15 Jun 2006 - 11 Qualifiers for Hartpury

This year we have no fewer than 11 qualifiers for the RDA National Championship Finals in Gloucestershire next month. Every year we get more riders through the qualifying rounds thanks to some excellent coaching by Elaine Goodall and her fellow instructors. This year we'll be taking 4 horses, the most we've ever taken.

The journey to Hartpury (in Gloucestershire) began in May when we took a team of 15 riders to the Unicorn Centre, Middlesbrough to compete in the Yorkshire & Cleveland Regional Qualifiers of the Walk in the Country competition. Four of the team - Peter Olby, Lynne Burnley, Alice Bryett and Paul Kitchingman qualified in their respective categories to progress to the Finals. Considering the high standard of the competition, these results were an excellent return for the Otley and District team.

Next came the Regional Dressage Qualifiers at the Middleton Park Equestrian Centre Leeds on Sunday 4th June. A junior and senior squad with physical and/or learning difficulties competed in different classes depending on ability and physical profile. That day another six riders from Otley & District Group qualified for the National Finals - Mandy Schofield, Bernadette Spellman, Megan Herbert, Elaine Button, Richard Bromley and Joshua Brewerton. Kathryn Wheelock also qualifies automatically by virtue of being a National Champion.

The Finals will take place at Hartpury College, Gloucestershire over the weekend of Saturday 15th-Sunday 16th July.

Sponsorship for this mammoth undertaking is actively being sought by the group. We exist solely courtesy of charitable donations. If you can give any financial help, however small, please click on the 'Contact' button on the left side of the page. Thank you.