Press release sh/june23

Riding school coach appointed To UK show jumping role Pembrokeshire College’s equestrian centre manager Mike Butcher has been appointed Head Coach for the RDA (Riding for the Disabled Association) UK Show Jumping, putting Pembrokeshire at the forefront of para-equestrian show jumping in the UK. Michael Butcher, who’s been a lecturer in Equine Studies at Pembrokeshire College for 18 years, based at the Bowlings Riding School in Rudbaxton, Haverfordwest, said: ‘I am looking forward to working with experienced RDA coaches who, with the valuable input of RDA physiotherapists, will ensure the highest standard of delivery is made available to all riders, from novices to para-Olympians of the future’. The RDA was set up 40 years ago to develop show jumping for disabled riders and as a specific activity has inevitably been contentious due to the safety issues and training that it demands. The value of horse riding, for both physically and learning disabled riders and the therapeutic nature of the activity, has long been recognized. Disabled and disadvantaged children in Pembrokeshire are able to access subsidized and fully-assisted riding classes where they are encouraged to ride and learn at their own pace; developing balance, confidence and communication skills alongside their riding skills. Contact with the horses can also have profound effects on well-being. Following moves from the Federation Equestrian International (FEI) and with support from British Show Jumping, it became clear that RDA show jumping will take place in International competition in the future. Michael, the centre’s manager, has been asked to lead a working committee to develop the sport of RDA Show Jumping in the UK in response to these developments. Ed Bracher, Chief Executive of the RDA said: ‘I asked Mike to take this role due to his extensive knowledge of RDA and with his experience of show jumping. As an educationalist, we also felt that his background in developing training and learning systems would help bring clarity to the pathway that we needed to identify for both the RDA centres and riders’. Spurred on by this appointment, Mike has undertaken the highest qualification that a show jumping coach can obtain under the UK Coaching Show Jumping Programme.

Mike said: ‘The course involved coaching able-bodied riders of all abilities and is an internationally-recognised qualification. With this qualification and the RDA Senior Instructors qualification I feel that I can ensure that the highest standard of delivery is made available to all riders’.

As part of the training Mike was assessed by current ‘Team GB’ British Show Jumping coaches over eight practical coaching sessions as part of a six-month course of study.

This appointment puts Pembrokeshire at the forefront of developing RDA show jumping and is a great endorsement to the invaluable work being carried out at the Bowlings Centre, which also provides equine studies for students from Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire. Friendly competition at RDA Funday The centre held its Pembrokeshire College Charity Horse Show recently – raising nearly £2,000 for the RDA (Riding for the Disabled Association) as well as lots of smiles. The fun riding day is a unique competitive equestrian show that is held for people of all ages with learning or physical disabilities, at the Bowlings Riding School, Rudbaxton; base for the College’s Equestrian Studies and the county’s RDA centre. The show is the largest of its kind in Wales and just over 80 competitors took part in an atmosphere of good-natured competition where it really was all about the taking part. All riders were presented with rosettes for their efforts and winning performances were celebrated with an official presentation at the end of the event, which is the highlight of the RDA’s activities at the Bowlings. The show is run by students from the college’s horse-care courses; RDA volunteers; carers and staff of Pembrokeshire College. The show is in its twelfth year and during that time due to the tireless work and generosity of those involved has raised over £50,000 for local charities in addition to providing an enjoyable and relaxed day for its participants. Many thanks must go to Dr. and Mrs. Gibson for their on-going support. Photo-captions: Students shine: Pembrokeshire College Horse Care OCN Student of the year award 2011: This award is shared between two students, Margo Evans, (left) and Emily Stratton right, pictured with Course tutor Michael Butcher, for displaying outstanding achievements during the past academic year. In the saddle: 10 year old Geraint Lewis, one of the RDA’s young riders, receives his rosette after competing at the Pembrokeshire College Horse Show. UK coaching role: Pembrokeshire College’s Mike Butcher, with Ed Bracher (right) chief executive of the RDA, being congratulated on his appointment as UK coach for RDA Showjumping.

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