NYRDA will receive the 2012 proceeds from the monthly charity pub quiz run by Candy Kerpache and hosted by The Masons Arms North Leigh
 

NYRDA has been chosen by staff of Co-operative Witney to receive 50% of the proceeds from their Book Table

Thanks to the Committee & Members of West Oxfordshire Riding Club for supporting NYRDA in 2011. We received a donation of £300 at their AGM on December 1st.
 

We have given community broadcaster, Witney TV exclusive access to our stables to make the first ever film about New Yatt RDA. Rider Carly Marno gives a great interview and demonstrates her skills riding Paddy. Kay launches "The World' Biggest Riding Lesson". Witney TV will be back to film the evening session of WBRL on September 28th
 
 

New Yatt RDA has registered to be a  centre for the Young Equestrian Leaders Award. YELA is a new and exciting award that has been developed by Riding for the Disabled (RDA) for the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) in consultation with many of its Member Bodies to increase and encourage the number of young people volunteering in the Equestrian industry.

The award runs over three progressive levels increasing from 20 hours to achieve the Bronze standard up to 120 hours to achieve the Gold Standard. The award is open to all young people between the ages of 13 and 25. They must fully complete an application form and send it back to head office and their log book will be issued to them. No hours may be back dated. Hours may be counted from volunteering with any BEF Member Body. Please email helpers@newyattrda.org.uk for further information
 

New Yatt RDA ponies, riders and helpers will be participating in WBRL, which is organised by RDA National and brings RDA groups and equestrian centres together to get the world riding. WBRL will be an important fundraiser for our NYRDA. Follow the link left to sponsor a pony and look out for future announcements about the event  
 

NYRDA was priviledged to be nominated as Charity of 2011 for the annual WIMM fundraiser. Fundraising activities throughout June and July which included cake, plant and book/DVD stalls raffle and tombola, culminated in the popular Quiz Night and the total raised for our Group will exceed £1900.

The Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine fosters research in molecular and cell biology with direct application to the study of human disease. Housing around four hundred scientists plus support staff who are based at the JR Hospial Oxford, WIMM is at the forefront of an exciting research field impacting on our understanding and treatment of diseases ranging from Cancer to AIDS.

 

Saturday rider Luke and his mum Dawn presented us with a cheque for £100 which was donated by the organisers of the Byfield Bethell Charity Cup, a Northants football tournament which raises funds for good causes.

 

Fahye, a 23 year old Connemara mare on loan with the Group since February 2006 was presented with a 5 year service medal by Isobel who was her NYRDA first rider and continues to enjoy riding her in sessions. Fahye's carer Kay paid tribute to her professional attitude to RDA work and thanked Fahye's owner Louisa for entrusting her to the Group
 

Topsy moved to her retirement home at The Horse Trust, Speen in early January. Topsy has given over 18 years of service to NYRDA and throughout this time has been cared for by Pat Kelly and ridden by many RDA helpers and riders. The Horse Trust is the UK's oldest equine charity dedicated to providing long term retirement opportunites to working horses. Click on the photo left for a link to their website
 

Thursday Instructor, Viv Kendall will be leaving the Group at the end of the month.  On behalf of riders and helpers, Libby Hartwell paid a fulsome tribute to her at the recent Helper Bring & Share supper, citing Viv's dedicated care of the horses, support of riders as an Instructor, her diligent role as Health & Safety Officer and Editor of New Yatt News. Please see a message from Viv to all her NYRDA friends, left pane
 

On Saturday June 12th riders helpers and guests celebrated our Silver Jubilee with a Pig Roast at the stables. Local Country & Western band JC King and Witney belly dancers Hazazz provided the entertainment. Thanks to all the organisers and sponsors of this event
 

In June we were awarded a grant of £5,000 from Sport Relief through the Oxfordshire Community Foundation to purchase a new weight carrying cob pony or horse.

 

Our extensive search for a suitable horse ended locally when we were offered 8 year old 14.2hh dun Highland pony. Spitchwick Sea Jasper has arrived at New Yatt RDA to start training for his new job. NYRDA helpers and riders are all eager to meet him and help him settle in.

 

We have received a very generous donation from Russell Investments towards the purchase of our new pony, Pollyanna a 14.1hh Welsh section D mare  

Topsy was presented with her 15 years service award on Wednesday April 23rd. Former riders Graham and Eric did the honours and many Friends of NYRDA who attended the ceremony stayed for coffee and cake. A lovely article with  photo has been printed in the Oxford Mail