Summer Reflection, New term and New Ideas for Omagh Riding for Disabled
Omagh RDA Rider, Grace McSorley on her way to collecting her winning rosette at the UK National Championships in Hartpury
Following a very successful Summer for the Omagh based group of Riding for Disabled, the centre is due to open its doors again at the end of September for the new term, with some new faces (riders and horses) joining the team.
One of the highlights of the summer was those members who competed at the UK National Championships in Hartpury, Gloucester. With a total haul of over 20 awards, including many Junior Championship wins, this years trip also seen Omagh Riders take part in some new competitions at the National Championships.
This year seen many firsts for Omagh Riders, for Lucy Smyth, Naomi Connell and Grace McSorley it was the first time they competed at the National Championships, for Gavin Forsythe it was the first time he had rode in Championship classes following previous trips to compete in Introductory tests. For Fermanagh rider, it was the first outing at Hartpury for her mare Lucy K, and also making the firsts was RDA Coach and Rider Louise Bogle, riding for the first time at Hartpury. Competing also was seasoned rider Naomi Elkin, who competed in both Grade iii Championship and freestyle competitions, gaining creditable placings in both.
Omagh RDA are indebted to all who have supported them on this trip, to those who anonymously donated we thank you for your generosity, we are also grateful to the local community for all the positive wishes that all the team have received.
Special thanks also to all the owners for allowing these fantastic horses to compete with the Omagh group as well as the entire coaching and support teams that made the trip so successful. Thanks are also extended to Omagh District Council for support the trip under their support for sport grant aid scheme. Without such assistance these trips would not be possible, and to Dunlop Horse Transport and our driver Mr Ian Monteith for looking after our horses in such great fashion. Our arrival into Hartpury was the topic of many conversations, not may groups arrived by air conditioned unit!
New term
With the start of the new term very close for many of our riders, volunteer inductions are ongoing for our new intake of volunteers. Omagh RDA require volunteers for many of its activities, not all involving horse handling! Volunteers are required in administration, fund raising and much more! For further details please contact our Volunteer Development Officer on 07785952824
In addition to the new volunteer intake, Omagh RDA have also been very fortunate to have acquired some new horses also. With such a diverse range of previous experiences the Omagh Group would like to extend their thanks to those who have loaned their horses to the centre.
Fresh Ideas
As well as the ridden and carriage driving sessions provided for disabled adults and children, Omagh RDA also have many other events and training activities taking place throughout the autumn/winter months.
New for 2013 will be the introduction of the British Horse Society Horse Owners Certificates. Commencing in October these courses will provide horse owners and those interested in horses, the opportunity to gain some tuition on caring for their stables friends.
These certificates are also a great way of revising areas for the Horse Care sections of Stages 1, 2 and 3 exams. Additionally for pony club members they provide an excellent revision aid for those seeking their B Test horse care.
Following from its launch at the end of the summer, the ‘Sunday Schooling’ will also continue over the coming months. The arena will be opened on Sundays for schooling opportunities. The cost is £5 for a 30min session, flatwork sessions and course of fences will be available. Further details from Kyle on 07597604619
Show Jumping
The annual Show Jumping league will also run this year, over a shortened 4 weeks. Dates are 26th October, 9th November, 30th November and 14th December (final), this will also be our annual Christmas Show. Entries will be £8 each or 2 classes for £15. We will also be adding a top score competition to the league. This will form our novelty class following from our Olympic themed league last year.
Dressage
A winter dressage series is also planned for the centre, with classes to suit all riders. The dates for this are 10th November, 1st December, 5th January 2014 and 2nd February.
Further details from the group organiser by calling 07709199474 or emailing omaghrda@hotmail.co.uk
Mid Week Training Shows
Following feedback from those attending events organised in the centre, Omagh RDA are planning to hold Mid Week training shows during November and some of December. Each entry will cost £5 and will run on Wednesday evenings- 6th November, 20th November, 27th November, 4th December and 11th December. Details from the group organiser by calling 07709199474 or emailing omaghrda@hotmail.co.uk
