Posted: 25th May 2021 | Back to news feed
The 2021 RDA National Championships will welcome entries from Accessibility Mark riders for the first time, much to the delight of disabled riders that participate at accredited centres nationwide.
The Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), in partnership with the British Equestrian Federation (BEF), launched the revolutionary Accessibility Mark scheme to work with riding centres with the aim of opening up more opportunities for disabled people to participate in riding.
This year’s championships will be held virtually on Saturday, 26th and Sunday 27th September due to the on-going challenge of hosting an event during the pandemic.
Previously only participants from RDA Groups have been eligible to enter the charities flagship event which is not just about the competition but is also a chance to celebrate achievement.
A number of dressage classes will be open to Accessibility Mark riders with a qualifying competition also being held virtually and the winners going through to the Virtual Championship Finals.
With a slightly different feel to the normal party atmosphere at Hartpury College when participants and volunteers come together, the virtual competition with two days of live streaming offers riders, drivers and vaulters the opportunity to still compete.
For anyone that would like to get involved and their coaches, RDA has produced a series of videos about how to record your entry which can be found along with the schedule on the RDA website. The closing date for entries for the qualifying competition is June 30th and Friday, August 27th for the National Competition.
Accessibility Mark status is awarded to a riding centre that has been approved by RDA following training and assessment. The close link with the RDA means that they offer continuous support to the establishment to ensure they provide you with a first class service and an experience that aims to be hugely beneficial.
There are currently 51 Accessibility Mark approved centres across the country.
To find out more about entering the RDA Virtual National Championships contact your Accessibility Mark Centre directly or to find your nearest RDA Group or Accessibility Mark centre visit www.rda.org.uk/rda-groups/
The Equestrian Index newsfeed is compiled from articles submitted by advertising members and expresses the opinions of those members. Watsons Directories Ltd shall not be held liable for any inaccuracies or mis-statements therein.