Local woman appointednational trustee of RDA

Julie Jordan has spent 28 years volunteering with the group, incorporating Carriage Driving, and has held the post of Regional Chairperson for three years.

Along with general trustee duties, Julie’s specific role will include chairing the Operations Planning Committee with a view to coordinating national operations strategy and the associated policies. With 500 RDA groups and over 30,000 participants throughout the UK, this is no small commitment and will hopefully ensure that groups, their riders, drivers and volunteers receive sufficient support, advice and training.

The Committee that Julie will be chairing oversees all of the activities that the RDA carries out and gives a wonderful flavour of the variety of options offered to disabled riders and drivers, including carriage driving, show jumping, vaulting and holidays.

The RDA helps to improve both participants’ strength, flexibility and fitness and their self-esteem and independence.

Julie said: “We hope that all our participants will achieve their goals during their time with RDA - that may be simply getting onto the pony for the first time, trotting, competing at the National Championships and everything in between! There is something for everyone- it is always good fun and provides therapy at the same time.”

Julie began her involvement with the RDA at Moy group, one of 28 currently riding in Northern Ireland. After five years there, she was asked to help set up a group at Ballyknock Riding school, Moira and in September 1989 Banbridge and Moira group was created.

Julie was group organiser and co-ordinated up to 15 riders and 16 to 20 helpers at two lessons every week while raising three young daughters at home. Banbridge and Moira group went from strength to strength, thanks in no small part to Julie’s organisational prowess and a pool of reliable and most able volunteers.

Volunteering with the RDA is a rewarding and challenging experience. Riders who make use of the RDA often require up to three helpers- a leader and two side walkers to keep them secure and safe in the saddle. The responsibility is significant but the rewards are well worth it- riding and driving are two of the only outdoor activities that are open to disabled people.

If you would be interested in volunteering please see www.ridingforthedisabledni.org.uk According to Julie: “It doesn’t matter how old (or young) you are- it’s what you can do that counts.”