this research.
What do we mean by ‘brand’?
It’s important to recognise that a ‘brand’ is more than just a logo and a name. These elements are important, of course, but so is the language we use to communicate, the values we all try to live up to and the way we behave, both with each other and with the people we serve. All of these combine to deliver a public understanding of what RDA stands for and promises, and this is what we mean by a brand.
Are you planning to change the name RDA?
The scope of the brand research is to explore three key questions:
- To what extent does our current brand hold us back from achieving our aims?
- To what extent does our current brand help us to achieve our aims?
- How significant is the RDA brand in creating a sense of belonging among the RDA community?
Only when we have answers to these questions will be in a position to contemplate changes to the name or visual identity. Nothing is off the table, but we’re a long way from making any decisions about significant changes.
Who is carrying out the research?
Following a competitive pitch process, the board has contracted The Frameworks (www.theframeworks.com) to carry out the research. The Frameworks is a specialist design consultancy with a research-focused methodology and an established track record in brand strategy.
What will it cost?
This research project will cost £20,000. We have an ongoing commitment to investing in research, to make sure that we are as effective as possible and that everything we do is based on an identified need. We are currently spending less than 2% of our total turnover on research and this project represents slightly less than half of that cost.
What will happen when the results are in?
The Frameworks will present their findings to the RDA board in June. At this point, they may also present some suggestions for next steps, but this is not within the remit of this initial project.
How can I have my say?
It is vital that we include the views of as many people as possible throughout the whole organisation. There will be some one-to-one interviews and focus groups, which you may be approached to take part in. The best way to ensure your views are counted will be through completing the online survey, which is now open.
Page Last Updated: May 23, 2019
Job Opportunity at the Cavalier Centre
February 18, 2019
Cavalier Centre – Family and Volunteer Liaison Manager role
Future home of the Perry RDA Charity number 1163030
An exciting opportunity has been created at the newly built £1.3m Cavalier Centre, future home of the Perry Riding for the Disabled Group based close to the historic town of Much Wenlock. We are looking to recruit a full time Family and Volunteer Liaison Manager (salary £27,000 p.a. 40hr/wk) to join the core team who will be running this unique facility and creating a centre of excellence for Riding, Vaulting and Driving for the Disabled and engaging with other local and national community-based organisations, “ to deliver meaningful and life changing experiences”.
This position is kindly funded by the National Lottery through the Big Lottery Fund until 2022.
The successful candidate will have exceptional communication skills, be very organised, compassionate, trustworthy with a successful event planning or organisational background. Should have good experience of working with and training volunteers as well as advising on services and support to disabled and disadvantaged groups of varying ages and abilities.
If you believe you meet the above criteria and have the ability to work flexibly, please visit our website www.cavaliercentre.org for more information, to view a detailed job description and download an application form or email barkerj667@gmail.com and request documents to be sent to you. Deadline for the applications is 8th March 2019 and interviews will take place on or after 15th March 2019.
Page Last Updated: February 18, 2019
BEF advice on equine flu outbreak
February 7, 2019
Following the recent outbreak of equine flu, the British Equestrian Federation has issued advice for horse owners. You can find it here: Advice on equine flu
Page Last Updated: February 8, 2019
HRH Princess Anne Chairs 49th RDA AGM
November 19, 2018
The 49th RDA AGM took place in Glasgow under the Chairmanship of the charity’s President, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal. Held within the splendour of Trades Hall, Glasgow, the AGM brought together delegates from RDA groups all over the UK – many of whom enjoyed a traditional Scottish welcome at the previous evening’s Ceilidh.
In her President’s address, The Princess acknowledged that next year’s 50th anniversary would be the time for reflections, but she took time to recognise the experience and expertise within the RDA family, made up of many years dedicated service by RDA’s volunteers and coaches.
Delegates were treated to talks from RDA riders Max Stainton, who recently became the first person with Cerebral Palsy to trek to Everest Basecamp on a horse, and Anne Brown, whose dedication to RDA extends to having the charity moto tattooed on her behind!
When asked about speaking in front of The Princess, Anne Brown said: “I was trying not to see her there but, of course, had to have a few sneaky peeks to gauge how it was going. As I realised she was smiling, then laughing, I kinda relaxed a bit. I was worried that I was overstepping the mark a wee bit, but it seems I wasn’t, so I’m glad that I went for it.”
The AGM also offered the opportunity to acknowledge the achievements of outgoing RDA Chairman, Sam Orde, whose time in office officially ends in April 2019. Sam was presented with an Honorary Life Vice Presidency by The Princess Royal, who thanked her for the nine years she has given to the role.
The lively programme also included a welcome from The Lord Provost of Glasgow, Eva Bolander and presentations from Stewart Harris, Chief Executive of Sport Scotland, Occupational Therapist Rhona Harkness and Hazel Johnstone of People’s Postcode Lottery.
Director of Operations for RDA UK, Claire Milican presented her ‘Top of the Ops’ – a run down of the top ten innovations, improvements and activities delivered by the operations team at RDA National Office during this year.
Communications Manager, Caroline Ward, offered a taster of the proposed celebrations for RDA’s 50th anniversary throughout 2019.
“Thank you to our regional team in West & Central Scotland for hosting this year’s AGM,” said RDA Chief Executive Ed Bracher. “I am also grateful to Her Royal Highness, not just for chairing the business of the day, but for taking the time to meet so many of our participants and volunteers during her visit. We look forward to welcoming everyone to our 50th AGM next year!”
For copies of any of the day’s presentations please email Angela Sly at asly@rda.org.uk
Awards
• Honorary Life Vice Presidents – RDA UK Chairman Sam Orde and Deputy Chairman Sheila Saner
• President’s Award – Patricia Wilding of Clytha RDA
• Dudley Smith Award – Joan Jack and Alison Mackintosh – Brae RDA
• Loriners Education Award – Moray RDA
• Birt Spooner Cup – Max Stainton
Page Last Updated: November 19, 2018