A few years ago, a young Ollie Bastone went to watch his mom Jackie volunteer with Stafford and District RDA at Rodbaston College. He became enthralled by what he saw riders, horses and volunteers achieve and became determined to be involved. As soon as he was old enough to be a volunteer for the group he signed up and has been helping ever since.
Read More
Jane’s journey with RDA began in the 1980s after a day out from the Spinal Injuries Unit sparked her interest in carriage driving. As a quadriplegic, she initially doubted it was possible, saying, “I can’t use my hands; how can I hold the reins?” But encouraged by someone who recognised her fighting spirit, Jane found a way to adapt her reins with a stitched loop and Velcro gloves, and relying on the power of her voice to communicate with her pony.
Read More
Teddington, UK – Natalie O’Rourke, coach and founder at Park Lane Stables RDA (Riding for the Disabled Association), has been awarded The Sunday Times Grassroots Sportswoman of the Year in recognition of her outstanding contribution to disabled people through sport, inclusive provision, and community leadership.
Read More
This charity partnership marks the ground-breaking milestone of a second consecutive year, reflecting a shared belief in the power of horses to change lives and the lasting impact of collaboration.
Read More
Many Riders at RDA attend physiotherapy alongside riding to help with their condition. For me regular physiotherapy sessions led me to discover my passion – horse riding.
Read More
We were absolutely delighted to see Park Lane Stables RDA featured on Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh on ITV Sunday 11th January. The segment beautifully showcased the power of horses to change lives and highlighted the dedication, passion and heart at the centre of our charity.
Read More
On Sunday 11th January, Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) was featured on BBC One’s Countryfile, showcasing the incredible impact of horses, volunteers, and community across the UK.
Read More
Over the past year, RDA Groups across the country have benefited from a series of high-quality Health & Safety Training workshops, designed to strengthen confidence, knowledge, and best practice across our network.
Read More
The 2025 Awards highlight the remarkable commitment, service, and impact of volunteers, coaches, participants, and equines who continue to go above and beyond to support the work of Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA).
Read More
To meet record levels of demand for life-changing equestrian opportunities. With 71% of RDA groups receiving more requests than they can currently meet and nearly 4,000 people on waiting lists, the need for expanded, accessible equestrian activity has never been greater.
Read More
To mark International Day of People with Disabilities on 3rd December, Riding for the Disabled Association has released new research showing the profound social impact horses make on the lives of disabled children and adults across the UK.
Read More
When Katy Lake finished her A-levels in July 2023, the idea of going straight to university felt overwhelming. Unsure of her next steps, she decided to take a gap year—a decision that would lead her to the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) and a life-changing journey into coaching.
Read More
Two weeks have passed since the Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials 2025, and we’re reflecting on what a meaningful and memorable experience it was to be named Charity Partner of the Year.
Read More
A huge thank you to the Pets Foundation for their generous grant, which has helped us enhance equine welfare and improve accessibility at RDA UK’s Lowlands Equestrian Centre in Warwickshire.
Read More
Over three unforgettable days, hundreds of participants, volunteers, families, and supporters gathered to celebrate the remarkable journeys made possible through the power of horses at this year's RDA National Championships.
Read More
Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA UK) is proud to announce a pioneering three-year research partnership with Hartpury University and College, marking a new chapter in understanding the life-changing potential of equine-assisted activities for disabled people, the unique role that horses play in delivering these experiences, and the positive impact such activities have on the horses' own wellbeing.
Read More
2025 marks the 50th anniversary of RDA Carriage Driving, a discipline that has opened up the world of horses to so many.
Read More
