RDA Coaching
Making a difference
RDA Coaches help disabled children and adults experience the joy, freedom and connection that horses can bring. By joining us as an RDA Coach, you’ll join a national community that puts people and equines at the heart of everything we do.
Coaching with RDA is more than teaching skills, it’s about creating opportunities, building confidence, and supporting participants to achieve things they may never have thought possible.
Enrich lives with horses
You’ll support riders, vaulters and carriage drivers to develop balance, communication, physical strength and independence, all while enjoying all the wellbeing benefits of spending time with horses.
Why become an RDA Coach?
Who can become an RDA Coach?
- Anyone aged 16+ with enthusiasm, empathy and a willingness to learn.
Our coaches come from all kinds of backgrounds, including:
- Experienced equestrians wanting to coach in an inclusive setting
- Qualified coaches from other sports
- RDA volunteers ready to take the next step
- Those from education or health & social care backgrounds
- People with no horse experience at all- just enthusiasm, empathy and a willingness to learn
Understanding Costs, Payment and Time Commitment
Local RDA Groups/Centres can vary depending on which activities they deliver. Your coaching journey may look slightly different depending on where and how you get started.
Volunteer or Paid Roles
Many RDA Groups/Centres rely on volunteer coaches to be able to deliver a range of RDA activities. However, some RDA Groups/Centres may have the opportunity to deliver RDA Coaching in a paid capacity. This should be discussed and arranged directly between you and the Group/Centre.
Training Costs
Some Regions or Groups may cover training costs, while others may ask coaches to contribute to certain elements of the training process for a small, subsidised fee (for example, practical Therapy & Medical courses).
They’ll always let you know in advance what applies in your area so there are no surprises.
Time Commitment
Our participants tell us that having a trusted, familiar coach makes a huge difference to their confidence, enjoyment and progress. Feeling safe, understood and supported is central to the RDA experience, and that relationship grows when coaches are able to contribute regularly and reliably.
Because of this, we ask aspiring coaches to think about how they can support their Group or Centre in a consistent way.
This could look like:
- Coaching a weekly session
- Helping on specific days
- Joining for an agreed block of time or a particular event (for example, during school holidays or a summer programme)
Every Group/Centre will work with you to find an arrangement that matches your skills, availability and lifestyle.
Whether your role is voluntary or paid, your presence has a meaningful impact on our participants, and we deeply value every hour you choose to give.
Katy Lake
Kim Balchin, Cranleigh RDA
Alison Riley, Helen Atkin Group
Isla Stewart – Muirfield Riding Therapy
How to become an RDA Coach:
We’ve developed a supportive, structured pathway so you feel confident from your very first session.
- Express your interest
Fill in our online form to let us know you’d like to coach with RDA. You don’t need to be part of a Group/Centre yet.
- Receive your welcome and guidance
You’ll get a personalised welcome email from RDA UK, outlining the process, safeguarding requirements and the training you’ll complete.
- Complete your induction training
This includes short e-learning modules alongside regional/national training days covering coaching skills, equine welfare, disability knowledge and awareness.
- Practical experience at a local RDA Group/Centre
You’ll work alongside volunteers, participants and equines to build your skills in a real-life setting that suits you.
Coach Assessment
Coaching assessors are experienced RDA Coaches who want to make sure you are ready, supported and confident to now coach RDA sessions independently. They will observe you delivering a session and, once completed, you’ll receive your Coach Certificate at the level and activity you’re looking to coach.
Ongoing support and CPD
As part of the RDA coaching community, you’ll have access to resources, events and further training to continue growing your skills.
Ready to get started?
If you’re passionate about horses, people or making a positive difference– we’d love you to join us.
Register your interest in becoming an RDA Coach:
