World’s Biggest Riding Lesson
Frequently Asked Questions
A stable owner/manager who wants to get involved in the World’s Biggest
Riding Lesson:
1. Is this event only for RDA member groups?
No. The event is open to anyone who rides, including individuals who own or
manage stables and riding groups that are not part of the RDA.
2. When is the event?
The event is on the 30th of September 2009 from 10am to 8pm.
3. Where is the event taking place?
It is taking place in RDA and non-RDA riding centres across the UK and other parts
of the world. To find your nearest participating riding centre email [email protected]
or call 0845 241 6321.
4. How do I get involved?
You can get involved by registering online at www.rda.org.uk/40th. Alternatively,
contact the RDA National Office for a registration pack, email [email protected] or
call 0845 241 6321
5. What do you mean by “riding lesson”?
A riding lesson plan will be provided in the registration pack.
It must last 20 minutes and if you are able to run more than one lesson we advise
you start on the hour and half hour. This will allow for a 10 minute change over
between lessons. You are encouraged to run as many lessons as is practical, with
no more than 8 riders per lesson, but there is no minimum requirement.
6. How many instructors will I need to conduct a riding lesson?
You will need at least one (1) insured riding instructor. However, you will also need
to have two independent observers to verify your participation in the event.
7. Will my riding instructors need to be insured before I can take part?
Yes. All riding instructors must be insured to conduct riding lessons which are
registered for the event.
8. Are there a minimum or maximum number of riders that I will need
before I can be approved as a riding centre?
Yes. The minimum number of riders is one (1) and the maximum number of riders
is eight (8) per lesson (i.e. riding at one time).
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9. Are there age and/ or weight restrictions?
Yes. The RDA minimum age requirement for riders is four (4) years. Varying weight
restrictions also apply in order to safeguard individual horses and ponies. Weight
charts are available for sale from the RDA National Office: call 0845 241 6321 or
The British Horse Society Bookshop: call 0844 848 1660.
Please note that these restrictions are compulsory for RDA groups and we
recommend that non-RDA participating groups comply.
10. How many riding lessons can I conduct?
You can conduct as many lessons as possible as long as it falls within the 10am to
8pm time slot. Lessons should be run between 10am and 8pm on 30th September
2009 and the last lesson should start no later than 7.30pm.
11. Who should I contact for more information?
You can contact the RDA National Office: email [email protected] or call 0845 241
6321
Interested in taking your first lesson:
1. Who is hosting this event?
This event is being hosted by RDA Groups, non-RDA riding centres and individuals
across the UK as well as people and organisations in other parts of the world as
part of the 40th anniversary celebrations for Riding for the Disabled Association
(RDA).
2. How is this different from any other riding lesson?
The World’s Biggest Riding Lesson is the first of its kind and the purpose of the
event is to raise awareness and funds for RDA UK and for Associations of disabled
riders around the world. The aim of the event is to set the world record for the
number of riders undertaking a lesson within a set period of time.
3. When is the event?
The event is on the 30th of September 2009 from 10am to 8pm.
4. Where is the event taking place?
It is taking place in RDA and non-RDA riding centres across the UK and other parts
of the world. Please contact RDA National Office: email [email protected] or call
0845 241 6321 for information on participating centres. Alternatively, why not
approach your local riding school? Information on your nearest BHS Approved
riding school can be found at www.bhs.org.uk and click on the “Approved Centres”
link at the top of the page.
5. What level of riding ability is required to participate in a lesson?
You do not need to have previous riding experience to be able take part in this
event. It is open to everyone whether you are a complete beginner or an
experienced rider. It is important, however, to make your instructor aware of your
level of experience/inexperience before the lesson begins.
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6. Are there age and/ or weight restrictions?
Yes. The RDA minimum age requirement for riders is four (4) years. Varying weight
restrictions also apply in order to safeguard individual horses and ponies. If you are
concerned that you may be too heavy please contact your nearest participating
RDA Group or riding centre as they will be able to discuss weight restrictions for the
horses and ponies participating in the event.
7. Who will be conducting the riding lesson?
The riding lessons will be conducted by instructors provided by the riding centre or
group.
8. How do I find the nearest participating RDA Group or riding centre to
me?
Please contact RDA National Office by sending an email to [email protected] or call
0845 658 1082 for information on participating centres. Alternatively, why not
approach your local riding school? Information on your nearest BHS Approved
riding school can be found at www.bhs.org.uk and click on the “Approved Centres”
link at the top of the page.
9. Will I need to register beforehand for a riding lesson?
It is advisable to register beforehand by contacting the RDA Group or riding centre
where you will be taking your lesson to ensure that you can be accommodated.
However, you may still be able to participate in the event without registering and
turning up on the day.
10. Who should I contact?
For more information, please contact the RDA National Office by sending an email
to [email protected] or call 0845 658 1082
11. How much will it cost to take a riding lesson?
To find out the cost to you, please contact the RDA Group or riding centre where
you will be taking your riding lesson
12. Will I need to bring my own riding equipment?
Please contact the RDA Group or riding centre where you will be taking your riding
lesson as you may/ may not be required to bring your own riding equipment.
13. What is the appropriate clothing?
Please read Hats and Clothing and Footwear in the Health and Safety section in the
registration pack for more information. Please also contact the riding centre where
you will be taking your lesson for details on appropriate clothing.
14. How long will a riding lesson last?
The lesson will last 20 minutes starting on the hour and half hour. By contacting
the RDA Group or riding centre where you will be taking your riding lesson you may
be able to book in advance to avoid waiting.
15. Will I get something to show I took part?
Yes. Rosettes will be available for every rider that takes part (there will be a small
charge for this for non-RDA riders)
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16. Can I bring my family and friends along?
Yes. You are welcome to bring your family and friends along. They will be required
to take care while in the vicinity of horses and ponies and follow instructions given
by the RDA Group or riding centre but will be made most welcome.
17. How many people will be having the lesson with me?
For non-RDA groups and riding centres we would recommend that no lesson has
more than eight (8) riders but the maximum will depend on the individual group
and riding centre.
Individuals who would like to get involved in the event:
1. Who else can get involved in the event?
The event is open to anyone who would like to get involved even if you are not
taking riding lessons. By contacting your nearest participating RDA Group or riding
centre you will have the opportunity to discuss what you can do to help on the day.
2. What opportunities are there for me to get involved?
Opportunities will vary greatly between participating Group and centres and could
be anything from leading, side walking, publicity and promotions, fundraising or
helping with refreshments.
To find out about specific opportunities to get involved, please contact your nearest
participating RDA Group or riding centre.
3. How can I get involved?
To get involved please contact your nearest riding centre that is participating in the
event. If you do not know your nearest centre, call the RDA National Office on 0845
241 6321 or send an email to [email protected].
4. When is the event?
The event is on the 30th of September 2009 from 10am to 8pm.
5. Where is the event taking place?
It is taking place in RDA and non-RDA riding centres across the UK and other parts
of the world. To find your nearest participating riding centre email [email protected]
or call 0845 241 6321.
6. How many hours do I need to volunteer for?
You can volunteer as many hours as you like or book a lesson and ride for just 20
minutes.
7. How long will the event last?
The event will last from 10am to 8pm on Wednesday 30th September 2009.
8. How do I find my nearest participating RDA Group or riding centre?
Please contact the RDA National Office by sending an email to [email protected] or
call 0845 241 6321
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