A Year of Building Safer, Stronger RDA Groups – Thank You to Howden

Over the past year, RDA Groups across the country have benefited from a series of high-quality Health & Safety Training workshops, designed to strengthen confidence, knowledge, and best practice across our network. These workshops have played a vital role in supporting our coaches, trustees, and volunteers to create safe, supportive, and inclusive environments for everyone involved in RDA activities.

We are incredibly grateful to Howden Insurance Brokers for their generous support in making this national programme possible. Their commitment to risk management and safety within the charity sector has helped ensure these workshops are accessible, practical, and tailored specifically to the realities of RDA delivery.

Howden Logo

Workshops Delivered Across the Country

As part of this national rollout, workshops have taken place at a range of venues, reaching Groups in different regions:

  • RDA National Training Centre – Pilot workshop, 7 March

  • The Avon Centre, Bristol – Monday 30 June

  • Woodbridge and District RDA, Suffolk – Monday 21 July

  • Scropton Horse Centre, Derbyshire – Friday 26 September

  • Gaddesden Place RDA Centre, Hertfordshire – Sunday 16 November

These sessions brought together volunteers, coaches, and trustees to share learning, build confidence, and strengthen safety culture within their Groups.

About the Training

The RDA Health & Safety Training is a full-day, in-depth workshop led by Clare Gabriel, an experienced Health, Safety and Environment professional with over 30 years’ expertise. Delivered as part of a new national training series, the course goes far beyond basic health and safety guidance, offering practical tools and real-world insight relevant to working with equines and disabled people.

Participant Feedback

The workshops have received overwhelmingly positive feedback. Participants commented:

  • “Very useful course and clear information”

  • “All areas of the training are useful”

  • “Engaging and kept a potentially ‘boring’ subject matter light and entertaining”

Why This Training Matters

The workshops support RDA’s commitment to best practice by helping Groups to:

  • Protect participants, volunteers, and equines

  • Understand and meet legal and organisational responsibilities

  • Build confidence in managing risk and responding to incidents

  • Strengthen a proactive safety culture

The level of expertise, practical insight, and tailored guidance offered through this programme has made it a valuable investment in the long-term success of RDA Groups.

Looking Ahead

We are delighted that more Health & Safety workshops are planned for 2026, with dates from February onwards to be confirmed soon. This programme will continue to provide essential training and support for Groups across the country.

Thank you once again to Howden Insurance Brokers for their continued partnership and commitment to safety across RDA.