Articles by Katy
From first ride to National Champion – Mya’s Story
Mya from South Bucks RDA has been riding for four years, and this year she became National Champion at Hartpury in the Countryside Challenge!
Read all about it below!
Therapy and Medical Module for Coaches
Therapy and Medical coaching module on Saturday 6th September, 9.30 to 14.30 at Newbury RDA, RG18 0TN, led by Elspeth O’Donnell and Theresa Drake
Free of charge for those in the South Region but for anyone attending from other regions there is a £15 charge
Please be dressed for horse handling – gloves and riding hat and bring your own lunch
If interested, please apply to Jenny Whiteman – [email protected] or 07740 708661
Equine Loss CPD Sessions for RDA Staff and Volunteers
We’re pleased to invite RDA staff and volunteers to take part in the new repeated sessions of virtual CPD workshops, delivered by Blue Cross in collaboration with RDA, kindly supported by the Petplan Charitable Trust.
These sessions are designed to support those working closely with horses through some of the more sensitive and complex aspects of equine care and transitions at different times of life.
Topics covered include assessing quality of life, navigating end-of-life decisions, and managing difficult conversations with empathy and confidence. We’ll also explore the Blue Cross Home Direct Scheme, which helps place Blue Cross horses into RDA centres where appropriate, and supports rehoming of horses who may be ready to move on from RDA life.
These sessions are not only informative but also offer a space to reflect on the emotional aspects of working with horses whose circumstances may change over time. Whether you’re directly involved in care or support decision-making, you’ll gain valuable tools to help you respond compassionately and professionally.
The first two sessions will take place:
· 20th August 2025 at 6:30pm
· 2nd September 2025 at 12:30pm
(with more dates planned for 2026)
Howden Health & Safety Workshop – 26th September 2025
Join fellow RDA Coaches and Group Trustees for a full-day workshop focused on building confidence and strengthening our shared approach to safety in RDA sessions.
Led by Clare Gabriel and supported by Howden Insurance Brokers, the day covers essential topics including H&S law, risk assessments, incident reporting, and practical scenario-based learning. It’s a great chance to reflect, share best practice, and return to your group with fresh insights and practical tools.
Upcoming Workshops:
Friday 26th September –Scropton RDA: Book now
More dates coming soon – keep an eye on MyRDA for updates!