Welcome to Throstle Nest RDA Summer 2020 newsletter. Firstly let me just hope that everyone is safe and well during these unprecedented times. We certainly have all faced some challenges over the last 4 months. I am not going to use the newsletter to inform you of COVID-19 updates on guidelines due to the constant local changes so I am asking that you all use the Bradford Council and www.myrda.org.uk website for the latest information. You can also keep an eye on our website and the Facebook page. I would like to say thank you to Jeannette and Abi Wheeler who have worked tirelessly throughout lockdown to ensure that staff and all the ponies have been cared for. They have also spent time producing worksheets for distance learning, badges and awards and keeping everyone up to date. They have ensured
all safety measures are in place and adapted the centre and classes to meet guidelines. We are proud to be back up and running and to have successfully transitioned some of our riders back into the centre.
It is our aim now to focus on finding ways to transition those participants who require more physical support back to Throstle Nest RDA. We will be providing a small subsidy for those not yet returned and are offering training to parents and / or carers so they are able to help the riders on their return, avoiding contact with staff.
Please get in touch with us immediately if you are interested in the training.
Jeannette Wheeler 07501 257978
I would like to thank Maren Tiede for her time and dedication as a Trustee for TNRDA. Maren has taken the decision to step down as Trustee at this time but will be continuing her role as volunteer helping the riders as soon as it is safe to return.
Abi Wheeler is also stepping down as a Trustee so that she is able to commit her time as a service provider for the CLTH and ASDAN program. Abi has proven to be an exceptional teacher for many of our clients both with horses and with the educational programs we run. Abi will be dedicating her time to these groups.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer / Trustee please see the volunteers section and get in touch.
Well done to all our RDA participants who are members of Pony Club and achieved badges through distance learning during lockdown. You all worked so hard at home and we are very proud of you.
If you are not a Pony Club member and would like to join please check with Jeannette at TNRDA.
If the Pony Club is not for you but you would like some worksheets to keep you going during the pandemic please let us know.
We would like to congratulate our 7 riders who have recently completed their ASDAN Animal Care workbooks. You worked very hard all year to complete National Curriculum work which was halted due to lockdown. You returned on a one to one basis as soon as easing started and were all determined to complete your work. We are so very proud of you and can’t wait to get your results. If you have started ASDAN and would like to complete your workbook please get in touch.
Well done Caitlin Bruzzese for entering the creative writing competition for a 2nd year. Caitlin wrote about A Day In The Life Of My RDA where she told her story of a memorable day at Throstle Nest RDA with a bit of imagination thrown in. The story is based on the day sessions run for home school children, the BHS Changing Lives Through Horses program and the RDA ASDAN program. A Day In The Life Of My RDA is available to view on our website (www.tnrda.co.uk)
Caitlin received a rosette and a letter from Head Office thanking her for her contribution. If you would like to take part in the competition please enquire at the stables.
(Social Integration and Education Through Horses)
SIETH is a program set up to improve and enhance the existing RDA sessions alongside the BHS Changing Lives Through Horses. Social Integration and Education Through Horses has been introduced and part subsidised by the National Lottery Community Fund in order to support those who struggle within mainstream education and in certain
social situations. It gives them an opportunity to develop their social emotional skills, promotes independence and taking responsibility, improves their sensory input, builds self esteem, resilience and confidence, and gives them an
opportunity to learn in a calm safe environment. The program has shown improvements in behaviour, ability to communicate confidence and social skills. We are very thankful of being able to continue and improve this program for those who need it. Please see the details about the sessions available for the SIETH program and enquire for eligibility and support needed for the participant.
We have adapted these activities to take into account the changing needs of the participants and the COVID - 19
pandemic. From September 2020 the groups will be smaller, sessions may be shorter than what some children are used to and the activities will cover a wider range of subjects.
Please note - participants cannot go straight into the longer sessions without first taking part in the hour long activities and being assessed as being suitable to join extended sessions. RDA, Pony Club, ASDAN, and / or BHS CLTH awards may be offered to those participants who are both interested and suitable to work towards these certificates.
Participants will be in groups of up to 4. Should anyone need extra support from tutors, then there may be an extra charge of £15 per hour.
One Hour Sessions - £22
Monday 11am
Tuesday 1pm
Friday 11am
30 minutes riding and 30 minutes pony / land based activity
Two Hour Sessions - £40
Tuesday 2pm
Friday 1pm
45 - 60 minutes riding, 45 - 60 minutes pony / land based activities / work towards awards
Three Hour Sessions - £55
Monday 1pm
Tuesday 9am
Thursday 9am
45 - 60 minutes riding, 90 minutes pony / land based activities / work towards awards and 30 minutes break for
socialisation
Phone Jeannette 07501 257978
£9,998 Thank you
A huge thank you to the National Lottery Community Fund. Some of our participants have been working very hard over the last year taking care of each other and the ponies. They have developed new skills and progressed well with their riding. But they have also spent lots of time working on their ASDAN education program. Abi Wheeler along with staff and volunteers have supported children on a program making a significant difference to their lives. In order to improve
and develop this further, The National Lottery Community Fund has contributed £9,998 to support the SIETH program (Social Integration and Education Through Horses).
The funding has been split into 3 areas:
We are very excited about starting the program which will run from September 2020 to July 2021.
Sport England emergency fund during the COVID - 19 outbreak have supported the upkeep and welfare of Throstle Nest RDA ponies thanks to the £2,400 awarded to our cause. During lockdown it has been essential to ensure the ponies are fed, exercised and looked after with very limited staff due to restrictions. We would like to thank Jack Wheeler for applying and a huge THANK YOU to Sport England for the funds.
To help participants transition back to the stables we offered a subsidy on a temporary basis. Due to the needs of those who have not yet been able to return we have ended the subsidy for those who have now successfully transitioned and have set aside a budget to ensure there is enough to support those who will be able to return following Government guidelines. We wold like to thank you all for your patience and look forward to seeing those who have not yet been
able to return. Please contact Jeannette for eligibility.
