NO - this is NOT a mysterious UFO - it is a FIRST, however, for it is a picture of the New RDA Causeway Coast Arena on the evening of 11th September 2009, when the first organised activity took place. RDA Coleraine are pleased to continue their relationship with the  North Antrim Riding Club, who held their first activity evening of the new 2009/2010 Season (see the comment in the Guest Book below)

RDA reopened for the 2009-2010 Session on Tuesday 15th September 2009.  The Riding Activities commenced that morning at 9.30 am for the helpers who prepare the horses, and 10.00 am for the Riders. The evening session kicked off with a training session for NEW & ongoing Volunteers on the same evening at 7.30 pm in the Causeway Coast Arena Club Room - over 25 Helpers attended, 15 of these for the first time. Daytime activities will continue on Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday mornings throughout the Season. The Evening Sessions, commenced with a Horse Care, Preparation & Riding Demonstration on Wednesday, 16th September. Rides will be held each Tuesday & Wednesday thereafter from 7.00 - 9.00 pm. The Tuesday evening Ride will normally also include Dressage & Special Olympics Training. The final RDA activity each week, is the Equine Exercise Club, on Saturday mornings from 10.30 am - 12.30 pm, when Instructors & Helpers who have sufficient riding experience are given the opportunity to ride, exercise and school the horses in activities suitable for their usage at RDA Coleraine. The picture shows Christine Hankin, Senior Instructor at RDA Coleraine, on Mr Man during the Saturday Morning Equine Exercise during the 2008/9 Season (this time in the Cyril Lee Arena, former home of RDA Coleraine).

The Biggest Riding Lesson in the World   http://www.rda.org.uk/40th/pdf/40th%20WBRL%20Outline.pdf Cut & paste this link into your browser for more information To view some of the RDA Coleraine involvement click the following link http://cid-5866f4e7e1212e91.skydrive.live.com/browse.aspx/Pictures

Perhaps these are 'The Stable Bears'! Well, maybe you will think this is irrelevant! - if so don't read it! But I think it is too good to miss.        I hope you can view this - I saved it and opened with Windows Media from the right click

Safety First - We cannot emphasise the necessity for safety at the RDA. We are working as fast as possible to get the facilities fully functional. Everyone must realise that the operational rules require complete adherence - we are fortunate that we have never had anything other that a minor accident - it will be too late to introduce the rules in retrospect - so apply a bit of common sense. And yes - Instructors and Trustees will demand adherence - they carry the responsibility for ensuring that the Group operates to the highest safety standards.

Albert Clyde, Secretary, receives his 'RDA Volunteer of the Year 2009 Award, for his work in liaising with Funders, Consultants and Builders  during the planning and implementation of the RDA Causeway Coast Arena. Speaking after the Ceremony, he said that it had been the work of the RDA team involved and it was great that this had been recognised - so many people had helped. He just hoped that all users would also recognise the value of the work and the facility that had been created, and would treat it with the respect that it deserves. Fortunately the riders do so, but some of those accompanying make no contribution, and their behaviour has been verging on vandalism.

At the Open Day at RDA Coleraine, Shirley Patterson receives the RDA Perpetual Cup as Rider who achieved most in 2009 - she entered two competitions at Special Olympics Ulster in March 2009, and won two gold medals.

Shirley with her Cup

After receiving a token award to mark his final function after nearly 20 years as Chairman of the Coleraine & District RDA Group, Leslie Cole addresses a Group  of Riders & Members attending the RDA Coleraine Open Day on 24th October 2009.

Riding for the Disabled Association (Coleraine & District Group) Ltd
Registered Company No in Northern Ireland NI068236 – trading as RDA Coleraine
N I Charity/HMRC No XN45690/1
A Member of Riding for the Disabled Association incorporating Carriage Driving.
Registered under Charity Number 244108.
President: HRH The Princess Royal KG GCVO