National Championships
The Advanced Riding Group successfully qualified for the RDA National Championships in July this year at Hartbury College in Gloucestershire. The team all rode well in their classes and were well placed in their sections. Due to the substantial cost of transporting horses to the championships, the team ride borrowed horses from the Crosby group, and there is little time for them to practice on their borrowed mounts. This makes their success all the more impressive. The team is coached by Mo Sherring and Victoria Lindsay. The Isle of Man Group is very proud of their achievements.
RDA Musical Ride Competition
The RDA run an annual musical ride video competion. The musical ride has a theme, chosen by the group and up to six riders can participate. The theme chosen by Group Instructors, Joan Waters and Gill Hellowell, was a western theme and the ride titled “A Tuesday in Red Dust Alley”. The riders dressed as cowboys and Indians as did their helpers. The props and scenery were designed by the schools who attend the Isle of Man group. All the hard work paid off when the group was placed second at the RDA National Championships. Congratulations to all who participated.
30th Anniversary Celebrations
The Isle of Man group has marked its 30th Anniversary this year with two special events. In July the volunteers and instructors visited Clwyd Special Riding Centre in North Wales for a special training day. Volunteers and Instructors at the group receive annual training and it was decided to attend a centre of excellence as a team in our 30th year. We observed the work at the centre, enjoyed a conducted tour of the centre and were given a dressage demonstration, a driving demonstration and observed the centre physiotherapist treating her patients using Hippotherapy, treatment using the movement of the horse. All who attended felt truly inspired by what they saw. The day was funded partly by the attendees and partly by sponsorship.
In October the group marked its 30th year by a celebratory dinner at Peel Golf Club. The evening was attended by current and retired volunteers; we were particularly pleased to welcome Jane Holderness-Rodham, RDA Chairman, Ed Bracher, RDA Chief Executive and Sheila Saner, RDA Regional Instructor, to the evening. A fantastic time was had by all and cutting of the birthday cake and the presentation of long service awards rounded off the evening. To view a photo, please visit the online gallery.