Success comes in all shapes at the RDA National Championships for North Midlands RDA riders!

Riders from across the North Midlands region have been returning home from the Riding for the Disabled (RDA) National Championships to celebrate their achievements.

The event which ran from 14-16 July at Hartpury College in Gloucestershire is a world class disability equestrian event and competing there is the goal of many riders from local RDA groups. Those from RDA groups in the North Midlands region (encompassing Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire & Nottinghamshire) are no exception and there have been plenty of fantastic results for them to celebrate.

Edie Mountain, just 13,  from Belvoir Vale RDA in Nottinghamshire had the time of her life with much loved pony partner Puddle. Riding in grade 7 walk and trot dressage tests she came 2nd & 4th against tough competition, and also achieved a 2nd in her very first showing class. Edie has overcome many personal challenges to become the rider she is today and has created a really close partnership with Puddle, who was also chosen as the show commentators pony of the weekend.

Edie celebrating her success with the lovely Puddle!

Julie Holmes from Cleethorpes and Grimsby RDA has competed many times at the Championships. Battling many health conditions she nearly didn’t get to compete this year, but against all odds she made it to the competition alongside the appropriately named horse, Cracker, and together they rode two stunning dressage tests, coming first in both. Her determination and grit are matched only by her fun loving good spirits and her success was well deserved.

Red rosettes all the way for the successful Julie & Cracker!

Riding at the championships for the first time was Vivienne Milburn from Helen Atkin RDA in Buxton, Derbyshire. Vivienne rode as a teenager and more recently returned to riding with RDA after many years battling multiple sclerosis. Just to add to the challenges she was riding a borrowed horse, Hercules from Scropton RDA, but she still achieved a fantastic second place in her dressage class. Vivienne is loving riding and competing; “When I ride I am on cloud nine and smiling for the rest of the day. The sense of freedom is amazing – it feels magical”

“When I ride I am on cloud nine and smiling for the rest of the day. The sense of freedom is amazing – it feels magical”

Vivienne Milburn, Helen Atkins RDA participant

Also riding Hercules at the championships was Danielle Knapp, 17, from Scropton RDA in Derbyshire. It was also Danielle’s first time at the Championships, having qualified to take part in Show Jumping and the Countryside Challenge. Danielle wasn’t placed in either class, but for her the success was in being a part of the event itself; "I might not have come in the top 6 but I had the best time I can’t wait to do it all again with my Hercules. As long as I can ride I am happy - I just love it.”

"I might not have come in the top 6 but I had the best time I can’t wait to do it all again with my Hercules. As long as I can ride I am happy - I just love it.”

Danielle Knapp, Scropton RDA participant

Competing at the championships wouldn’t be possible without the support of hundreds of volunteers; both from those helping to run the event to those supporting their RDA Group. This years’ volunteering at the event was extra special for Matt Dalley as he was presented with an award for RDA(UK) Volunteer of the Year. Matt, who is an RDA rider and volunteer, works hard as an RDA ambassador in his role as Publicity Officer for the North Midlands RDA region; “I am incredibly honoured to have received this award presented by Sophie Christiansen CBE. I love being a volunteer for RDA. It’s amazing how much riding can help people and it’s great to be able to publicise our riders’ achievements and successes.”

Matt proudly receiving his award from Sophie Christiansen CBE!

Everyone’s home now after a brilliant weekend at the championships, but they’re certainly not taking it easy for the summer. Preparations are already underway for the RDA Virtual National Championships taking place in November!