Riding for the Disabled members consider name change
The Riding for the Disabled Association Incorporating Carriage Driving — known as the more punchy RDA — is considering changing its name.
The idea was proposed at the RDA’s AGM last November.
“We’re consulting members in a non-committal way,” said RDA chief executive Ed Bracher.
“Many think our current name inadequately describes the spread of our activities and a significant number of volunteers believe the word ‘disabled’ excludes some of our riders.”
Sarah Cornell, chairman of Wiltshire RDA, canvassed opinion last week at a gathering of local groups.
She told H&H: “The message from Wiltshire is clear. A name change is too expensive, particularly in the current climate.
“Ed Bracher has done exactly the right thing to react to the request for a name change, and he’s right to ensure it will not be centrally decided, but rather a decision by the volunteers, riders and their carers and families. The ball is in our court, which is excellent.”
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RDA links more than 500 volunteer groups. Its 18,000 volunteers help 26,500 special needs adults and children to ride or carriage drive annually.
This article was first published in Horse & Hound (3 June, ’10)
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