Aim’s trustee and coaching teams were excited to attend the RDA National Championships at Hartpury College. Widely regarded as the highlight of the RDA calendar, the championships took place between 12th and 14th July. As Aim only received its charity registration in June, we were not in a position to qualify riders for the championships under our name. We were, however, thrilled to support and be supported by Lambourn RDA, who enabled three independent riders (using their own horses) to compete under their banner: thank you so much to Frances and your team.
The weekend was a busy one, requiring hard work and dedication from our volunteer team. Although most of Aim RDA have attended the championships a number of times in the past, it was exciting to attend for the first time as a brand new group: we are very grateful to Sonia Prowse for printing a bumper load of red polo shirts so we looked the part around Hartpury!
Aim RDA’s independent riders achieved fantastic results in their classes. Frankie Townsend was class champion in Level 4 show jumping and Grade 6 canter dressage, with a close second place in the corresponding freestyle class. She also rode beautifully in two showing classes.
Sophia Aitken was also class champion in her Introduction to Dressage test, and achieved fourth place in showing; both on a last minute catch ride. We cannot thank Park Lane Stables RDA enough for allowing us to borrow Dougie, who was fantastic. Sophia also achieved a credible fourth place in tack and turnout, thanks to the diligence of super groom Lucy McKinney.
Sophia’s mum, Tara Aitken, received two third places in her Grade 2 championship and freestyle classes, against a competitive field. We are all inspired by the dedication she showed to get herself and her daughter to Hartpury, in the face of many personal challenges.
Lambourn RDA’s Millie was placed in every class she entered, and it was a pleasure to cheer her – and her riders – on. We left with big dreams for our group and where we might be this time next year: the championships are a flagship event which is the pinnacle of many RDA participants’ goals and achievements. We know there are already lots of big dreams within our group, so we’d better start working hard…