Opportunity to purchase horses
Thanks to everyone who responded to Tuesday’s email (groups in England, Wales and Scotland) about the horses for sale. We are working with the owner for the rest of this week and next and will update you as soon as there is any news.
30-minute webinar
Tonight: 7pm, RDA Insurance Explained
Richard Doubleday, Executive Chairman of Howdens Insurance Brokers discusses the RDA Insurance. Register at: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_vAuxrSipS36DnO_yKbHayA
Next Thursday, 6 May, Buying Equines
RDA Honorary Vet Nick Hart and Emma Baylis discuss the dos and don’ts of equine purchase. A group with recent experience of buying RDA horses will also share their advice.
Register at: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_rB17oRf9RIWxM9R2vMHrFw
Activity Levels survey
In order to help us understand activity levels within groups at the moment, we are issuing a survey to all signed-off groups by the end of this week. I apologise that this means some of you will hear from me again!
‘Tea With a Pony’ Conference 19 May
As part of The Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Action Week #DAW2021, RDA will be hosting a Zoom conference on Wednesday 19 May to mark the launch of Tea with a Pony. This conference will focus on the benefits of equine experiences for people living with Dementia, and also how RDA are using the Dementia Friends initiative. Panellists include: Ally Rood (MRes in Horses for Dementia), Lorna Kook (Retired Occupational Therapist), Claire Jenkins (RDA UK Trustee) and Meg Hardman (Chair, Medical Equestrian Association and RDA Honorary Medic)
Register for the conference at: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_eXHBC1UiQnmNBgVPM6zNSg
Social media boycott this weekend
Along with other British Equestrian member bodies we will be uniting with the football community and other sports for a social media boycott from 3pm on Friday 30 April to 11:59pm on Monday 3 May in support of bringing an end to online abuse and hate. You can read British Equestrian’s statement on this here: www.britishequestrian.org.uk/news/british-equestrian-backs-social-media-boycott-this-weekend
We know that many groups use social media as a key part of their operational communication, so may not feel able to take part in a total boycott, but your support for this initiative is appreciated.
We will be posting a final statement ahead of the boycott about 2pm tomorrow. Please feel free to share/use that message as you wish on your own RDA group channels #EnoughIsEnough #DrawTheLine
Introductory Offer to join Equestrian Employers Association
The Equestrian Employers Association provides support, resources and advice to employers in the equestrian industry. They provide a number of templates that you can use for your employment needs if you employ staff, such as a Contract Creator, Staff Handbook Creator, Health and Safety toolkit and Code of Good Employment as well as information on pensions and payroll to help you to be a compliant and Good Employer. They also have an employment advice helpline. In addition, they have useful information and templates for those who need to have a Riding Establishments Licence. They are offering a special introductory rate to RDA groups signing up for the first time of £37.50 per year compared to the usual £49.50. Please note this discount does not apply if you are already a member and please do not pass this on as this offer does not apply to anyone outside of RDA or with Accessibility Mark accreditation. More details here: https://equestrianemployers.org.uk/homeRDA
Horsefest cancellation
The organisers of Horsefest have sadly had to make the difficult decision to cancel the event this year, due to ongoing uncertainties surrounding COVID restrictions.
If you have tickets (bought or won), please see the following message from their Facebook page (www.facebook.com/HorseFestuk): “We would like to encourage anybody who has purchased tickets or accommodation for this year’s event to roll them over and come party with us in 2022. For anyone who would prefer a refund, this can be arranged by logging onto their TicketSellers account (details are on the email sent to ticket holders). Those who have won tickets – these will transfer to next year’s HorseFest automatically.”