On Monday 9th May, 13 riders from around the Region headed off to Hill House at Osgodby in the bright sunshine got out Dressage Qualifier at Hill House courtesy of Trudy Clark. The Riders were from hosting RDA Group, Cleeethorpes & Grimsby: Sara Abbott, Julie Holmes, Mark Griffin, Karen Pocklington, Sarah Suddaby, Jackie Smeeton, Alexandra Stewart, Lisa Sumner and Emma Wells. From Belvoir Vale Sophie Heath, From Papplewick, Melanie Betteridge and Bradley Dexter and from Wenlo Ellis Holdaway.
Over 11 classes the 13 riders showed what they could do with some fantastic results Trophy Winners were Julie Holmes on Hugo from Cleethorpes & Grimsby won the Penny Tiptoes Trophy with the highest score of the day of 84.44% and Bradley Dexter on Claybank Magnet from Papplewick won The Mount’ Oscar Trophy with a well deserved 71.31% in the I/D Walk Trot & Canter. Other Class winners were Emma Wells, Alexandra Stewart, Sophie Health, Sarah Suddaby, Melaine Betteridge, Karen Pocklington and Mark Griffin!
Additional Riders that have also qualified to go to Hartpury are: Lisa Sumner, Ellis Holdaway and Sara Abbott. As Sara is unable to attend Championships her place passes down to Mark Griffin. Thank you to everyone that helped to make the day such a success and to our Judge Chris Belton who was so generous with her time discussing the judging with the Competitors A huge thank you also to Thomas Bells Country Store who kindly provided a goodie bag to every competitor!
Local group for disabled riders triumphs in National Competition Travel grant made possible by players of People’s Postcode Lottery Seven disabled riders from Cleethorpes & Grimsby RDA group in North East Lincolnshire competed at the RDA National Championships in Gloucestershire. Having qualified at a regional event earlier in the year, the riders, volunteers and ponies were able to compete having received a travel grant thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery. “It was a fantastic experience for all of us,” says group Coach Shirley Kay. “The RDA National Championships brings riders and carriage drivers together from all over the UK and it was a really special weekend. We are grateful to players of People’s Postcode Lottery for making it possible for us to attend.” We took 3 Horses, one pony and 7 riders. Also lot of coaches, grooms and volunteers:-
Emma Wells rode George and gained 1st in both her classes. Alexa Stewart rode Rupert her own pony and got a 1st in her freestyle class. Sarah Suddaby rode Cody, sadly Cody was a liitle bit excited and Sarah didn’t get placed. Julie Holmes rode Hugo and got a 2nd in her freestyle class. Lisa Sumner rode George and came 4th in her freestyle class. Mark Griffins rode George and gain a 3rd in his freestyle class. Karen Pocklington rode Hugo and came 1st in her freestyle class.
The National Championships, organised by the charity Riding for the Disabled Association is the biggest event of its kind in the world, bringing together hundreds of disabled competitors who have qualified to take part, with over 90 classes taking place over the three days. In the past, the event has provided a springboard for Paralympian’s including Sophie Christiansen, Natasha Baker and Lee Pearson – all of whom started their careers with the support of RDA.