RDA National Coach Workshops in Australia and New Zealand

Last weekend Marcus Oldham Agricultural College at Geelong was the venue for RDA Australia's National Coach Workshop. Saturday night was a treat for all with the dynamic animal psychologist and trainer Dr. Andrew McLean. He is always an engaging and educating speaker and his talk about his work with horses and elephants was no exception.

It was fun to catch up with him and hear how his ideas and passion for the training and welfare of animals has developed over the years. The Tasmanian eventing team, including Andrew, used to stay at Bunyip with me between events. This was the time when he was becoming more interested in the training of horses than in his occupation as a reptile specialist.

Sally Francis and myself decided to combine our presentations on pole work and jumping.

International flights that leave at 6 a.m. are no fun. The views on the Auckland to Napier flight were worth staying awake for.

Napier RDA, who are hosting the New Zealand National Coach Workshop, have great facilities at the local show grounds including an indoor arena which means they can run regular riding programs uninterrupted by the weather.

Both workshops have been well supported.  Coaches are obviously keen to increase their knowledge and the standard of their programs. RDA in both countries is definitely alive and focussed on the present and future.