May 2026
We were delighted with the performance of our horses and riders at the RDA East Region annual show, held on a very hot day in May at the College of West Anglia. At this event, all RDA groups in the region can compete in Dressage and/or the Countryside Challenge and those who achieve a certain score and are placed first or second in their class, qualify to compete at the National RDA Championships in July. Classes are based on riding ability as well as nature of the disability.
In the Countryside Challenge, we had entries in 3 classes and had 6 qualifiers. Fantastic! Sophia K and Lucy were first and second in their class (led with sidewalker). Ron and Ryan came first and second in their led class, and Harvey and Chrissie were similarly placed in the Independent group.
In Dressage, Sophia W came second in the led class. In Led, Walk and Trot, Ryan came second, and Harvey and Chrissie did extremely well to come first and second in the Grade 7 Dressage. And Chris Bradley, our independent rider on his own horse, but attached to our group, was first in Grade 7 canter.
In all, 10 of our riders qualified for the Championships. Unfortunately only 4 will be able to attend because of other commitments, but their success at the Regional Qualifier is a real accolade.
We must also congratulate our wonderful reliable horses, and thank the helpers for their hard work in getting the horses to the right place at the right time with the right tack for the riders. A fun day!
And, Boysie won the new Loriners' Trophy awarded to the Most Valuable RDA Pony which was presented by Christina Maria Grieve.
