Where should the money go?

[not_with_it]

Im putting my neck on the line here but me and YO were having a convo this morning which I found quite interesting and I would like to hear other peoples views. I do not mean to offend anyone.

A LOT of money gets ploughed into venues for the RDA, this meanns that they get to compete at immaculate venues with huge indoor schools and stables which are spotless. At a selector trails recently they had all these facilities but there were few competitors attended. (If this was a BD competition it would have been cancelled.)

Able bodied competitors are not allowed to compete at these venues as they are not allowed to hold competitions for them or hire out the facilities. Instead we rely on wealthy and generous people to hold competitions at their yard that they have worked hard to build up, they have recieved no funding. Venues are constantly shutting down as owners simply cant afford to run them. Look at stoneleigh for example, they are struggling and there is an RDA centre up the road which has the facilities to hold big events.

Is this fair?

 

[dieseldog]

I don't think you have this completley correct. Hartpury is running some para thing and they are still doing 'normal' competions.

I thought the main advantage was that you got relief on your rates, which is why so many riding schools also do RDA.

 

[LEC]

The Conquest in Taunton is RDA has indoor arena and they hold unaff competitions all through the year.

 

[dieseldog]

Yeah, and the RDA centre at Bristol does unaff as well

 

[Tempi]

The RDA in Wilton down the road from me hold unaffliated competitions and clinics.......

 

[not_with_it]

There is a place around warwickshire I think taht has funding from the unicorn trust(or something like that) and they said that they couldnt hold affiliated comps because of the funding they get. A place near me has also closed due to the same reason. Its such a shame as the facilities are excellent.
I apologise if I have got it wrong.

If they hold unaff it might just be affiliated that they cant run.

 

[dieseldog]

Well the Unicorn trust place at Stow on the Wold does stallion and Mare grading for some breed society that isn't a disabled activity. Maybe some charities that donate money put a covenant on it.

 

[keysoe]

I believe that the Unicorn Trust is not allowed to run competitions - it is a training venue, grading / viewing / selection would be OK, but not a competition

 

[scs]

Yes, unicorn trust not allowed to run competitions (probably due to access past private houses - I imagine dont have planning for that) but as far as I know any group can hire it for training if they can afford it. it is used for training for WCP scheme for eventing, as well as for Para teams I think. Super location, very civilised!!!!

 

[josie_s]

There is an RDA Centre in my area that was purpose built with funding. It has a lovely indoor areana and an outdoor and regularly (3 - 4 times a month) organises competitions for able bodied competitors. It also hires out its facilties to individuals (£20 for half hour though!) and to local riding clubs (for training and competitions)