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We are holding a training session for volunteers (coaches also welcome)
at:
The Abingdon Group, Southmoor, OX13 5HW
Sunday 8 th February 2026

Training Delivery

 Karen Stubbs – Regional Coach
 Frances Lochrane – Berkshire County Coach
 Felicity Smetten – Buckinghamshire County Coach
 Nona Dane – Regional Physiotherapist
The training session will cover:
 Warming up the equine
 Checking tack before mounting
 Mounting and dismounting
 Working with the unbalanced rider to lessen the impact on the
horse
 Looking at the symmetry of the rider
 Leading and sidewalking

We will meet for coffee and registration at 9.30am. The training session
will take place from 10.00am until 12.00pm.
Please bring a chair with you and wrap up warm.
Please reply to Karen Stubbs by Friday 23 rd January 2026 via email:
[email protected]

As part of this fantastic partnership with Makaton, do not forget to sign up to the online Makaton Taster Sessions exclusively for RDA groups – these three are the final training sessions for 2025. About the Taster Sessions:  

Date: Tuesday 09/09/25 & Thursday 18/09/25 

Content: Learn up to thirty everyday Makaton signs and symbols, plus twelve tailored to equine settings. 

Sign up here: Events – Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA)  

These sessions are a fantastic opportunity for RDA volunteers and coaches to develop skills that will enhance confidence, communication, inclusivity, and participant experience across our groups. 

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

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)