© Abingdon RDA 2022
Abingdon RDA
Offering riding opportunities to disabled people in
Oxfordshire and beyond.
NEWS
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our group funds.
May 2017
Two of our volunteers came to support us at the Standlake Village market where we
have a regular stall with a tombola, cakes etc. The market is held in Standlake Village
Hall on the first Saturday of every month.
January 2017
Request for volunteers for yard duties.
If anyone has any time to spare to help with mucking out (morning or evening),
bringing horses in from the field, grooming etc. please contact us.
Wed 7th Dec
The Wednesday morning group held a training session during which we packed in
lots of topics. Back by popular request was a very naughty Victoria riding Jim Bob.
Victoria was trying to throw herself off and being very unbalanced and unruly. This
led to discussions about the best support (what felt secure and comfortable for
Victoria and what was the best hold for side walkers). The overwhelming response
from everyone was the arm across the thigh and outer hand holding the leg just
above the ankle. We demonstrated why you should avoid supporting the back if at
all possible. Jim Bob was a complete star - he stopped every time he thought that
Victoria was about to fall off!
Victoria’s antics didn’t stop once she was dismounted - she ran off wildly around the
school demonstrating the need to be on the ball all the time.
Sept 16th 2016 Blenheim Sponsored Ride
Another successful event - we were so lucky the weather was OK but floods all
around. Only 2 riders didn’t make the journey. Including GiftAid, we raised
approximately £3000. Thank you to all who took part - we hope to see you next year.
Wed July 27th - Pony for the day
A happy day for Freya with Speckle, Sophia with Bryne, and Libby with Polo. All proud
owners of their ponies for the day. We packed so much in that we were all quite
exhausted. Skipping out was a sitting affair!
Wed 13th July
Kingfisher School’s last ride this term ended with our usual feast and certificates and
rosettes for the children.
July 3rd 2016 - a 6:45 a.m. start and we are off to ride the Titan (ZIp World) in
North Wales.
Many thanks to all those who sponsored us so generously (even though it is over, it
isn’t too late to sponsor). It was a long journey and many thanks to Mel and Rachel
for sharing the driving - not an easy task once off the motorway.
We all had to wear the gear - special flattering onesies, a hard hat, protective glasses
and the harness with a strange seat. We also had to carry what they called the
“trolley” a heavy piece of equipment that attaches to the wire. All weighed down and
hardly able to walk, we made our way to the minibus that took us to the highest
point and the longest, but slowest wire. We admired a wonderful view of Blaenau
Ffestiniog and the valley below, and then we lined up to be attached to the
equipment. For this wire we went down in tandem to add weight and counteract the
side wind (didn’t really help, we still ended up facing sideways). It was a short walk
to the second, steeper zip and we were told that you get a better sense of speed
because it is closer to the ground. What a rush of adrenalin that caused!
Then we had to walk someway up a steep track to the final wire (quite a challenge
with the gear) and then down the final zip which didn’t disappoint.
We made enough money to finance the RDA for a month! I think that we all deserve
a “we were brave” badge.
A huge thank you to a team from Microsoft who came to the stables and gave it a
much-needed face lift. During their team meeting and events, they also raised some
money for our group, this they can get matched via Microsoft who support many
charities in this way. We should receive a wonderful total of £2440 which will be put
to good use.
Thank you so much team - it all looks superb.
19th June 2019 Congratulations to all our riders who took part in the Southern Region Qualifiers
at Wellington Riding. You did so well even though some of our ponies decided to test their
riders. It was a new occasion for a couple of our ponies and a judge’s box and mirrors can be a
scary things. However our riders managed to reassure their mounts and they all rode brilliantly!
Very many thanks to all the team who worked so hard to get our horses there in good time ,and
they were so well-turned out as well. It was a long day for you all and much appreciated.
·
March 29th 2019 Volunteer
and staff supper.
Another great night! Many thanks to Sharon
and her team for some wonderful food and
entertainment. Sharon even catered a choice
of menu and gluten free alternatives.
It was a great social occasion with a fun quiz
and a hilarious party game
(with a bonus of
raising £350)
.
We took the opportunity to thank Sandie and
Wendy for their help/services over the years
and we wish them both a happy, long
retirement.
14th July 2019
A massive well-done to the riders who
competed at the National finals. You all did
so well and achieved so much. Thank you to
all the volunteers and staff who worked so
hard to make us proud.
June 2019 - yet another wonderful day for the Wednesday morning ride with Kingfisher
children. We had a wonderful picnic which was much enjoyed by everyone - including Kate’s
dog Kizzy, who did the hovering up. Hats off to those children who were so well-behaved!
October 5th 2019 Instructors training day
We had a very interesting morning watching Clive Milkins teach a blind rider, followed by a child
with Downs Syndrome, followed by a young rider with spina bifida.
We all took something away from the session - knowing that sometimes it is good to cut the
lesson short, only teach what you are comfortable teaching, using two whips and lessening off
with the legs and much more. Clive is always an inspiration and a very experienced coach.
Thank you to all who organised the day.
Feb 2020 Unfortunately for us, we had to say goodbye to Chin who has been our
handyman for several years. Chin has gone back to Thailand to do some maintenance to
his house. Hopefully, he will come back and see us from time to time. We welcome Jaci to
the team. Jaci has come to us with lots of experience gained from working for another RDA
group for 8 years.from another RDA group, where she has gained 8 years’ experience.
March 2020 - COVID-19 lockdown
A huge thank you to the staff and volunteers for battling on in very difficult circumstances.
Our horses are being very well cared for but we are trying to keep our distance as much as
possible so that we don’t pass this awful virus on. Thank you to all our riders and volunteers for
your continued financial support. Our fund-raising efforts are now limited the press, word of
mouth and the Internet (what would we do without it?). Thank you Alice and India for your
Facebook idea - what a wonderful effort!
Riders - please get in touch if you have any ideas on how we can continue to support you.
Volunteers - please et in touch if you have any ideas for fund-raising.
Thank you to Sharon & team, and the Brockies who organised the quiz night in February. Also
to the team who prepared and organised the volunteers dinner in March. Sadly this was just at
the beginning of the virus and some had to cancel due to vulnerable relatives.
It is with a heavy heart that we have had to say goodbye to our much-loved Speckle who had
been with us for 20 years. Please take some time to read about his many achievements on our
Facebook page . Thank you to the staff for looking after his best interests.
Another sad announcement is the passing of Charlie B who was yet another outstanding pony.
Charlie B enjoyed a few years of blissful retirement - thank you to those who took care of him.
September 2020
Natalie Channer has agreed to become our yard manager and Iris Bunce is now Head Coach.
A Day to remember - our sponsored ride on Oct
2nd!
With huge thanks to The Duke and Her Grace for
their continued support for our group - we made
in the region of 5.5K for much needed funds.
Thanks to Blenheim staff, all our volunteers and
the riders who braved the appalling day!
Christmas 2020 - Very many thanks to all those who have worked tirelessly to keep our horses
safe and well, enabling a large proportion of our riders to have, at least some, lessons.
After a very difficult year, we look forward to 2021 when we hope to erect our new indoor
school and welcome back all our riders.
Merry Christmas and all the best of everything for 2021. Please download the e-card for all
Southern Region staff, Trustees and volunteers.
https://www.greetingsisland.com/ecard/p0o1qdjgh0cc/en
Huge thanks to Vanessa
Bowler who walked
round the Isle of Wight
to raise money for us-
22 hours of continuous
walking - what a star!
May 28th Plant sale and Open Day - A huge thank you to
all those who helped make the day so successful - also to
those who came to support us. We raised £1500 with more
to come. Special thanks to Sarah who does the plant sale
and to the fund-raising team who worked so hard.
Well done to all those
riders, coaches and
grooms who marked a
very successful day at the
Southern region qualifiers.