Regional Dressage Day
The regional dressage competition was held at our Centre on Sunday 3rd of August. The weather was kind with
the sun shining and taking the chill off the day. We had 15 competitors with entries in walk, trot and canter.
Our riders are to be congratulated on their fine efforts, and not to forget our horses that didn’t put a foot wrong all
day. Our horses were as well dressed as their riders with Hacksaw and Blackjack looking the “prettiest” adorned
with ribbons, and Rags and Prince Charming handsomely presented in all their finery. We were treated to an
excellent pas de deux by two of our Wednesday evening “cowgirls”.
Although the day ran a little later than expected the atmosphere was terrific with all our riders and their families
watching other riders and enjoying the scrumptious morning tea and BBQ lunch. As always the presentations of
the ribbons by our judge, Sadie Pattison, was the highlight of the day. It also was a chance to thank our riders
who participated in the day plus our ever helpful coaches, volunteers and parents who contributed to making the
day a successful one.
Awareness Week was held during the first week of August at all RDA Centres across New South Wales.
Awareness Week is an opportunity to promote greater awareness within our community about the amazing work of
the RDA Raymond Terrace & Lower Hunter Centre.
Our riders and drivers were given an activity pack filled with fun and educational activities which are designed to
promote discussion and a better understanding of our wonderful horses. Below are photos taken during the week that
show our celebrations. From left to right: One of our riders feeding their horse homemade ‘Horse Biscuits’, a selection ofthe art/colouring activities and one of our school groups showing off their prize winning treats.
Handmade Horse Themed Quilt Donated
Dianne Sweeney participated in our Tamworth Bus Trip earlier this year. She was so motivated after talking with
our volunteers, that she decided that she wanted to help our Centre in any way she could. Dianne has donated to
us a gorgeous single bed patchwork quilt that she has made. The quilt has a horse theme and already we have
riders, drivers and volunteers clamouring to get hold of it. We plan to raffle this wonderful quilt and information
about the raffle will be announced soon. We may even select the winner at our Volunteers’ Luncheon!
Seaham Public School Raises Money for RDA
On Tuesday 16th September, our Vice President, George Sinclair, was delighted to receive a cheque
for $500.00 from the Principal of Seaham Public School, Mr Stephen Palmer, and the schools male
and female Captains and Vice-Captains.
This arose from the efforts of a Tuesday rider, Cory Ross & his mum, Sally. Cory, who attends the school and
who has been riding at RDA since March of this year, was a little overawed when he first arrived, but he and
Darcy, Cory’s very favourite horse, now make a really great team.
Seaham school is quite a small school with a lovely country atmosphere and they, obviously, support their
students in all their endeavours. At the same time that they raised this money for RDA, they were also raising
money for another student who was selected to represent NSW in the State Primary School Soccer Competition
(NSW were runners-up to Qld in this competition).
RDA is always conscious of the support that is received from the community, and we are most appreciative of
the support of this “little” school that in recent years has grown to have 240 students.
