Fourteen disabled riders from the Erme Valley RDA in Devon competed at the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) National Championships last week. The riders returned home with 17 rosettes having competed in the several disciplines including showjumping, Showing, dressage, Countryside Challenge and Horse Care & Knowledge.
The riders from Erme Valley RDA took to the road for a long journey over to Hartpury University and College in Gloucestershire, supported by a travel grant made possible thanks to the players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
Eleanor Holton, a rider at Erme Valley RDA, said “I love riding at the Championships, the whole experience is amazing. For me and the other riders, it’s such a special show and it’s a big highlight our year.” Eleanor placed second in both her showjumping and showing classes.
Erme Valley RDA Group Chair Peggy Douglas says, “we are delighted to have been able to take our fantastic riders to Hartpury this year thanks to the players of People’s Postcode Lottery. We were ecstatic when we heard we were being awarded with this fantastic grant which allowed us to travel our ponies, riders and volunteers down to Gloucestershire.”
The RDA National Championships is the biggest event of its kind. It is held over three-days at Hartpury University and College featuring events across a range of disciplines including Carriage driving, Vaulting, Dressage and Showjumping. In the past, the event has provided a competitive starting point for Paralympian’s including Sophie Christiansen, Natasha Baker and Lee Pearson – all of whom started as riders with the RDA and continue to support the charity.
Thanks to the players of People’s Postcode lottery, 17 groups for disabled riders and drivers and 70 participants have been able to attend another successful RDA National competition.
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