RDA Creative Writing Competition
The RDA Creative Writing Competition is now in its tenth year. To celebrate this, we have added a new class to our existing classes: poem, letter, short story and picture story (with or without words).
Your entry could be a story about a recent celebration or a poem about a party at RDA for example. The theme for this year’s competition is RDA Celebrations.
The focus should be on your thoughts, imagination and the content – we don’t mind at all how you present your work. We just want you to be able express yourself in a way that is accessible to you.
Who can enter?
The RDA Creative Writing Competition is open to all RDA participants (riders, carriage drivers and vaulters), of all ages and abilities. We cannot accept entries from volunteers, unfortunately, unless they are also current RDA participants. Classes are open to individual entrants only. You may enter more than one class if you wish, but only one entry per participant, per class will be accepted.
How can your entry be entered?
Entries can be submitted in any format (e.g. computer-printed, pencil, pen or typewriter copy with pictures drawn or images cut out and stuck on). Braille entries can be submitted but please also supply a printed transcription. Printed or drawn Makaton symbols can be used. Entries in languages other than English are encouraged, too, but please provide an English translation to assist the judges. The competition is also a great opportunity to involve families, schools/ colleges or care centres too, as participants are welcome to create their entries at any time; in RDA sessions, in the classroom or at home.
How much will it cost to enter?
Entry is completely FREE! Simply send all entries with a fully completed entry form (one form per entry) by Monday 3rd March 2026. There will be no regional rounds of judging.
Please ensure that you keep your own copies of each entry safely, as we will be unable to return any work sent into National Office. RDA National Office cannot be held responsible for any entries not received in time, lost, or damaged. All entries are sent entirely at the entrants’ own risk. Late entries cannot be accepted.
How and when will entries be judged?
Each entry will be considered on its own merit; the judge will be looking for specific relevance and reference to this year’s theme of Celebration at RDA, along with charm, imagination and appeal.
The closing date for receipt of entries at National Office will be Monday 3rd March 2026 and the winners will be announced as soon as possible afterwards, in April 2026.
Class 1: A poem about
Your poem doesn’t necessarily have to rhyme but must have a celebration theme. Maximum 350 words. Open to all ages/ abilities - all entries will receive a rosette and congratulations letter!
Class 2: A letter about
Perhaps writing about a celebration that you have enjoyed? Or maybe writing an invitation about a celebration you would like to have? Maximum 500 words. Open to all ages/ abilities – all entries will receive a rosette and congratulations letter!
Class 3: A short story about
It could be fact or fiction, but aim to inspire, entertain and amaze! You can be as imaginative or creative as you like, but make sure you don’t go over the limit of 500 words. Open to all ages/ abilities - all entries will receive a rosette and congratulations letter!
Class 4: A short picture story about
This could be like a comic style with some text, or just pictures either cut out or drawn to show a celebration story. Maximum 250 words. Open to all ages/abilities – all entries will receive a rosette and a congratulations letter!
Prizes for all classes to be announced.