British Vaulting Championships 2019

Congratulations to our para vaulter, Lizzie Bennett, who competed at the British Equestrian Vaulting (BEV) Championships last weekend at Bishop Burton College. She was representing not only RDA but also Contessa Vaulting Group, where she coaches both able-bodied and para vaulters. She had entered the sole Para class offered at this level: Pre-Novice Canter/Walk.

Freestyle moves demonstrating balance/strength

English Vaulting Championships 2019

On Saturday 14th September Lizzie Bennett represented Contessa Vaulting Group in the English Vaulting Championships at Onley Grounds Equestrian Centre, Rugby.

SEIB Search for a Star RDA Showing Championships 2019

We are very proud of Eleanor Currington and Drunkeen Boy (Boysie) who recently won the RDA SEIB Search for a Star final at Addington Manor.

The pair qualified for the final after taking part in the showing competition at the RDA National Championships at Hartpury in July, where they also came 1st in Level 3 Showjumping and 3rd in the Grade 3 Dressage. They even appeared on BBC Countryfile!

International para dressage

CPEDI*
Olivia Cornick rode Ronaldo for her first international competition at the Bishop Burton CPEDI* in August. With an average score of 67.511% across the Individual, Team and Freestyle classes it was a superb performance.

Olivia and Ronaldo have now been selected for the Keysoe CPEDI** in October - we wish them lots of luck!

BEV competition in Wales

British Equestrian Vaulting
Lizzie Bennett travelled to Wales for the Talygarn EC BEV competition at the beginning of August. She was vaulting on a borrowed horse (whom she met for the first time that day) called Celt, owned by Eryri Vaulting Group.

Summer success in dressage

Although the Group does not meet to ride over the summer, there have nonetheless been some competitive successes!

British Dressage
Eleanor Currington rode Drunkeen Boy (Boysie) in the Bronze Grade 3 Para class at Essendon and Epping Forest Dressage Group (EEFDG) in August. Eleanor won the class with a fantastic score of 71.11%.

Fantastic fundraising by Sharon!

Congratulations and many thanks to our wonderful volunteer, Sharon Butler, who has raised a phenomenal £910 for the Group! Here's how...

"Most of you that know me have never seen me with short hair! I love my long hair, but I have decided to help two charities by getting it cut off!

British Dressage & RDA Intellectual Disability Championships

The Group is very proud to have had three of its riders invited to the BD RDA Intellectual Disability Dressage Championships - one in each class! They were:

• Jodie Williamson (Walk)
• Emily Lodge (Walk and Trot) 
• Chris Bradley (Walk, Trot and Canter

National Championships 2019

Well done to all our riders who competed at the RDA National Championships at Hartpury (July 12 -14).  We had 11 riders there this year (it should have been 12 but poor Chloe dislocated her shoulder the day before the competition started), and they all put in good performances.  We ended up with three National Champions (Olivia and Eleanor in dressage and Lizzie in vaulting), a heap impressive placings and, most important, we all had a good time.

RDA High Performance Coach of the Year

We are very excited to announce that Gillian Newsum - who is one of our coaches and also our Group Chairman - has been recognised by RDA National for her fantastic work by being awarded the title of RDA National High Performance Coach of the Year.

Gillian not only runs the entire Group but also coaches riders each week, prepares them in dressage and showjumping, hosts fundraising events, and takes horses and riders to events across the country including the RDA National Championships, Para Dressage training camps, and the Para Dressage Home International Championships.

RDA National Championships 2018

Earlier in July the Group made the long trip to Hartpury College in Gloucestershire for the RDA National Championships. This year we had thirteen riders who had qualified to compete, out of our eighteen regular riders. Boysie (Drunkeen Boy) and Danny were the trusty steeds of the weekend, with Chris and Olivia taking their own Quintus and Uma. Horses, coaches and other volunteers rose to the occasion and the Group secured some brilliant results. Read on to find out more!

Mick George Ltd Bag of Gold winners!

We are delighted to share the news that Cambs College RDA has won the 'Bag of Gold' competition run by Mick George skips. The prize of £1000 will make a huge difference to the Group - it will go a long way towards buying new horses to replace our older equines who will soon have to retire.

Cambs College was just one of over 100 local charities to be nominated, 24 of which were put forward to the public vote. We were announced winners after securing the highest number of votes - thank you so much to everyone who voted for us!

Three riders invited to British Dressage Championship event

We are very excited to announce that three of our riders have been selected for the inaugural RDA Intellectual Disability Dressage Championships in association with British Dressage.

Jodie Williamson, Chloe Soanes, and Chris Bradley have all been invited on the basis of their excellent performances at this year's regional qualifier, where each of them finished in first place in their dressage classes.

Some final checks for Chris and his horse, Quintus

East Region Show and Qualifier 2018

On Sunday 20th May the Cambs College Group hosted the East Region's annual show, which stands alone but also acts as the qualifier for the RDA National Championships, which this year will be held from 13th-15th July at Hartpury College.

Eleanor and Lizzie having a quick 'run through' of their next dressage test before swapping horses...

The Group had riders competing in dressage and countryside challenge, as well as having already completed video entries in showjumping and musical rides. There must also be a special mention for Jodie Williamson, who astonished the judges of the Stable Management Quiz with her flawless knowledge - they couldn't find anything she didn't know the answer to!