NZRDA National Training Seminar a record-setting success   27 May 2015

NZRDA National Training Seminar a record-setting success

This past weekend saw representatives from RDA Groups from across New Zealand come together in Christchurch for the annual National Training Seminar (NTS).

163 attendees converged on the Chateau on the Park venue for the three-day conference, which offered a series of presentations and workshops for RDA Volunteers, Coaches and Committee members. This years’ conference featured a strong focus on the RDA Volunteer, and the integral part these dedicated people play in the delivery of Rider Outcomes.

Day One began with a presentation from Karen Aspery, CEO of RDA Australia, who spoke about RDA Sport and Recreational programmes. This was followed by Kate Bruce, a Physiotherapist and part of Christchurch Group RDA, who presented the mechanisms for the delivery of RDA Therapy Programmes. Following this, Dr Olive Webb spoke about the value of RDA Educational Programmes.

Day One wrapped up with the NZRDA Annual General Meeting, where Jayne Findlay (Christchurch Group RDA) was farewelled from the NZRDA Board of Directors and Jane Neale (West Coast Group RDA) was welcomed as her replacement. In addition Jayne Findlay was presented with Life Membership to NZRDA, in recognition of her 11 years of service to NZ Riding for the Disabled on the NZRDA Board.

Day Two featured a series of practical demonstrations at the Christchurch Group RDA Arena, a fantastic venue contained inside Canterbury Agricultural Park. Inside the arena, attendees listened to well-known New Zealand equine specialist Jody Hartstone who demonstrated how RDA Groups can select suitable Horses for RDA work, as well as how Horses learn.

After lunch, Karen Aspery (RDAA) workshopped how Groups can develop goals for a Sport & Recreational Programme, before demonstrating some exercises that can be used to improve riding skills. This was followed by a talk with well-known Para-Equestrian Rider Anthea Dixon, who spoke of her journey from becoming a paraplegic in 2006 to representing New Zealand at the London 2012 Paralympics and World Equestrian Games in 2014. Anthea and Jody then teamed up to put on an impressive riding demonstration to finish up the day.

Day Three saw the attendees return to the Chateau on the Park, where there were two presentations from RDA Groups – ‘Living and Working with Autism’ presented by Robert Kell (Levin Group RDA) and Ann Carthew (Tararua Group RDA), and Volunteering and Recruitment with Donna Kennedy (Wellington Group RDA). After lunch the delegates said their farewells and departed the conference, no doubt keen to share their learnings with others back in their Groups.

NZRDA Chief Executive, Guy Ockenden, says that it was a successful seminar, which attracted the largest number of attendees to NTS in its history.

“Not only does NTS provide our Volunteers, Staff, Coaches and Committee Members a chance to learn from industry veterans about best practice and maximising Rider Outcomes, but it also presents valuable networking opportunities – it’s a fantastic way for like-minded people to all get together to share ideas and develop RDA-specific skills and knowledge.”

NZRDA wishes to acknowledge the support of all the attendees at the 2015 NTS event, as well as the sponsors who helped to make it happen – including HSBC and the Canterbury Community Trust. Special thanks must also go to Christchurch Group RDA for their hosting of Day Two of the conference.

ENDS

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