It's almost the end of January - and as usual we are super busy here at the Centre. We have lots of opportunities below for you to get involved, so read on to find out more!
RDA Show Jumping Day at The Avon Centre on Friday 16th February 2024
Our show jumping competition has been organised for riders from The Avon Centre and any other RDA Groups within our Mid West Region that would like to participate.
We plan to offer the following Classes to suit riders with a wide range of ability:
Class 1 Level 1 SJ – walk only with leader
Class 2 Level 1 SJ – walk only ridden independently
Class 3 Level 2 SJ – walk & trot ridden independently
Class 4 Level 3 SJ – walk, trot & canter
Class 5 Prix Caprilli – walk, & trot
Class 6 Prix Caprilli – walk, trot & canter
PLEASE TALK TO YOUR COACH BEFORE ENTERING TO MAKE SURE YOU ENTER THE MOST APPROPRIATE CLASS
Competition entries should be made through ‘Events’ on ECPro. If the class you wish to enter is showing as full, please let me know (RDAKim@theavoncentre.org.uk) as I may be able to still include you.
The entry fee is £14 per Class plus £12 horse hire fee for L1 and £15 horse hire for L2 , L3 and the Prix Caprilli classes.
Some shared practice sessions for Avon riders entering L2, L3 or Prix Caprilli classes and will be available on Thursday 15th February. These can be booked through EC Pro in the normal way. Riders entering the L1 class will be able to practice during their weekly lesson.
Early entry is strongly recommended as spaces are limited due to time constraints. Also for this reason riders will be expected to be ready and prepared to start their test on time.
We will be taking into account the number of entries for each Class in deciding whether to run all the Classes and the order may change according to the distances being travelled by competitors from other RDA Groups.
Where possible riders should wear a jacket (which can be borrowed from the Centre), a shirt & tie and light coloured jodhpurs are preferred, however normal riding trousers can also be worn because this is a competition to encourage all – including those attempting their first ever SJ Class.
Leaders should all wear riding hats and gloves in line with the RDA policy at Regional & National competitions.
Refreshments will be available on the day.
RDA Creative Writing Competition
A reminder that the RDA Creative Writing Competition is OPEN!
They are offering three classes; a poem, a letter or a short story, and the theme for each class is simply ‘RDA’. Entries could be a story about an exciting moment experienced at an RDA Group, or a poem about a favourite RDA horse or pony.
The competition is free to enter and open to all ages and abilities. More details and how to enter can be found here and the entry form here on MyRDA. Please note entries should now be sent to Olivia McCallum on trainingandeducation@rda.org.uk.
Entries close the 1st of March 2024.
Volunteer Refresher Training
The leader refresher training that James ran on the 17th went really well, and was so well received that we will be offering another session on February 7th at 10am. If you're available to pop along please do. We look forward to seeing you there.
Thank you to the Badminton Ride
We were delighted to attend Badminton this week to be presented with a cheque for £3,500 which was raised for us at last year's ride. We had a tour of the stables and got to meet the very handsome Del Boy (pictured at the back in the rug).
