ACTIVITIES
Riding
Most of the young people and adults who come to Moray RDA have a half-hour riding lesson in a small group. They will be supported by volunteers depending on their individual needs. At Cranloch we have the benefit of an indoor school so that we are comfortable in all weathers. However, most of our participants love to be outside so, whenever we can, lessons take place in our small field or perhaps we have a walk through the woods.
Indoor Riding School
Pony Care
During covid, when we were not able to allow our clients to ride, we started pony care classes. These were enjoyed by the participants who liked learning more about the ponies and spending time with, rather than on, the ponies. As a result, we now also have pony care classes. This means that those who, for some reason, cannot ride can still benefit from RDA.
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Competitions
Where possible, we enter our participants into National RDA competitions where entries are filmed and submitted virtually. Our favourite is the Countryside Challenge where riders learn to negotiate a course which has them showing off their skills and controlling their ponies around and through obstacles. Some of our riders also enter virtual dressage events. Our competition day is always a bit of an occasion, with everyone and their ponies dressed to impress.
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Countryside challenge.
Special Fun Days
We take every excuse to have a special fun day with coaches and participants dressing up and playing pony games – Easter Bonnet Day, Cowboy Day, Halloween, Xmas games – and, of course, we always finish the year with a Xmas Party and the annual presentation of trophies.
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Paralympic Relay
Education
Most of our participants work towards RDA Proficiency Tests in riding and in horse care where they can work up from Grade 1 to Grade 4. These provide motivation and reward success at all levels of ability. Pony care classes can lead to an ASDAN qualification that can be added by school students to their other school successes. Our role in promoting learning was recognised in 2019 when we gained the RDA Lorimer’s Educational Activity Award.
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Greg on Trojan