RDA’S Toffee takes his first steps in the world of competition
The trainee RDA pony and rider Skye are ready for their first competition together . . .
AT Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), the motto is “it’s what you can do that counts”, and there are many ways that achievement and success are recognised and celebrated. Competition is a vital part of this, which is why novice RDA pony Toffee has been getting ready for the competition season.
“Toffee has done quite a lot of competitions from his time with the Pony Club, and we hope he will help our riders to show off just how far they have come,” Debbie Powell, Coach at Cotswold RDA, explains.
Toffee and his rider, Skye, have been making real progress since they began working together. So much so, they were entered into the RDA Regional Qualifiers – a big event for all the RDA groups in Gloucestershire, Somerset & Bristol and Wiltshire. Riders compete for a place at the prestigious RDA National Championships later in the summer.
“For many of our riders, the Regionals are the biggest competition they have ever entered,” Debbie says, “and for both riders and ponies it can be a nerve-racking experience.”
Toffee and Skye practised at every opportunity to get ready for their dressage competition. The event is a test of both pony and rider, who must ride a set course with tricky elements such as circles, turns, different paces and changes of direction.
Judges mark every element out of 10, and also deduct marks for errors like going the wrong way. The judges are looking for accuracy, control, the skill of the rider and – crucially for Toffee – the obedience of the pony.
On the day of the Regionals, Toffee’s groom, Lou, was up extra early to make sure he was brushed, polished and plaited in time. Grooms take huge pride in the turnout of their ponies in the show arena, so although there are no points for looking good, everyone goes the extra mile.
Once ready, Toffee was led into the lorry with three other pony friends and taken to the showground. There they joined Skye and her family, along with several of the group’s others riders – all trying to keep nerves under control.
Riders are expected to make an effort, too, with smart riding clothes and shiny boots all helping to complete the look.
Finally, their moment came. Skye and Toffee looked immaculate as they entered the enormous arena, supported by volunteer leader Heather, and walked calmly down the centre line. The starting bell rang and they were off.
Heather takes up the story. “Toffee was a very grown-up pony and maintained his good manners when they entered that huge indoor school with all those mirrors! Despite this distraction, he performed his test fairly accurately and looked after Skye throughout their new experience.”
The whole test lasted about 10 minutes, with Toffee and Skye having to complete 12 different elements before a final halt and salute to the judges.
“We were all watching and willing them on every step of the way,” Debbie says. “We could see that Toffee wasn’t making it easy for Skye, but she kept really calm and they looked like a great partnership.”
Suddenly it was all over and time for a well-earned rest and a bucket of water for Toffee. The team filled the agonising wait for results with untacking the ponies, brushing them down and making sure they had enough water and hay.
Finally the results were in. Toffee and Skye came in fourth place! They earned a very respectable 57% with no errors. It wasn’t quite enough to qualify for the National Championships, but everyone was thrilled with how well they had done in their first competition.
“Skye and Toffee have done brilliantly,” Debbie says. “I am so proud of them both.”
Skye received a rosette from the RDA Regional Chairman – and Toffee celebrated with an apple! n
Next time: How Toffee’s riders learn about ponies with RDA.