Competition Opportunities for ASN Riders
There are a variety of opportunities to get involved in different competitions at various levels for our riders with additional needs:
North Midlands Riding for the Disabled Regional Qualifiers
RDA Annual Qualifiers are competitios held annually late spring where riders can qualify for a place at the RDA National Championships.
Riders from across our RDA region (Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire & Nottinghamshire) compete on behalf of their RDA groups and the top riders in each class qualify for a place at the RDA National Championships in July.
There are separate in person qualifiers for Dressage and the Countryside Challenge. Usually one of the qualifiers is held at Scropton and the other at Belvoir Vale RDA in Nottinghamshire.
The regional qualifier for Show Jumping is normally a virtual competition with videos submitted for judging
There is also an Arts & Crafts Competition that RDA participants can enter
Regional Dressage Qualifier
Riders enter a dressage class that is appropriate to their disabilities. For some classes you can choose if you want a walk only class, walk and trot class or walk, trot & canter class.
There are introductory classes for lead rein riders but all other classes are ridden independently.
The regional qualifiers are aimed at riders who are at a level to compete at the National Championships and so a reasonable amount of riding skill and experience is required. Riders taking part in the qualifiers should have the intention of competing at the National Championships if they qualify.
Regional Countryside Challenge Qualifier
Riders enter a class that is appropriate to their riding level. The Countryside Challenge course is a series of obstacles that test a riders skill in controlling their horse. It can be completed in walk only or there can be a small trot section. Riders can be on a lead rein, and may have a side walker, or can ride independently. However the rider is expected to be in full charge of the horse with any leader/sidewalker there for safety.
The regional qualifiers are aimed at riders who are at a level to compete at the National Championships and so a reasonable amount of riding skill and experience is required. Riders taking part in the qualifiers should have the intention of competing at the National Championships if they qualify.
Regional Show Jumping Qualifier
Riders enter a class that is appropriate to their level of showjumping ability. Classes start with a short course over small jumps and progress up to a full course of jumps at 80cm. Riders must be able to complete the courses independently.
The regional qualifiers are aimed at riders who are at a level to compete at the National Championships and so a reasonable amount of riding skill and experience is required. Riders taking part in the qualifiers should have the intention of competing at the National Championships if they qualify.
Regional Arts & Crafts Qualifier
This competition is ope to all RDA participants, with classes for drawing, painting, sculpture, collage and photography
Riding for the Disabled National Championships
Special Olympics is an International multi-sports organisation for athletes with intellectual disabilities. We have a local group in the East Midlands that runs two equestrian competitions each year; one in the spring (usually April) and one in the autumn (usually September). Many of the riders taking part are from RDA groups, though there are also some independent riders involved.
Riders can take part at a level that suits their riding skills. There are 3 levels:
Level C - Walk only. Can be on lead rein, off lead rein with sidewalker or ridden independently. Riders take part in Dressage and Working Trails (a ridden obstacle course)
Level B - Walk & trot, ridden independently. Riders take part in Dressage and Working Trails (a ridden obstacle course)
Level A - Walk, trot & canter - ridden independently. Riders can with take part in Dressage & Working Trails, or in Dressage & Prix Caprilli (Dressage style test with jumps)
The emphasis for these Special Olympics competitions is very much on joining in and having a go, so less riding experience is needed for these competitions which have a more relaxed atmosphere.
Riders must be at least eight years of age and be identified by an agency or professional as having an intellectual disability to be eligible to participate. A rider can take part in one competition as a ‘guest’ but must then complete an application to Special Olympics to register as an athlete if they want to take part in further competitions.
East Midlands Special Olympics Competitions take place at Scropton RDA
Riding for the Disabled Virtual National Championships
RDA holds a virtual competition (entries recorded on video and submitted for judging) in the Autumn each year. The winning videos for each class are broadcast in a ‘live’ event online. Classes are offered in Dressage, Showjumping and the Countryside Challenge.
This tends to be a more grassroots competition than the July National Championships and so is open to a wider range of riding abilities.
Special Olympics is an International multi-sports organisation for athletes with intellectual disabilities. We have a local group in the East Midlands that runs two equestrian competitions each year; one in the spring (usually April) and one in the autumn (usually September). Many of the riders taking part are from RDA groups, though there are also some independent riders involved.
Riders can take part at a level that suits their riding skills. There are 3 levels:
Level C - Walk only. Can be on lead rein, off lead rein with sidewalker or ridden independently. Riders take part in Dressage and Working Trails (a ridden obstacle course)
Level B - Walk & trot, ridden independently. Riders take part in Dressage and Working Trails (a ridden obstacle course)
Level A - Walk, trot & canter - ridden independently. Riders can with take part in Dressage & Working Trails, or in Dressage & Prix Caprilli (Dressage style test with jumps)
The emphasis for these Special Olympics competitions is very much on joining in and having a go, so less riding experience is needed for these competitions which have a more relaxed atmosphere.
Riders must be at least eight years of age and be identified by an agency or professional as having an intellectual disability to be eligible to participate. A rider can take part in one competition as a ‘guest’ but must then complete an application to Special Olympics to register as an athlete if they want to take part in further competitions.
East Midlands Special Olympics Competitions take place at Scropton RDA
Dressage Anywhere
Dressage Anywhere is an online competition that offers monthly classes at a wide variety of levels. Dressage tests are filmed and submitted for judging. They offer a full range of RDA classes including Introductory classes on the lead rein.
Riders can qualify through the monthly classes to take part in the Dressage Anywhere RDA Championships.
We occasionally offer dates for riders to join a session where they can practice and film a dressage test to submit. Alternatively a private lesson can be booked for this.
Please ask your coach if you would like to know more about any of these competition opportunities
Please note that there is a cost involved in competing that covers the use of one of our horses, coach support for the event, travel to the event (if applicable) and the entrance fee for the event classes. The cost will vary depending on the event and its location. For some events you may also be required to wear specific clothing such as a riding jacket, Scropton sweatshirt, specific coloured jodhpurs etc