Save the date: South Region Qualifier 2027
16th May 2027
Venue: Berkshire College of Agriculture
For any questions please contact: Leanne Cottrell on [email protected]
Events
Blue Cross X RDA CPD Training
In Person Training Session – Tuesday 16th June
Open to all RDA Staff, Coaches, Volunteers
£5 for RDA Coach/Volunteer
£10 for Approved Centre
£15 for External Delegate
This collaborative open day with Blue Cross offers a practical insight into equine behaviour, rehabilitation, rehoming, and positive reinforcement training- with a particular focus on building confidence, communication and emotional wellbeing in horses.
Led by Grace Shayler, Blue Cross Horse Rehabilitation & Behaviour Advisor, the day combines discussion, practical demonstrations and real-life case studies to explore how horses learn, respond to new situations, and build trust through clear, consistent handling.
Alongside practical training sessions, attendees will also gain an understanding of the support Blue Cross can offer horse owners through both their Adoption and Home Direct schemes.
The day is designed to provide practical, realistic approaches that can be applied within everyday equestrian settings- whether supporting horses within RDA groups, introducing new training approaches, or simply building confidence in understanding equine behaviour.
What Will This Session Cover?
What You’ll Learn
- An introduction to the Blue Cross Adoption Scheme and horses currently looking for homes
- Understanding the Home Direct Scheme and support available for horse owners needing to rehome
- How horses learn through positive reinforcement and clear communication
- Techniques to help horses stand calmly and confidently for mounting
- How to introduce horses to novel objects and unfamiliar environments safely
- Understanding emotional responses in horses and reducing stress around new stimuli
- Practical approaches to improving confidence, safety and trust between horse and handler
- Opportunity for discussion and Q&A with Blue Cross experts
Programme Schedule
10:30 – Welcome & Introduction
Overview of the Blue Cross Adoption Scheme, including meeting horses available for adoption, alongside an introduction to the Home Direct Scheme and Q&A opportunities.
12:00 – Lunch
Please bring your own lunch.
13:15 – Session 1: ‘Parking’ Your Horse
Practical training session focused on helping horses stand calmly and confidently, particularly around mounting blocks.
14:00 – Session 2: Introducing a New Object
Exploring how horses respond to unfamiliar objects and environments, including techniques to support confidence and reduce stress responses.
15:00 – Q&A and Closing
Location:
Blue Cross Burford Rehoming Centre
Shilton Road
Burford
OX18 4PF
United Kingdom
Book using this link: Blue cross X RDA Booking
Berkshire Training Day
Date: Monday 8th June 2026
Location: Newbury RDA, Wyld Court Stud, Hampstead Norreys, Berkshire, RG18, 0TN
Topic: Supporting Autistic Riders
Agenda
9.30 am Coffee and Registration.
10.00 Prompt start
12.00 finish and lunch
The training will be delivered by:
– Karen Stubbs- Regional Coach.
– Frances Lochrane- Berkshire County Coach.
The training will cover:
– How we can best support our Autistic riders to get the most from their sessions at RDA.
– There will be feedback from topics covered at the Volunteers training at Abingdon RDA on
February 8 th , which includes, mounting, dismounting, leading and side walking.
– Specialist tack and its use in RDA sessions.
To Book on:
Please contact Jenny Whiteman by Friday 29th May 2026
07740708661
SR Qualifier: Times and Important Information
We are excited to have you next Sunday at BCA! The weather is looking changeable so please come prepared for all weathers! Below you will find a map of BCA and show running times and numbers.
Important Information
ACCESS & PARKING
No access or entry to the show site or horsebox park prior to 8.30am
Equine vehicles and cars to park in designated parking areas only. Please follow stewards’ instructions.
There will be no tying up of equines on the outside of lorries or trailers unless you are tacking up.
All areas around the equine vehicle must be cleaned up before departure.
DOGS
Dogs are not permitted at this event.
CATERING
Food and drinks will be available from Roasted’n’Toasted in the lorry park for the duration of the show.
ICE CREAM
Mr Sher’s Ice Cream van will be in attendance from approx. 11am to 2pm
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHER
Karen Wright, Wright Stride Photography 07971692607
www.wrightstride.com [email protected]
Riders must be aware that they may be photographed and videoed during the event.
If you have any strong objections to either being videoed or photographed, please make the organiser aware.
FIRST AID
First Aid will be in attendance.
VET ON CALL
Becky Storer 07570 687242
Iain McKenzie Equine Practice 01344 937897 or 07593100970 [email protected]
PASSPORTS & VACCINATIONS
All passports to be presented on arrival at the passport checking station prior to parking.
HATS
All hats must be checked at the hat checking/tagging station on arrival. All hats must meet the current RDA standards.
ARMBANDS
Non-disabled riders must provide and wear a red armband.
Hearing impaired riders must provide and wear a blue armband at all times to alert the judges and stewards that they have impaired hearing.
Visually impaired riders must provide and wear a white armband at all times to alert the judges and stewards that they are visually impaired.
HORSE WALK & SAFETY
Designated horse walk areas are to be used at all times. Walk only outside the arenas.
No gathering around the mounting block or entrances to the arenas
BCA NO ACCESS AREAS
Entry to events at BCA does not entitle riders or visitors to use other equestrian facilities, including the grass rides and XC areas. Riders or visitors are not entitled to be anywhere on the estate other than the specific facilities hired. There is no access to either yard, other than access to the muck heap behind top yard.
Please comply with all signs indicating No Entry or Private
Carriage Driving 2026 Training Camps
We have been invited to attend the Carriage Driving Training Camps by Debbie Danniels! This is a chance for information and guidance on all things carriage driving as there will be some extremely knowledgeable coaches present!
The event is £15 for RDA volunteers (reduced rate) and lunch is £10 but you are welcome to bring your own
The May event is short notice (5th & 6th May) but, if you can make it you are welcome! There is another event in September that RDA volunteers are very welcome to attend (15th & 16th).
If you would like to attend, contact Julie Camm: [email protected]