Last week the West & Central Region for Riding for the Disabled (RDA) had great pleasure in welcoming Sam Orde, Chairman of RDA National, to the Region. Sam met and rode with the Strathearn/Rideaway Group. Sam said “The Big Ride part was lovely and I think that Crieff Hydro Stables looked after us very well with excellent horses and route, coaches and refreshments. It was great to have the chance to see Rideaway in action with their usual morning sessions and get a chance to talk to volunteers and riders”.
In the afternoon Sam Orde visited the Auchterarder group who ride at Gleneagles Equestain Centre.
Sam commented that “The second part of the day at Gleneagles was lovely and very interesting for me as Chairman and I enjoyed talking to everyone. What brilliant facilities the Auchterarder Group have! It was a touching moment at the end to see Daisy, one of their riders, present the long service award to Paddy,their pony.
Also this week Argyll Driving Group held the Group Picnic and combined it with the Big Drive. Patsy’s drivers from Forth Driving Group joined us and our Raffle for Lowlands brought in £100 to which the Trustees are adding a donation.
Breadalbane & District Group held their own Big Ride for 7 riders earlier in the week to join the fundraising efforts.
Carrick Group are also donating funds from an art exhibition later in the year.
Sam Orde has planned the ’The Big Ride’ to support the fund raising campaign for the new RDA National Training Centre near Birmingham, which will benefit all groups within the UK, with training opportunities. Sam’s money raising target is £20,000 from across the regions. There is good news on the fundraising with money from Big Rides continuing to come in and taking us over the £10,000 mark, then Westmorland RDA Group kindly donating £20,000! All fantastic news for our National Training Centre.
Sponsor Sam at: https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/samorde
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