RDANSW “Bits ‘n’ Pieces” Summer/Autumn 2012 Riding for the Disabled Association NSW Summer/Autumn 2012 Editor: Lyn Lazarus RDANSW PO Box 710 SYDNEY MARKETS NSW 2129 RDANSW “Bits ‘n’ Pieces” Summer/Autumn 2012 RDA 40 NSW RDA(NSW) 40th Birthday Celebratory Dinner What a great way to celebrate the first fabulous forty years of achievements with RDANSW hosting a very successful Celebratory Dinner at the Macquarie University Atrium Room on Saturday night May 5, 2012. Around 170 people attended the evening including our invited guests The Hon. John Alexander MP, Member for Bennelong, who officially opened the evening’s festivities and The Hon. Greg Smith, MP, Mayor of Epping, Attorney General of NSW, The Hon Victor Dominello MP, Mayor of Ryde and Minister for Citizenship & Communities and both retired and present RDANSW Life Members. ……A special thank you to “The Tokens” who supplied the musical entertainment. They had many jive - happy dancers up on the floor!! What made the evening complete was sharing this great occasion with the many members and their friends from 15 of our Centres who were very enthusiastic revellers!!! Our Chairperson, Jaci Armstrong welcomed all and invited The Hon. John Alexander MP, to officially open the evening’s festivities There were many special moments throughout the night beginning with our Banner Parade that was, as always, spectacular with members from our Centres proudly parading their Centre Banners………Being invited to represent our Volunteers, alongside Jan Pike who represented our Riders, to cut the Celebratory Cake….. The presentation of awards including winners of the State Awards…. RDANSW Life Membership awarded to Bev Amery and the Pearl Batchelor Medal, presented by Bob Talbot, awarded to Wendy Torr……Plaques presented to two Centres for their many years of service to RDANSW, RDA Young Centre for 20 years of service and to “Tall Timbers” Centre for 40 years of service…. A special plaque was also presented to “Tall Timbers” Centre recognising the name of the property at West Pennant Hills where RDA first commenced in NSW. The other special moment was Kay Wye officially launching the RDANSW book “40 Years of Riding for the Disabled Association in New South Wales”…. Kay spent the past two years editing and organising the printing of this book…..We also acknowledged “Flagstaff Print and Mail” for the printing and graphics required and for the many donated hours of their staff time lending this publication their professional expertise. We hope you enjoy reading the great stories on the histories and achievements of our Centres. There are also wonderful stories from Riders and interesting “tails” of our four legged friends, without whom, RDA would not exist RDANSW “Bits ‘n’ Pieces” Summer/Autumn 2012 Many books were sold on the night but if you know of people who wish to purchase a copy for $25.00 plus postage, please contact Lucy at State Office. The book has 312 pages including photos both in colour and black/white. The raffle drawn on the night was a tremendous success raising $803.65….. Wendy Moorland won the painting by Judith Adam “High Tea in the High Country"….. Barbara Davies won the 1hour Tennis Lesson for 2 people at The Next Generation Club, Ryde, donated by John Alexander MP and …the 1 night’s accommodation for 2 at the Novotel Manly Pacific Hotel was won by Jan Sharp. RDANSW has come a long way and has much to be proud of thanks to the decisions made over the past 40 years that have been based on a keen desire to protect the core values of RDA(NSW) ……having a strong commitment to our Riders, Horses, Volunteers, Coaches and Staff alike. Working as a team we have shown that we can achieve our goals and dreams. On behalf of the Directors, thank you all for sharing this milestone occasion with us. Director/Marketing/Promotions, RDA(NSW) Margaret Norman, The Hon. John Alexander MP, and Karen O’Neill from “Tall Timbers” receiving the plaque to celebrate “Tall Timbers” being the founding RDANSW Centre Jaci Armstrong and Bev Amery RDANSW’s new Life Member RDANSW “Bits ‘n’ Pieces” Summer/Autumn 2012 Wendy Torr receiving the Bev Amery, Jaci Armstrong and Wendy Torr Pearl Batchelor Medal from Bob Talbot RDANSW Board Members at 1988 Margaret and Jan Pike cutting the birthday cake RDANSW “Bits ‘n’ Pieces” Summer/Autumn 2012 RDA NSW FORTIETH ANNIVERSARY COACHES WORKSHOP 5 May 2012 Our little Bathurst contingent was very impressed with the new Ryde Centre, with it’s spacous grounds, immaculate gardens, large covered arena, seven woodchipped horse yards with shelters, concrete walk ways, inviting trail ride, and spotless feed room containing purpose made lidded, wooden feed bins. Not surprising their horses are in such good condition with Dr Caroline Foote, B.Sc.(Hons)M.App.Sc. Ph.D. scientifically formulating each individual ration, including her beneficial feed balancer pellet Head To Hoof. Ryde Centre was opened 26th November, 2011 and is situated on 5 acres. Our sincere thanks to Jenny Armstrong and the Ryde team for their warm hospitality and delicious variety of food and beverages throughout the weekend. I feel very privileged to be a part of these wonderful workshops, and to be tutored by such outstanding presenters, including Scientists, Vets, Farriers , Physiotherapists, experts in many fields of study, and insights from parents of children with disabilities. Dr Paul McGreevy who is a highly qualified Veterinary Scientist specializing in horse welfare and behavioral medicine, will stay in my mind for a long time to come. How refreshing to know such great minds are endeavoring to lessen the plight of our long suffering horses. There is so much misunderstanding and cruel practices involving horses. On Saturday evening we celebrated the Fortieth Anniversary Dinner, in the Atrium at Macquarie University. We all felt very special, as the organizers had gone above and beyond, with beautifully decorated tables, classy cuisine, wine and band The Tokens. A bevy of eager waiters and waitresses looked after our every need. We were all joined by Hon Victor Dominello MP, The Hon Greg Smith SC MP, Attorney General of NSW John Alexander MP and many other special guests. Congratulations Wendy, on your award, the Pearl Batchelor Award for distinguished service to RDANSW, and judging by the tumultuous accolade you are held in very high esteem. Congratulations to all of the other recipients. RDANSW “Bits ‘n’ Pieces” Summer/Autumn 2012 Congratulations to Kay Wye, Margaret Norman and the team on the production of the Fortieth Anniversary Book. What an amazing achievement and wonderful legacy for all of us and those who will follow. Blessings from Lyn Doherty and the Bathurst Contingent. RDANSW “Bits ‘n’ Pieces” Summer/Autumn 2012 20 RDANSW “Bits ‘n’ Pieces” Summer/Autumn 2012 “bits ‘n’ pieces” 20 A bit of history...... Heather Baker of RDANSW Wagga Wagga Centre founded the “Bits ‘n’ Pieces” newsletter in 1992. Left is the original cover. Below is the Editorial from the second issue – RDANSW “Bits ‘n’ Pieces” Summer/Autumn 2012 Kerry Souter from RDANSW “Tall Timbers” Centre took over the editing of the “Bits ‘n’ Pieces” newsletter in 1996. Below is the cover of the newsletter then, and the President’s Report RDANSW “Bits ‘n’ Pieces” Summer/Autumn 2012 RDANSW “Bits ‘n’ Pieces” Summer/Autumn 2012 RDANSW “Bits ‘n’ Pieces” Summer/Autumn 2012 Below is the next generation of the “Bits ‘n’ Pieces” edited my myself, Lyn Lazarus. These days instead of all black and white, we can enjoy colour in our newsletters Below is a report from Margaret Norman in 2002 RDANSW “Bits ‘n’ Pieces” Summer/Autumn 2012 RDANSW “Bits ‘n’ Pieces” Summer/Autumn 2012 RDANSW “Bits ‘n’ Pieces” Summer/Autumn 2012 2012 National Para-Equestrian Squads 2012 Para-Equestrian National Elite Squad Rider Horse Owner Grace Bowman Kirby Park Irish Joy Grace Bowman Hannah Dodd Waikiwi Victoria McBeath 2012 Para-Equestrian National Elite Squad - HOLD Rider Horse Owner Sharon Jarvis Applewood Odorado Sharon Jarvis 2012 Para-Equestrian National A Squad Rider Horse Owner Chelsea Higgins Holstein Park Comedian Chelsea Higgins Elizabeth (Anne) Skinner Aubaine Cossack Elizabeth Skinner Elizabeth Sobecki Ponderosa Stud Lucarno Elizabeth Sobecki Fleur Litster Penroban Augustus Fleur Litster Jan Pike Pinky Catherine Shelley Joann Formosa Worldwide PB Joann Formosa Jan Pike Pinky Catherine Shelley Lesley Smit Willow Tree Serendipity Lesley Smit Nicole Blanks Just A Gem Veronica Steward Nikki Doogue Ricacho Nikki Doogue Rob Oakley Statford Mantovani Jose Mendez State Branches Congratulations to all the above people who have worked so hard over the last four years to hopefully qualify to ride in the 2012 Paralympics. Our very best wishes go to the ones who are going to make the trip to England and especially to our own Hannah Dodd – well done Hannah! RDANSW “Bits ‘n’ Pieces” Summer/Autumn 2012 The Telegraph Friday, May 18 2012 WANTED Pony 13 – 14 hh for purchase or long loan/lease RDA Ryde Centre is in need of a pony to join our team of four horses. We would prefer a gelding but if someone has a mare of the size, and suitable temperament for RDA work we would be happy to accept her. The pony would have its own yard and stable. If you are able to help please contact RDA Ryde at [email protected] or phone RDA Ryde Centre on 9868 2223 RDANSW “Bits ‘n’ Pieces” Summer/Autumn 2012 RDANSW “Bits ‘n’ Pieces” Summer/Autumn 2012 RDA NSW State Dressage Championships – by Joan Grant, RDA Ryde Centre RDA NSW conducts an annual dressage competition, and similarly to the Mounted Games, riders from the various RDA NSW Centres first qualify at their Regional Dressage event and, if successful, then go on to compete in the State Championships, which are held at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre (SIEC) at Horsley Park.