RDA rider to participate inworld famous horse show

Norman McClean from the RDA (NI) Banbridge and Moira group is due to take part in a Trail Ride at the world famous Dublin Horse Show in the RDS this month.

The Trail Ride is being held as part of the display by riders from the RDA’s (NI) sister organisation in the south, Riding for the Disabled Association Ireland (RDAI) at the RDS.

Norman has been invited to participate as the RDA (NI) representative due to the long-standing links and co-operation between the two organisations whose main focus is to broaden the physical, intellectual and social horizons of people with special needs.

In total eight riders including Norman will take part in the Trail Ride at Ring two on Saturday, August 9. In addition, carriage drivers from the RDAI will lead the parade of carriages on Sunday, August 10 at 2.30pm in the main arena and compete in a showing class later in the afternoon.

Norman who works in a day centre’s horticulture unit also participates in other sports such as football and archery.

He attends his local Gateway group on a weekly basis and also enjoys trips to the cinema, the pub and 10 pin bowling.

Norman also likes to get dressed up and go to Formals / dances with his girlfriend Sarah. He currently lives with his two brothers and enjoys doing some cooking for them.

Norman has Grade 1 Riding and Level 1 Show jumping. He represented Banbridge and Moira Group at the NI Regional Showjumping competition in April and gained third place. His Group celebrated their 25th anniversary this year and held a party in May, at which Norman met the President of RDA UK, the Princess Royal.