RDA VIRTUAL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

15TH – 17TH NOVEMBER 2024

CATCH UP WITH ALL THE ACTION OVER ON OUR YOUTUBE AND FACEBOOK CHANNELS

The RDA Virtual National Championships, took place 15th – 17th November 2024

The National Virtual Championships provide competitors from across the country with an accessible platform to compete remotely, breaking down barriers related to travel, cost, and accessibility. With a wide range of class levels, from beginners to advanced competitors, this championship is the perfect platform for participants of all abilities to take part in a grassroots equestrian experience. Whether you’re new to equine sport or more comfortable competing in a familiar environment, the Virtual Championships make it possible to showcase your skills without the stress of travel or logistics. This year’s event has seen 365 entries from 54 groups and 274 participants.

New class additions this year ensured opportunities for all abilities, with events like Dressage, Show Jumping, Carriage Driving, Vaulting, and more. Partnering with Dressage Anywhere, we’re also proud to include specialised classes for visually impaired riders. The live-streamed championship will spotlight competitors’ achievements, celebrating their dedication and skill.

The RDA Virtual National Championships is a true celebration of passion and accomplishment, made possible by our incredible RDA volunteers and sponsors. Be part of something special and join us for this unique, accessible event!

The most inclusive equestrian event of it's kind.

  • 7Disciplines
  • 47Classes
  • 54Competing Groups
  • 365Entries
  • 274Participants
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RDA dressage rider on horse with a red rosette

Where to watch

You can catch up will all the action over on our YouTube @RDANational or Facebook Page 

Watch with insightful commentary from Lauren O’Hagan and Erin Orford.

“I am thrilled to be asked to commentate again for the RDA Virtual Championships. This will be my third year, and over time, I’ve come to know some of the centres and horses quite well. What I love most about the virtual championships is how inclusive they are—it removes the stress of traveling with horses and the army of helpers that are essential to making the RDA possible. It’s wonderful to get an inside look at the centres and the people behind them, truly feeling the heart of these places. And, of course, it’s a privilege to see the hardworking equines who make it all happen, showcasing just how loved and cherished they are.”

Lauren O’Hagan

Read the full Virtual National Championships Programme here 

Click here to view the full RDA Virtual National Championship Schedule 

3 judges discussing notes

Hear from our Virtual Championship experts

Insights from RDA Virtual Championship Judges and National Leads

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Millie stood holding two RDA horses

Millie’s Virtual Championships Story

National Champion Rider Millie Shares Her Journey

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Participant with rosettes

Virtual National Championships Schedule

View the Complete Schedule of Events and Don’t Miss a Moment

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Virtual National Championship Disciplines

Vaulting is an acrobatic and artistic activity which offers participants an opportunity to achieve things they may have not thought possible, on the horse or on the barrel. Vaulters can perform individually, in pairs or as a team.

VAULTING

Dressage is a technical challenge, where riders of all abilities can develop their skills to work in a close partnership with their horse. RDA dressage classes range from walk only to freestyle canter tests, catering also for visually impaired riders and riders with learning difficulties. 

DRESSAGE

The RDA Countryside Challenge is a course featuring various elements to challenge the rider, with different actions taking place at each point. Each obstacle on the course has a specific reason behind it, to display balance, steering, accuracy, technical knowledge, safety. 

COUNTRYSIDE CHALLENGE

Carriage Driving offers many of the same benefits as riding, including improved co-ordination and balance, relaxation through rhythmic movement, along with the freedom and experience of getting out in the open air.  A Carriage Driving competition putting the driver’s decision making, accuracy and control to the test.

CARRIAGE DRIVING

Performance Showing is a chance for riders to show off their riding ability at their own level and to design a short individual show to suit them and their equine mount. RDA showing is not an equine beauty contest, the focus is the harmony between the rider and equine, conformation of the horse is not considered. 

PERFORMANCE SHOWING

Showjumping is an exciting challenge for riders, the RDA show jumping pathway has been developed to aid the transition from pole work in preparation to jumping over raised poles and beyond.

SHOWJUMPING

A huge thank you to all our partners and supporters that help make the RDA Virtual National Championships possible.

 

Made possible with thanks to:

People's Postcode Lottery Animal Trust

Championship Partners:

Oliver Wight

Showing and Showjumping

JM Finn

Carriage Driving and Vaulting

Dressage

Leucillin, Animal Skincare

Countryside Challenge

If you want to support RDA at next year’s Championships, please contact us corporate@rda.org.uk