Our Hon Secretary, Albert Clyde, was given the opportunity on 11th November, to talk to Wendy Austin, of Radio Ulster's Talkback, about the problems caused by the recent theft of the RDA Coleraine Horsebox.  **see below 

He indicated that it was necessary to transport the horses around for competitions within RDA and also Special Olympics. A team of five, with two horses, had travelled to the Ulster Equestrian Special Olympics Games and won nine gold medals. Two of these, Steven & Ray, are progressing to the Ireland Special Olympics in Limerick next June - their chances of success will be much enhanced when they can ride their familiar horses.

Wendy also inquired about the provision for Disabled persons made at RDA Coleraine, and heard that nearly 200 persons with a disability had ridden at RDA Coleraine between January and June, and that well over 500 persons had attended the new RDA Causeway Coast Arena in the two months since it opened for business on 11th September 2009 (many of these on a weekly basis).

Albert stated that RDA Coleraine was pleased to be able to build the new arena with excellent capital  grants from Coleraine Borough Council, SportNI, and DSD, and not least the donations and fundraising efforts of the people of the area.

However, he said it was important to recognise that payment of all recurrent costs were totally reliant on the ongoing generosity of the people of the area through donations and fundraising activities - as it has been for the past 34 years - hence the need for a dedicated Operation Horsebox ( will we even be able to stretch to a Lorry - Limerick is a long way away!).

Work is ongoing at the site to enable the fullest use of the excellent facility, and to seek to produce income to support the equestrian activities at RDA Coleraine, and to enable the initiation of the proposed Disability Sports Club.

 *** Imagine the surprise when the door bell rang on the evening of the radio broadcast - it was a good friend from the North West Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club  with a cheque for £250 for Operation Horsebox - Thank you NWVJMC - you got the Operation off to a good start.

And further offers followed - thanks for the offer of free transport to Limerick next June - we appreciate the donations and proposed grants, and especially the cheque from Belfast for £20 - please give an address as we really should send out a receipt, but accept our thanks.

Although we are doing well, we are not quite there yet, so please, please keep them coming - thank you.

Thanks also to those firms and individuals who contributed equipment & cllothing towards a 'Sale' to support Operation Horsebox'