With only weeks to go until our Virtual National Championships, taking place on November 15th, 16th, and 17th via livestream on YouTube (@RDAnational) and our Facebook page, we caught up with our judges and discipline experts to get insights on what they’ll be looking for and what sets this event apart.
The Virtual Championships breaks barriers whether new to equine sports or unable to travel, participants can showcase their skills without the stress of logistics or travel. This year’s schedule is packed with events, from Dressage, Show Jumping, and Carriage Driving to Countryside Challenge, Performance Showing, Vaulting, and Musical Ride and Drive. This year, we have expanded our offerings by adding new classes. These new classes were introduced to ensure that competitors of all abilities and interests find opportunities to compete at a level that’s right for them, reflecting our commitment to expanding access and inclusivity across equestrian disciplines.
The RDA Virtual National Championships is more than a competition—it’s a celebration of dedication, passion, and the remarkable accomplishments of competitors nationwide. Thanks to our dedicated RDA volunteers, coaches, and generous sponsors, this unique event comes to life. Join us to experience the magic of RDA in a truly accessible, unforgettable format.
Lynn Du Toit – Dressage Judge and RDA Coach
“What makes the Virtual Championships so unique is the opportunity to take part in a competition which can then be viewed across the country by thousands of supporters. This is a very confidence-boosting experience that participants can share with family and friends.
My class is a Dressage Championship Test for Grade 6 riders in walk only. The most important thing to look for is how well the horse or pony shows a clear and even 4 beat rhythm in the walk, whether on a straight line, around a corner or following the curve of a circle. This is not an easy thing to do! Riders are asked to show both a medium walk and a stretching walk on a longer rein, so I would be looking to see a difference shown between them. The challenge for the rider is to perform the test as accurately as possible between the markers, staying straight on the track down the long sides and showing circles of the right size and shape. The horse must also go as straight as possible down the centre line at the start and finish of the test.
Dressage demonstrates the harmony between the participants and their horses as they perform the test together. It takes a lot of practice to ride the test accurately. The test has to be learned and the riders need to keep their balance and the correct position while they are changing direction, stopping, starting etc. – therefore some of the benefits to the participants are to help improve memory, balance and coordination.”
Ginny Oakley Pope – Showing National Lead
“The unique aspect of the Virtual Championships is that there’s plenty of time to prepare in your own yard at your own pace and time. It’s a wonderful way to start your competition experience or keep improving if you have done the virtual competition before. Performance Showing is not designed as a beauty contest! Turnout needs to be really good, with a clean, neat and tidy presentation of horse and rider, however the judges will also be watching individual performances which need to show the horse to the best ability. The judge will be looking to see the harmony between horse and rider, equine manners, way of going and turnout. Riders do not need specific showing attire for this class.
The Performance Showing Classes provides an environment for riders to gain confidence in the arena without the pressure of learning movements required in a dressage test.”
Kady Chatman – Coach, Chair and Show Jumping Judge
“Show Jumping is a real test of partnership and communication between horse and rider. Riders learn technical skills like balance and harmony, which bring pride and a sense of achievement, especially in competition.
The thrill of a clear round is unique; riders feel joy and accomplishment when both they and the horse perform well. Show jumping requires quick thinking, good riding, and controlled pacing, which makes it both challenging and exhilarating. Judging focuses on the quality of pace, rider control, rhythm and balanced turns.”
Alongside accumulating faults for knocking down a fence, refusals, circling, crossing of tracks, competitors are scored on quality of pace, preparation and approach to start line and each fence, turnout of horse and ride, collective marks will also be awarded for control, effectiveness, suitability and overall performance.
Sue Mack – National Lead for Countryside Challenge
“The Virtual Countryside Challenge promotes inclusive active learning and competition for all. The Virtual Championships open up the window of opportunity for participants to compete in a more relaxed way without the pressures, problems of travel and an unknown environment, which can often have an impact on some of our participants. The course builds on skills learnt in everyday sessions and enables riders to show the skills they have developed in a “known” environment.
Participants really enjoy the inclusivity of being able to compete, show off their skills, and have fun and excitement in their own environment with fewer pressures. The Virtuals – promote learning and develops team work for all including leaders and side walkers!
The Countryside Challenge is not a handy pony competition, it is based on the skills acquired and improved in everyday grassroot sessions and covers many of the elements needed in Dressage, Show Jumping and Endurance. It’s focus is on progression, achievement, confidence and of course fun. Judges are looking for: positive active riding, using correct aids to achieve accuracy and activity, balance and control, teamwork, equine awareness and welfare.
The discipline promotes excellent horsemanship, achievement, progression and enjoyment in a more relaxed and less pressured way than other more formal disciplines.”
