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We missed out on a key speaker at our South Region conference back in April.  It was Roly Owers who was presenting about Social License and Equine Welfare.  He is CEO of the World Horse Welfare and has been for the last 8 years.  He qualified as a veterinary surgeon and his early career included serving with the Royal Army Veterinary Corp.  He plays an active role in the charity’s work supporting the horse-human relationship across 4 continents.

As he couldn’t get to the conference, he has agreed to deliver his presentation on Teams and as we have an hour booked, there should be an opportunity for questions too.

It’s booked for the 26^th of May at, so next Tuesday from 6pm till 7pm and its free!

Please register on the link below

https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/86879e76-3d35-4e71-896b-fe8f926e1af6@783d53b6-0141-48e4-9757-93f32162b59b

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