What Are RDA Approved Centres?
RDA Approved Centres are equestrian centres, including riding schools and alternative education settings, that have been formally approved by the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) to deliver safe, inclusive, and high-quality therapeutic equestrian activities for disabled people, meeting RDA’s standards of accessibility, governance, and safeguarding.
These centres operate independently but receive ongoing training and support (non-financial) from RDA UK. The programme is specifically aimed at riding schools already approved by:
- The British Horse Society (BHS)
- The Association of British Riding Schools (ABRS)
- The Pony Club
Originally known as Accessibility Mark, the scheme was developed in partnership with British Equestrian to increase access for disabled people to the physical and mental health benefits of horse riding and related activities.
What’s the difference between an RDA Group and an RDA Approved Centre?
RDA Groups are independent, volunteer-led charities that operate within the national RDA framework. Each group is dedicated to delivering life-changing equestrian activities for disabled people, fully aligned with the mission of Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA).
Led by a volunteer Board of Trustees, every group is governed responsibly and operates in line with its charitable objectives. Trustees play a vital role in shaping their group’s strategy, guided by both local needs and the overarching RDA vision.
No two RDA Groups are the same. Some operate from purpose-built facilities, owning land, horses, and employing staff. Others are entirely volunteer-run, working from shared or loaned premises, with a variety of ownership models for horses and ponies.
This flexibility is a strength. RDA’s federal structure empowers each group to develop in a way that best serves their community, while staying true to the core values of the organisation.
At the heart of the RDA movement, these groups offer personalised, inclusive support to participants with a wide range of physical, cognitive, and emotional needs—helping to build confidence, independence, and joy through horses.
| Feature | RDA Approved Centre | RDA Charity-Run Group |
|---|---|---|
| Type of organisation | Riding Schools and alternative education settings | Volunteer-led registered charity |
| Management | Operated by staff or business owners | Led by a volunteer trustee board |
| Purpose | Offers inclusive riding alongside wider commercial services | Focuses 100% on RDA activities |
| Eligibility | Must be approved by BHS, ABRS, or Pony Club before applying for RDA status | Open to community groups with governance and charitable aims |
| Support provided | RDA UK support, training, resources, and accreditation | RDA UK support, training, resources, and charity development |
| Volunteering | Approved Centres are ran by riding centre staff | Wide range of volunteer opportunities including leadership and horse care |
| Horses | Owned and managed by the riding centre | Owned or loaned by the group |
| Funding | Generates income through commercial operations | Funded through donations, grants, and volunteer efforts |
| Participant choice | Ideal for participants who want flexible or independent options | Ideal for those who need structured, supportive, community-based activities |
| Cost | Please click here to see the breakdown of costs | Groups are part of an annual membership |
The classification above represents a common, typical model of RDA Groups and Approved Centres.
The Purpose of Approved Centres
Approved Centres are designed to complement the work of volunteer-led RDA Groups by:
In turn, this partnership benefits commercial riding centres by helping them:
- Develop their expertise to feel confident to support positive outcomes for disabled people
- Reach new clients & grow the business
- Attract new revenue
- Raise the centres profile as a trusted partner
- Join a supportive UK-wide community
- Help build a stronger, more inclusive sector
“Being an approved centre has helped us to reach more people who need our services. Riders come from all over Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire and some even further afield. Families with children who have additional needs feel safer and more supported when coming to your centre, knowing we are accredited with RDA.”
Havard Stables with Inclusive Equine Cymru CIC
What Is RDA Approval?
When a commercial centre meets RDA’s standards, it is awarded official RDA Approved Centre status, which recognises a commitment to inclusive excellence in the equestrian sector.
Approved Centres benefit from:
- Expert RDA UK training
- Specialist disability advice
- Recognised accreditation & quality assurance
- Access to resources, competitions & support
There are currently over 50 RDA Approved Centres across the UK.
