News

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RDA 40TH ANNIVERSARY. RECEPTION AT ST JAMES'S PALACE.
It is 40 years since the formation of RDA Nationally and to celebrate, our President,The Princess Royal invited members from each region to a reception at St. James's Palace on Wednesday November 11th.
Naturally our Regional Chairman Julie Jordan was invited as was Gwen Garrett (Omagh Group and Chairman of the Education Committee). Then it was "out of the hat" for the other guests from Northern Ireland. The lucky ones were Willie Hanna (Regional Treasurer), Joan Henderson (past Group Organiser, helper and Balmoral Show co-ordinator), Alice Sharkey (rider for over 25 years with Newtownards Group) and myself (Caroline Twemlow, County and Group Instructor)

Julie travelled in advance so she could attend the National AGM while the rest of us had a really early start - meeting at 6.30am at the International Airport.
On arrival in London we had a few minor hiccups, but after finding the correct tube and coping with the ticket gates, we all eventually found the hotel. As there was time to do a little sightseeing before we needed to prepare ourselves for the evening, we headed for Westminster Abbey where the Remembrance Day Service had just finished and the congregation were leaving to the sound of bells. We were lucky to see Gordon Brown and his wife close by as they wandered around the various poppy tributes. We also had time to have a short visit to the National Gallery and saw some of the famous works of art.
By 4.30 everyone was washed and dressed and we departed for St James's Palace and after a security check we were admitted. We felt like royalty as we walked up the magnificent staircase with it's handrail covered in red velvet. We admired one room with various weapons on display and another with huge tapestries before entering the main reception room where we were offered drinks and delicious canapés. Before long everyone was chatting to the other guests from all over the U.K.
Those to be introduced to The Princess Royal were organized into small groups. Gwen was nominated to oversee one group which included Joan and Alice and the Princess spent time with them talking and asking questions. I was in a separate group and when the Princess spoke to me she seemed most interested in what I did and how I had become involved with RDA. I found her to be most knowledgeable about all aspects of the Association and we are very fortunate to have such an enthusiastic and interested President. We also had time to visit other lavishly decorated rooms with huge portraits of various Royals from the past.After the reception we walked to a nearby restaurant where a friend of Julie's had arranged dinner - a perfect end to a perfect day.
The next morning Julie headed off to visit her daughter and Willie decided to take things easy and make his way back to Heathrow for his flight. Joan,Gwen,Alice and I decided we should go sightseeing and shopping. The highlight was at Horse Guards where we saw the changing of The Queen's Life Guards. Then on to Harrods - but not too much shopping!!
Finally home again about 11.30pm having had a most memorable trip and with huge gratitude to RDA for inviting the Northern Ireland contingent to participate in the 40th Anniversary Celebrations.
Caroline Twemlow
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
Albert Clyde from the Coleraine group was recently awarded the regional Volunteer of the Year award for his hard work and dedication over the last twelve months. Albert was responsible for much of the preparation and organisation in the construction of the new multi purpose arena in Coleraine and saw this project through from funding applications to completion in early September. His involvement with this project and the time he donates regularly to the Riding for the Disabled charity means that Albert is a worthy recipient of this award. The award was presented by Julie Jordan, our Regional Chairman at the beginning of October. Congratulations Albert!
Julie added: "The Riding for the Disabled Association is very appreciative of the work done by all of our volunteers and we would like to encourage as many new people to join this year as possible."

COLERAINE OPEN DAY – Report by Albert Clyde:
RDA Coleraine held an open day on the afternoon of Sat 24th October 2009. The open day was attended by nearly 100 friends, parents and riders. The special guests were Mr & Mrs Gregory Campbell, MP, MLA, Ms Fran Warden, Team Ulster Equestrian Co-ordinator for the 2010 Special Olympics Ireland Games in Limerick and Mr Chris Mcfadyean & members of The Causeway Company of Archers, who gave this year's 'other users' demonstration.
Mr Rex Humphrey, President, thanked the Guests and visitors for their participation, and especially welcomed Mr & Mrs Campbell once again.
Mr Campbell presented the participants in the displays and demonstrations with a medal each, and said he was delighted to be in the new Causeway Coast Arena, which which he had a long interest and involvement. He congratulated the team involved for bringing the project to fruition, and looked forward to ongoing developments.
Two other important presentations were made - firstly to Shirley Patterson who received a cup from Mr Campbell as the rider with the biggest achievement in 2009. Shirley had entered for two classes at Special Olympics Ulster at Omagh in March 2009 and won two gold medals(photo).
And secondly, Albert Clyde & Rex Humphrey presented Leslie Cole, Chairman, with an Award to mark his final function as Chairman of RDA Coleraine after nearly 20 years (photo).
Further information and images can be found on the Coleraine RDA website - www.rdacoleraine.org
The other photo is a general view of the riders and horses on the day.

WORLD'S LARGEST RIDING LESSON
Click to see the NI report
MOURNE & DISTRICT GROUP.
Etain Nugent sent me these photos which she took earlier in the year:

NORTHERN IRELAND GROUP OPENS NEW STATE OF THE ART ARENA!
Even the bad weather didn’t dampen the spirits of the crowds who turned up to show their support for the new multi-purpose, disabled friendly Riding for the Disabled arena which opened recently in Coleraine. The opening ceremony took place on the 18th August 2009 and marked an impressive step forward in the facilities available to disabled riders in Northern Ireland.
With VIP guests such as Coleraine Borough Council Mayor, Councillor Sandy Gilkinson, Board member for Sports NI, Alan Strong and Permanent Secretary for the Department of Social Development, Alan Shannon, all attending it was obvious that this was a special event for the entire area and not just for the charity.

Under the keen eye of the Honorary Secretary for Coleraine RDA, Albert Clyde, this project has taken significant time to come together. From funding applications, organising fundraising events and overseeing the project design right through to completion, Albert has been involved every step of the way, creating an arena which meets the needs of all who will use it.
He said “The most emotional time was when our SportNI SDO called me on a Saturday afternoon in late October 2008 to tell me that our final funding package had been approved. I did think my work was over, but I soon learned differently and was in constant contact with the Architect, Quantity Surveyor, Engineers and Contractors”
The open invitation to the opening ceremony meant that it was an opportunity for members of the public to have a look around what is now available for the Coleraine community, as this arena will be available for use by other disability charities, the public and the RDA. With plenty of on site parking facilities, disabled access to all areas, wheel chair friendly tack rooms and viewing galleries it is obvious that all needs have been catered for.
Along with these areas there is a large kitchen, a conference room and an education and training centre for the Riding for the Disabled to continue with the ASDAN certificates and other qualifications. The arena itself is large and bright with a mounting and tack area nearby. A judging box sits on the first floor, sandwiched by two viewing galleries which no doubt will be full during the inevitable future competitions.

A demonstration was given by some of the riders from Coleraine RDA to profile the abilities and enjoyment which they have been given by the charity. Louise Greer, Stephen Yetman and Jason McLaughlin were all excited to be a part of the opening ceremony in their new arena.
In a speech the Mayor of Coleraine said “We can see today the fulfilment of a dream” and he was right. The Riding for the Disabled Association NI strives to provide the best experience for all of its riders in Northern Ireland and Coleraine is now home to one of the top facilities in the region.
ANNUAL RDA RESIDENTIAL HOLIDAY
Every year the Riding for the Disabled Association in Northern Ireland organises for a small number of its members to attend a residential holiday and this year was no different. With the sun shining the whole week spirits were high as the riders and volunteers descended on Castlewellan with the young riders attending from the Monday through to Wednesday and then the adult riders arriving from the Wednesday afternoon until the Friday.
Staying at Hillyard House in Castlewellan meant that it was only a short journey every day to Tullymurray Equestrian Centre whose owner, Marion Turley, had given the Riding for the Disabled “free reign” to use the ideally situated facilities and horses. With two outdoor arenas, an idyllic cross country course and an indoor arena this centre caters for all the needs of the riders and luckily this year there was no need for the indoor arena!
As with all the RDA events volunteers were on hand to provide necessary assistance throughout the whole week and they were joined by five girls who were all taking part in their Gold Duke of Edinburgh. Hannah Edgar (aged 17) and Emma Hughes (17) who were both from Omagh Academy, Heather Bell (16) had travelled from Ballynahinch and Zoe (17) and Stacy (20) were attending from Portadown.
Hannah Edgar admitted that until a few weeks ago she hadn’t known anything about the work done by the Riding for the Disabled but that following this week she would be keen to volunteer again in the future. “It has been a really good week both for the riders and the volunteers. It is just nice to see the riders having so much fun and allowing them to have the opportunity to do something that is different from their daily routine is great.”
The volunteers entertained the riders not just during the day with rides around the cross country course, scavenger hunts and competitions but also in the evenings. Entertainment in the evening was arranged according to the age group so while the younger members had a disco and a very special visit from a hedgehog, courtesy of 2nd Chance Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in Newcastle, the adult riders were taken into Newcastle to watch a demonstration by a local music group.
Both age groups completed their holiday with a lunch and prize giving ceremony, in which rosettes were awarded to the riders.

Young Riders:
Click on the lovely photo of William and Duke of Edinburgh Volunteer Stacy.

Michael Trotter, 12 years old from Lurgan.
Thomas Skeats, 11 years old from Whinney Hill.
William Graham, 12 years old from Enniskillen.
Kalen Hanley, 12 years old from Enniskillen.
Isaac Johnston, 7 years old from Enniskillen.
Michael O’Neill, 14 years old from Downpatrick.

Adult Riders
Rachael Hughes from the Mid Antrim group.
Jill Connery from the Banbridge and Moira group.
Martin Mahood from Newtownards.
Alice Sharkey from Newtownards.
Noel Galbraith from Downpatrick.
Austen Burns from Newry.
David Lyons from Downpatrick.
David Heyburn from Downpatrick.

See also Henry Doggart's photos:
Click on Tuesday or Wednesday morning or Wednesday afternoon or Thursday or Friday.

CAUSEWAY COAST ARENA
The pictures below taken on 23 June show the latest stage of development at The Causeway Coast Arena, designed by R Robinson & Sons Ltd, Ballymoney, and being built by J A Gamble, Strabane. The work is well up to schedule, and should be finished by mid-July. After systems testing, the Arena will be handed over to RDA Coleraine in early August. There will be for adverts for public viewing days from mid-August onwards. The Arena is 60m x 30m, and will have the highest class equestrian surface available, in addition to stables and a number of function rooms of various sizes. The design is intended to be fully functional for persons with a disability, and includes a lift to the first floor accommodation.
RDA Coleraine has provided riding opportunities for persons with a disability for over 30 years. A major new development will benefit the coordination of the provision of sporting opportunities for persons with a disability by the formation of a Disability Sports Club - with advice from SportNI, Disability Sports NI, and Special Olympics Ulster. This provision will be enhanced by the appointment, in the near future, of a Disability Sports Development Officer, funded by SportNI.
The overall project has been funded by
a) public subscription & donation to RDA Coleraine, which enabled the purchase of the new 13.5 acre site at 184 Castleroe Road, Coleraine;
b) Coleraine Borough Council, as a general contribution to the work of RDA and for the provision of an arena to meet the needs of the equestrian fraternity along the north coast, and
c) the Sport NI Building Sport programme, the major funder for the development of equestrianism sport and disability sport and as an exemplar project for sport for persons with a disability.
RDA Coleraine will recommence normal equestrian activities on 15th September, with Volunteer Training beforehand. The Disability Sports Club will seek to commence activities as soon as possible thereafter - look out for details.
As usual, Volunteers are needed, for many activities, not just equestrianism on this occasion. Adverts with re-opening details, and Volunteer Training Sessions will be issued in late August, and information will be available at the Causeway Coast Arena at that time.
See also www.rdacoleraine.org.

DRESSAGE at DANESCROFT 2009
See Rebecca Kincade's article; click on Word format or PDF format.
Henry Doggart's photos, click His Danescroft site.

BALMORAL 2009
I attach Rebecca Kincade's article describing this event; click on Word format or PDF format.
See also Henry Doggart's photos, click His Balmoral site.

CRAIGANTLET IN MAY.
Joy Dunlop sumitted these cheerful photos of riders and volunteers taken by Henry Doggart.

TRAINING DAYS
Downpatrick in April
Click on Henry Doggart's photos.

Omagh in April
Click on Henry Doggart's photos.

Armagh in March
Click on Henry Doggart's photos.

I took this photo on 4 March. It shows Andrew, Patrick and Olivia of the Lisburn Group (Seniors) who have been awarded their Grade III Riding Certificates recently by examiner Ann Hanna
Andrew, Patrick and Olivia are standing in front of their horses Flint (leader Caroline), Rosie (leader Megan) and Tilly (leader Jim):

Joy Dunlop of the Craigantlet group sent me these photos taken by Henry Doggart in November:

Stephen Watson BBC presenting cheque to the group

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