Gordon Group Riding for the Disabled Association (GRDA) ran the annual dressage qualifier event at its purpose-built centre at Tweeddale, near Inverurie.
Competitors from throughout the Grampian and Highland regions came to Tweeddale to compete in a range of dressage tests. Some brought their own horses, while others rode the ponies based at the GRDA Tweeddale centre. The qualifying riders will take part in the RDA National Championships held at Hartpury, Gloucestershire, from July 14-16 and represent the area at the finals.
Class 12, Walk and Trot Test, was won by Alex Middler on Willie with 75% (Q). Class 16, ID Canter test, was won by Kristen Wrate on Rubin 66.8% (Q), while Jayne McGarvie on Tony won Class 33, Grade 4 Test (Q).
Class 17, Grade 4 Canter Test, was won by Julie Ashby on Willie on 74% (Q), and Class 20, Freestyle Test, was won by Alex Middler on Willie 69% (Q).
GRDA is one of 500 RDA Groups all over the UK that provide horse riding, carriage driving, vaulting and showjumping to 30,000 people with disabilities. RDA activities are specially designed for children and adults with physical and learning difficulties to receive physical and psycho-social therapy, enjoyment and a chance to achieve.
At the Gordon RDA Group centre 60 volunteers provide help and support for 17 lessons a week. The riders are taught by qualified coaches with about 70 riders (children and adults) attending the lessons, some privately and some from local primary and secondary schools.
In general, riders come to GRDA with little or no riding ability. The benefits of the equine therapy and specialist coaching provided by GRDA gives riders experiences and achievements that can change their lives. For example, three of the GRDA riders have achieved international success, one at the Athens Paralympics, and two at the World Special Olympics in 2007 and 2015.
