Success for Team Northern Ireland at RDA National Championships

Local riders give good account at Hartpury

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A total of 11 riders from four local Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) Groups travelled to Hartpury College in Gloucestershire for the RDA National Championships in July. Despite the inclement weather, everyone had a great time and achieved some notable successes, especially when you consider that most were on borrowed horses!

Austen Burns and Naomi Elkin from Omagh Group both achieved double firsts in their respective Dressage and Freestyle classes, a reflection of the high standard of coaching now available to RDA NI riders who wish to compete. Cian Arthur and Alesha McCrossan (also Omagh) were first and second in their Freestyle class, with Alesha achieving a creditable fifth in her Dressage class. Saoirse Gilroy was fifth in her Dressage class.

Barbara Simpson receiving her rosette from RDA Chairman Frances Loughrane at the RDA National Championships.

The Newtownards riders, Bobby McAllister (first in Freestyle and fourth in a very strong Dressage class) and Grace Daly, third in her Countryside Challenge class, as well as winning the Painting and Drawing Section in the Arts and Crafts, also had a great weekend.

Bobby McAllister from the Newtownards Group on ‘Saxon’ won his Freestyle class and came fourth in a very strong Dressage class at the RDA National Championships.

Holly Hanvey from East Antrim was sixth in her Dressage class and won the Photography competition.

RDA is proud of the opportunities they can offer their riders to develop their skills in creative directions, as well as equestrian abilities.

The Minnowburn Group, on their first visit to the Championships, also performed extremely well with Barbara Simpson coming fourth in her Dressage class and Brenda Duffy achieving a very creditable fifth in her very competitive Dressage class.

Brenda Duffy from the Minnowburn Group, pictured with ‘Saxon’. Brenda placed a very creditable fifth in her very competitive Dressage class.

Sadly, the Burn Equestrian Centre where they are based is due to close in September, when the lease comes to an end and Minnowburn Group will be seeking a new home for their trusty cob ‘Mario’ and their riders, so that they can continue to avail of the benefits that RDA participation can provide. It seems a shame that The Department of Health should be considering closing the only urban-based equestrian facility in Northern Ireland, just when the therapeutic benefits of Equine Assisted Activities are becoming more widely known and appreciated and demand for services is increasing.

Grace Daly from the Newtownards Group, pictured with Coach Caroline Twemlow, came third in her Countryside Challenge class, as well as winning the Painting and Drawing Section in the Arts and Crafts.