What do RDA think about this

'Richmond Bridge, rush hour is a good test of an emergency system.'

What the actual duck? Richmond bridge at rush hour is not a good test of a safety system.

I assume it wasn't the initial test of the safety system, but in my opinion neither horses or people should be set up to fail. Driving a pony over Richmond bridge at rush hour is inconsiderate of the many commuters who the driver expects to show consideration to the pony. Anyone doing that is putting the poor pony in a brain-frazzling situation and doing it with a known bolter is as stupid as it is dangerous.

For someone who has done the above to accuse the RDA of failing to be 'a responsible and safe organisation' is a case of the lump of coal calling the snowball black.
 
The thing is Simon, just because you feel you have a good product, the charity has no obligation to look at it. If they are happy that they are meeting their aims using the equipment they use now then why would they? I see no benefit in that for them. If you want to help disabled people be with horses then you don't need to do it through the RDA.
But - any responsible charity or other organisation will insist that proper safety clothing is worn. They will also need to do risk assessments on any new activity, including the equipment used. If they don't they are irresponsible and opening themselves up to legal action should anything go wrong.
I think that your widely posted views on the RDA aren't going to do you any favours, and that boat has sailed. So go and work with disabled people away from the RDA. Show them it works and it's safe. If it's that good they will come to you eventually.
 
I haven't read the whole thread, but my initial reaction was that it is a product that has it's place, but that place isn't the RDA! So I wouldn't expect them to have an opinion, other than advising wearing a helmet
 
I think the work of the likes of sports driving unlimited is truely awe inspiring, along with the likes of the RDA. Having watched a fair bit of RDA, novice and open up to world para driving I don't see where this would fit in. I wouldn't put one behind my well schooled 100% bombproof pony with me being totally able bodied so I wouldn't want a disabled person to risk it! There's no 'level' of driving where having an extra pair of hands becomes optional. (small ponies indoors and showing have grooms on the ground, para drivers of all levels have a backstepper and a ground spotter, competitive RDA has a whip and often a backstepper....) RDA operates under a BHD/BDS style system and I think it's set to stay with way ;)
 
I wanted to buy one of the original Saddlechariots until I found out the price. It would have been great for me and my pony. One of the routes around me that I used to drive on has had bridlegates put next to the big gates and the big gates padlocked so I can no longer drive the routes without ringing up the farmer beforehand and asking him to unlock them and others have had some bollards put up to stop cars. The saddlechariot would have fit through all of these obstacles which would have been ideal.
 
I am not suggesting that RDA should blindly accept, or even be polite, all I suggest is that a professional organisation would allow someone to make a presentation. At a local level, back in 2000, when I built a vehicle for a child with disabilities, the local branch sneered "only diddycoys put car seats on horse drawn vehicles, and head Office refused to look at a vehicle ordered by, and not paid for, by a local branch.
Is it the Gypsy connection they loathe? http://www.exeterexpressandecho.co....tml?ito=email_newsletter_exeterexpressandecho
 
I am not suggesting that RDA should blindly accept, or even be polite, all I suggest is that a professional organisation would allow someone to make a presentation. At a local level, back in 2000, when I built a vehicle for a child with disabilities, the local branch sneered "only diddycoys put car seats on horse drawn vehicles, and head Office refused to look at a vehicle ordered by, and not paid for, by a local branch.
Is it the Gypsy connection they loathe? http://www.exeterexpressandecho.co....tml?ito=email_newsletter_exeterexpressandecho

No...it's that the product doesn't fit with their safety regulations and your attitude that is behind their behaviour. They don't have to justify their reasons to you though and it would be wise to remember that.
 
Haven't we done this before? I seem to remember you coming on here and starting a very similar thread a couple of years ago....
 
As usual Simon, you're ignoring the rational and choosing to look for conspiracy theories. You've been given some very good likely reasons why RDA didn't engage with you and you're ignoring them. Valid concerns have been raised about safety, and you haven't addressed them. The fact is that so far nobody seems able to see why the RDA would actually NEED your product, when they are fulfilling their aims well and safely without it. They don't need your Ibex, they don't need to look for new or alternative carriages, they are doing fine as they are.

I think that's a moot point anyway as this discussion is in the public domain. I'm sure someone will point the RDA to it at some stage, and yet again you're making statements and allegations that will only alienate them.
 
What is the point of posting antagonistic threads such as this? What is your aim? Because if it's to make the RDA look at your product, you've done a fine job of ensuring that they won't. You've had pointed out to you the flaws in this design yet you're ignoring experienced able bodied drivers who wouldn't feel safe. Put down the shovel.
 
I wouldn't put one behind my well schooled 100% bombproof pony with me being totally able bodied so I wouldn't want a disabled person to risk it!
meep!

I think lots of professional organisations would only invite someone to make a presentation if they thought something viable so as not to waste anyone's time, given the driving and RDA experience that I know is had by some members on this thread confirming my thoughts on why it would not be an option they would want to investigate.

'He says repeated harassment and a lack of support from the horse world has prevented his invention – the Bex saddlechariot – from receiving the recognition he believes it deserves.'
- or that it just isn't as good as he thinks it is... after 14 years...

“This idea could bring investment, jobs and tourism travel but if I am continually targeted and blocked then there is no point me trying to work here.”
- but it hasn't, in 14 years brought any of that, to you or the area.

Clearly a knighthood would be more appropriate for an 'ex-royal household' for such an amazing invention that clearly no one else can see the light of.... :rolleyes3:
 
I am not suggesting that RDA should blindly accept, or even be polite, all I suggest is that a professional organisation would allow someone to make a presentation. At a local level, back in 2000, when I built a vehicle for a child with disabilities, the local branch sneered "only diddycoys put car seats on horse drawn vehicles, and head Office refused to look at a vehicle ordered by, and not paid for, by a local branch.
Is it the Gypsy connection they loathe? http://www.exeterexpressandecho.co....tml?ito=email_newsletter_exeterexpressandecho

Some statements have already veered quite close but unless this statement can be substantiated I'd say that's libel right there. This is not a good way to get them to take notice of you.
 
So, he doesn't like being thought of as a gypsy but (and to quote the article) "living in a caravan on an illegal travellers’ site in Haldon Forest"
 
No one can force anyone to buy a product- or even to look at it. Everyone had the right to say, no thank you, not for me. Everyone has the right to ignore advertising. You do not have the right to be heard out.

You CAN advertise cleverly, develop a good reputation, work on PR and garner public interest.

The way to ensure your product is successful is to make people want to approach you, to inspire interest.

You cannot bully any person/organisation/company into giving your product the time of day.

Work on your advertising.
 
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