Wakefield Riding for the Disabled Association

Brilliant New Tractor

 

 

We have just taken delivery of a brand new compact tractor to help with work around the stables. Our old mini tractor broke down in June 2007 when Wakefield was hit by the floods and was not repairable.

 We will use the tractor to level the sand and rubber surfaces in the indoor and outdoor 20 x 40 metre riding arenas, for moving hay, straw and horse muck as well as awkward objects such as jump wings, poles and cones. 

 

Over the past months staff and volunteers have been raking these huge areas by hand which is very hard work, dusty, very boring and time consuming - time that could be much better spent on other activities.

Carolyn said “Our disabled riders receive most benefit from a smooth, rhythmical ride on the pony and our ponies benefit from working on a level riding surface, long term it is better for their backs and the tendons in their legs. The ponies can easily trip on lumpy uneven ground, which may unseat the rider. It is also much easier for volunteers helping with the sessions to walk and run on a level surface”.

 

The Siromer 204S tractor that WRDA chose is very good value for money because it comes flat packed from China and comes with instructions - ready to build.

 

WRDA formed a group to assemble the tractor which included students with learning disabilities from Pennine Community, two Pennine tutors and Riding for Disabled volunteers. It took around two weeks to bolt together.

 

The tractor is now up and running and is used every day thanks especially to Bob and Pete from Pennine, volunteer Mark, Dr Hancocks for buying all the different oils, Brian for lifting the crate off the lorry and Pete W the auto electrician.

 

Carolyn said “We are very grateful to The Harrison Trust who awarded WRDA a £3000 grant towards purchasing the tractor and to West Riding Masonic Provincial Charity for donating the other £1400, without their help we could not have afforded this wonderful piece of equipment”.

 

 

Our long serving New Forest pony, Red, retired from RDA work last week. He has worked at WRDA for approximately 14 years and is loved by hundreds of disabled children from all around the Wakefield District.
We will all really miss him as he is a cheeky character, but we are very happy for him to be re-homed with one of our volunteers, Sarah M.

Sarah was recently presented with the RDA 'Over & Above Award' for her many hours of volunteering over the past 6 years. Sarah has helped with lessons, care of the ponies, fundraised, helped at our dressage competitions and groomed at the National Championships.

Red is now enjoying large grassy fields and scenic hacks out.

WRDA are now looking to raise funds to replace Red.

   

Sarah & Red

Pennine Community Unaffiliated Dressage

to raise funds for Wakefield Riding for the Disabled

On Sunday 19th October 2008

at Pennine Community, Wood Lane, Chapelthorpe,

Wakefield, West Yorkshire. WF4 3JL

 

Class 1 Introductory A walk/trot test

Class 2 WRDA Beginners Freestyle walk/trot with or without music

Class 3 Test Prelim 4

Class 4 WRDA Freestyle with or without music

Class 5 Test Prelim 18

 

Our new freestyle classes are aimed at beginners - so please come and give them a try and have fun!

 

Entry Fee £8 per class

 

The closing date for entries is Wednesday 15th October. Cheques/postal orders should be made payable to Wakefield RDA.

 

The organisers reserve the right to restrict the number of entrants per class on a first come, first served basis.

 

The Pennine Community Riding Establishment has taken every care to ensure safety at our event. No responsibility can be taken by Pennine Community or Wakefield RDA for accidental loss, damage or injury to horses, riders, vehicles or equipment.

 

Smart dress please, riding hats must be worn whilst mounted.

 

The judges decision is final.

 

Please phone for times on Friday 17th October between

6pm and 8pm on 07906 043 224

 

Send your entry details, contact phone number & fees to: Wakefield RDA, Pennine Community, Wood Lane, Chapelthorpe, Wakefield, West Yorkshire. WF4 3JL

Notes on WRDA Freestyle Classes

 

 

For competitors who have entered our Introductory A class, have a try at WRDA Beginners Freestyle Class – Walk & trot

Invent a routine at home and then - Come and give it a try – put a few easy school movements together (pick things that you know you and your horse can do well) be inventive & have fun.

 

You can use things like 20m circles, changes of rein, half 10m circles, 3 loop serpentines and loops 5m in from the track. Remember that in dressage tests you usually repeat the same movements on both reins and show a free walk on a long rein.

 

You can put your test to music or ride it without.

 

Your test must include:

Enter at A and proceed down centre line

then, Finish with halt, immobility and salute at X facing the judge

Minimum time 3.5 minutes, maximum time 4 minutes.

 

You will be judged on things like riders equestrian skill & balance, harmony, choreography, use of the arena and inventiveness, interpretation of music.

 

For competitors who have entered our Prelim classes; have a try at our WRDA Freestyle Class – Walk, trot & canter

The same as above but put a bit of canter in there. This is a prelim level class, so please use movements that you would see in a prelim test. No pirouettes or flying changes thank you!

 

Your test must include

Enter at A and proceed down centre line

then, Finish with halt, immobility and salute at X facing the judge

Minimum time 4 minutes, maximum time 5 minutes

 

If you’re using music remember to bring your CD or music tape on the competition day!!

 

Good Luck

Modern Apprentice required at Wakefield RDA

Are you aged between 16 and 24 and wanting a career with horses?

Modern Apprenticeship could be for you!!!

Earn while you learn in a rewarding job whilst working towards
an NVQ level 2. Phone for more details 01924 241342

West Yorkshire Horseplay Dressage at Wakefield RDA

on Sunday 24th August

Intro A, Prelim 10, Prelim 13 & Novice 29

for more details please ring Alison on 07932 811091

Well done to Debbie and Amber who came 2nd and 4th in their dressage classes at Hartpury

and to the Wakefield RDA team of grooms who once again won the Best Turned Out Horse and Rider prize for Sunday.

 

Here are our regions results:

RDA National Championships 2008

NE & S Yorks. Region of the RDA

 

Geraldine Savage and Blues Tip Top Two

Ebor Vale Group

1^st Grade 1a Dressage

1^st Grade 1a Freestyle to music

 

Gerry has just been accepted for the Irish Para Equestrian Team and was staying the week at Hartpury to represent Ireland in three classes.

 

 

Oliver Bates and Tommy Tickle

Hull & Holderness Group

1^st Grade I-IV dressage – walk/trot test & 1^st Overall Class Champion

2^nd Grade I-V Freestyle to Music – walk/trot test

2^nd Grade Junior Tack & Turnout on Saturday

 

 

Ben Doherty and Mr Stubbs

Priory View Group

7th in Countryside Challenge Obstacle course

Ben scored a massive 78% on a pony that he had not ridden before.

 

 

Deborah Cayton-Lee and Amber

Wakefield Group

4^th Grade I-IV dressage with canter

2^nd Grade I-V freestyle to music with canter

1^st Senior Tack & Turnout – Sunday

 

 

 

 

 

Arts & Crafts Competition

 

Rachel Mullarkey

1^st Individual Sculpture – senior

Wakefield Group

Rachel was also awarded the Arts & Crafts trophy for overall winner

 

 Oliver Peace

Wakefield Group

1^st Individual paintings, collages & montages – junior

 

Ganton Special School

Hull & Holderness Group

4^th Group paintings, collages & montages

 

Well done to WRDA Volunteer Sue Scholey
for completing the Leeds 10K Run For All
and raising over £620 for our RDA group

Congratulations to riders at Wakefield RDA who have completed their RDA/ASDAN Towards Independence Award for Horse riding & Stable management, they are:-

Highfield School

Christine Johnson, Jessica Healey, Jacob Chandler,

Jake Sherburn, Michael Scaife, Sam Noble, Shannon Walker

Jack Richardson, Lucy Wilson, Joshua Nousley

Oliver Briggs, Luke Russell, Simone Henry, Allan Dickenson

Keeley Dooley, Gemma Spencer, Matthew Fender

Andrew Morton, Timothy Gillot, Patrick Hart

Kettlethorpe School

Hannah Raper

(Hannah is completing the full animal care award as it will be 1 credit towards her ASDAN Silver Award that she is working towards at school)

 
Pennine Community

Daniel Poulton, Michael Grice, Lhia Forde

And well done Oliver Peace who completed his RDA/ASDAN Transition Challenge Award.

The folders were moderated last week and all passed.

The ASDAN staff said the work was to a very high standard.

Well done Debbie and Amber for qualifying for the RDA National Championships at Hartpury on the 13th July. They will compete in the Grade I-IV Dressage Test and the Freestyle to Music Class.

British Dressage Test Technique Days

These training days are with various judges from across our region and are aimed at group 8 - 4 riders (though others may apply.) They will be an opportunity for riders to work in, in front a judge who will comment and give frequent marks for the horse’s way of going. Riders can then ride through various test movements or ride through a nominated test where again comments and marks will be given. You may find the answer to ‘how to get from a 6 to a 7’ or even ‘an 8!’
Riders are encouraged to ask questions throughout their session, as these are NOT typical lessons, but an excellent opportunity to get a an idea of what our judge’s are looking for. It is also an opportunity for those who may struggle with nerves when riding at competitions, under the watchful eye of a judge, to confront their fears and feel more confident.

Who are the judges and where are the days held?
 14 Jun with Gwyneth Lewis List 1 judge and BD trainer / Northallerton EC / £45 for 45mins
 25 Jun with Claire Dryden List 4 judge / Holmside Hall EC, Durham / £35 for 45 mins
 16 Jul with Peter Crafts List 4 judge / Hill House EC, Notts (Newark Dressage) / £35 for 45 mins
 30 Jul with Andrea Smith List 3a judge / Wakefield RDA Centre / £45 for 45 mins

How to apply:
Send a cheque, made payable to British Dressage, to Sarah Huntridge @ 1 Chapel Garth, Markington, Harrogate, HG3 3NY - along with the date and venue you would like to attend and any time preferences etc.
Sarah can be contacted on 07970 902708 or [email protected]