Bradbourne Group Riding for the Disabled Association    Registered Charity No: 1122480

It was smiles all round for the Bradbourne riders and helpers at the RDA National Championships at Hartpury on 12th/13th July 2008.

Having qualified for the Finals at the regional competition at Hickstead in June, the Bradbourne team arrived in a mood of cautious optimism - and they weren't disappointed.

Charlotte (above) rode Bradbourne's Finn to a brilliant  4th place in a large and highly competitive class. This is a huge credit to Charlotte's horsemanship as Finn is a newcomer to dressage and they were competing against many specialist dressage horses.

Lorraine (right) rode her own horse, Honest John, to a very high standard; she was unbeaten in both her classes and took home this magnificent cup.

A tired but happy Bradbourne team made the long journey back from Gloucestershire to Kent.  

And, his moment of glory over, Finn  went back to being an 'ordinary' RDA horse. Although we all know that RDA horses are anything but ordinary . . .

On Sunday 29th June 2008, a group of Bradbourne carriage drivers and helpers enjoyed an unforgettable day out amongst the lavender fields at Castle Farm in Shoreham near Sevenoaks.

With ponies Billy (left) and Jimmy (below), the carriage drivers were able to enjoy the beautiful countryside of the Darenth Valley from an ideal vantage point.

The weather was perfect and the 'Garden of England' was looking at its best. It was a day to remember for everyone and we are very grateful to the helpers and supporters who made it all possible.

"Team Bradbourne" arrived at Hickstead for the South-East Regional Dressage Competition on Wednesday 4th June 2008 with high hopes for a good day out - and they weren't disappointed.

The sun shone (most of the time) and the Bradbourne horses behaved impeccably, as always. Dressage stalwart Polly had gone lame a few days previously so inexperienced Harlee was asked to stand in at very short notice - and amazed everyone with his talents.

Newcomer Finn was enjoying one of his first outings since joining Bradbourne - and his first ever dressage competition.  You can see him below doing some last-minute revision.

(Maggie on Finn)

And 'old hand' Billy took it all in his stride - as usual.  

(Carolyn on Billy)

(Emma on Billy)

All eight Bradbourne riders achieved fantastic results. They were placed in all 9 of their events with 5 first places, 2 seconds, a third and a fifth; a remarkable achievement considering the high standard of the competition and the last-minute change of horses.

Three riders qualified for the RDA National Championships at Hartpury on 12th/13th July and we wish them all the best of luck. They were Charlotte (right), Nikki (below left) and Lorraine (below right, on her horse Honest John).

We are very grateful to everyone who worked so hard to make it such a successful and enjoyable day.

Bradbourne RDA's major annual fund-raising event, the Milstead Sponsored Ride, was held on Sunday 27th April 2008.  Over 250 riders took part and the predicted rain fortunately held off until the last riders got back. Bradbourne RDA would like to thank all the volunteers and riders who made the day such a huge success.

Photos are available at www.viperimage.com.

It was a busy afternoon for Santa and his helpers at the Bradbourne Christmas Party on Sunday 16th December 2007. 

Each rider was given a special RDA pony mug for Christmas and everyone enjoyed the party games and delicious party tea. 

There was also a prize-giving at which riders were presented with trophies and certificates in recognition of their effort and achievement.

We are very grateful to Riverhead Infants' School for kindly allowing us to use their school hall and to all the helpers who made the party such a success.

A huge Thank You to BT for loaning part of their workforce for a 'paint-in' on Tuesday 9th October 2007 - and to Sevenoaks Volunteer Centre for setting it up. The loos were painted inside and out, all in the space of two hours, and are enormously improved. Visitors to Bradbourne assumed we had a major communications problem as the car park overflowed with BT vans. Cups of tea and bacon sandwiches helped to provide a sense of occasion!

BT 'chain' gang flush with success 

The Heavy Horse Show held at Shoreham on Sunday 2nd September 2007 was great fun as usual.

There was something for everyone on the Bradbourne RDA stand . . . refreshments, a bottle stall, bric-a-brac, the sale of hops and horse shoes and 'feed the ponies' (where Jimmy, Billy and Sid competed to eat the largest number of carrots!).

This year's raffle was a huge success thanks to a generously donated prize of a jeroboam of high quality champagne!

The day raised an amazing total of £1,380 and would like to thank everyone who helped set up and look after the stalls and contributed to such a successful event.