Latest News

Meet the Trustees at Aim RDA: Challenging Stereotypes and Changing the Face of Trusteeship
November 7, 2024

Our newest group, Aim RDA, are breaking down stereotypes and redefining what it means to be a trustee.

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Natalie holding a trophy next to Helena
Natalie O’Rourke Awarded 2024 Birt Spooner Cup at RDA’s 55th Anniversary AGM
November 5, 2024

We proudly announced Natalie O'Rourke as the recipient of the 2024 Birt Spooner Cup at our 55th Anniversary AGM.

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image of Sophie Christiansen with her gold medal
Sophie Christiansen Announces Her Retirement From Para Dressage
November 5, 2024

One of Britain’s most successful para dressage athletes, Sophie Christiansen, has announced that it’s time to hang up her riding boots.

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London International Horse Show – Live Zone Schedule
October 31, 2024

Throughout the week, our presence at the London International Horse Show will feature two key attractions: our Live Zone sessions and our interactive RDA Stand.

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Millie and holding two RDA horses
Millie’s Virtual National Championship Story
October 30, 2024

Ahead of the National Virtual Championships, we hear from Millie, who shares her journey of participating in the event and what it means to her.

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Glynis and her horse
The Life of a Trustee: Insights from Glynis Dalley
October 29, 2024

As Trustee Week approaches, Glynis Dalley shares her experiences, insights, and the significance of being a Trustee in her life.

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Birt Spooner Cup 2024 Nominees Announced
October 28, 2024

As part of our 55th Anniversary celebrations, we are excited to introduce the limited-edition 55th Anniversary Over and Above Award.

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Participant with rosettes
RDA Virtual National Championships Schedule
October 28, 2024

The RDA 2024 Virtual National Championships will be hosted via live stream on 15th, 16th and 17th November 3:30PM - 8PM. Watch all of the action over on our YouTube @RDANational 

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Three RDA judges
Hear From Our RDA Virtual National Championship Judges And Experts
October 25, 2024

With only weeks to go until our Virtual National Championships, we caught up with our judges and discipline experts to get insights on what they’ll be looking for and what sets this event apart.

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RDA feature in People’s Postcode Lottery campaign
October 11, 2024

RDA rider Maddie, and Aimee the pony, thank players of People’s Postcode Lottery Lottery in new campaign, alongside Ellie Goulding and Tom Allen.

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RDA Celebrates 55th Anniversary with Launch of Special ‘Over and Above’ Award Certificates
October 4, 2024

As part of our 55th Anniversary celebrations, we are excited to introduce the limited-edition 55th Anniversary Over and Above Award.

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Chigwell Anniversary
The Diamond Anniversary of Chigwell Riding Trust 
August 23, 2024

This year, Chigwell Riding Trust for Special Needs celebrated its 60th Anniversary. Since 1964, the Group has hit milestone after milestone, from being the world's first purpose-built centre to welcoming Rags the Blue Peter pony, and even former riders going on to Paralympic success.

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Paralympic Team
From RDA to the Paralympics…
August 22, 2024

Since the pioneering games of Atlanta 1996, the British Paralympic team has frequently included former RDA riders, including the London 2012 Games, where all five members of the team started their equestrian journey with us, and this year’s Games are no different.

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Success for the 2024 RDA National Championships
August 8, 2024

Every year, the RDA National Championships takes place at Hartpury University & College in Gloucester and this year was a special year as RDA celebrated it’s 55th anniversary.

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ParalympicsGB announces para equestrian squad for Paris 2024 Paralympic Games
July 18, 2024

ParalympicsGB has confirmed the four para equestrian athlete and horse combinations set to compete at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

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Susan Dudley Smith Award Winner
The Susan Dudley-Smith Award Winner 2024
July 8, 2024

RDA Carriage Driving is indebted to Susan Dudley-Smith for wishing to recognise our ‘unsung heroes’. Each year the Susan Dudley-Smith award recognises an outstanding volunteer who has made an important contribution to RDA Carriage Driving through hard work and often unsung efforts, and this years' recipient is Karen Lehner from Barrow Farm RDA.

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LIHS Announcement
RDA announced as official charity partner of London International Horse Show
July 5, 2024

Riding for the Disabled Association [RDA] has been announced as the London International Horse Show's official charity for the 2024 edition of the event.

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President Awards
Volunteers presented with the most prestigious RDA award
July 3, 2024

This year, 12 volunteers have received the most prestigious award there is in RDA, the President's Award. The President’s Award stands as the pinnacle of volunteer recognition within the RDA.

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Coaching Award Announced
2024 RDA Coaching Award Winners Announced
July 2, 2024

RDA are overjoyed to announce the winners of the 2024 RDA Coaching Awards.

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2024 Annual Award Winners Announced
2024 RDA Annual Award Winners Announced
July 1, 2024

The RDA Annual Awards celebrate the dedication, passion and commitment of individuals who have made a significant impact on our community over the past twelve months.

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RDA Volunteer awarded a British Empire Medal for exceptional service
June 21, 2024

A huge congratulations to Carol Hipkin, founder and Group Chief Instructor of RDA Colchester Group on being awarded a British Empire Medal.

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Rosettes layed out on a table.
British Equestrian announces para dressage nominated entries for Paris 2024 Paralympic Games
June 14, 2024

British Equestrian and the British Dressage Selectors can today confirm the 12 para dressage athlete and horse combinations that will be submitted to the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) as our nominated entries for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

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I may not be paid a penny but the rewards are so much more...
“I may not be paid a penny, but the rewards I do get are so much more…”
June 3, 2024

Volunteering can mean different things to each individual, for some it is making new friends or spending time with horses or making a difference to other people’s lives and to others it is all three.

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Mother and son volunteering team find a way to give back
A mother and son volunteering team find a way to give back
June 3, 2024

Glynis and Matt Dalley were first introduced into RDA when Matt was just six years old when he started as a rider. Nearly 25 years later, both Matt and Glynis are key members of the team at Scropton RDA and the North Midlands Region.

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Young Volunteer Celebrated by the Federation of Irish Sport.
Young Volunteer celebrated by the Federation of Irish Sport
June 3, 2024

Rachel McBride, a volunteer and coach at Omagh RDA in Northern Ireland has been chosen as a recipient of the 2023 Volunteer in Sports Award. Rachel received a nomination due to her drive, passion, and energy in supporting the riders at Omagh RDA.

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40 Laps for 40 Years of Erme Valley RDA
Forty Laps for Forty Years of Erme Valley RDA
April 18, 2024

Meet RDA rider Sarah and her friend Laura, who are taking on the challenge of doing 40 laps of the Tamar Bridge, all in effort to support Erme Valley RDA Group in Devon.

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Team RDA at the London Marathon
Team RDA Taking on the TCS London Marathon
April 16, 2024

Meet the RDA Marathon Team running in the 2024 TCS London Marathon. Each member of the team has a special RDA connection, making their fundraising efforts all the more meaningful.

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Four RDA horses stand next to each other in height order.
Charter for the Horse: a unified approach to safeguarding our equines and equids
March 28, 2024

British Equestrian (BEF), our 19 member bodies and associated industry leaders have united to commit to endorse the highest standards of equine welfare, wellbeing and ethics under a new ‘Charter for the Horse’.

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Emma's Journey to Gold. Three pictures of Emma during the completion of her Gold Horse Care Award.
Emma’s Journey to Gold
March 5, 2024

After two years of hard work, Emma Harris becomes the first participant to achieve the RDA Gold Award for Horse Care at Barrow Farm Riding for the Disabled (RDA) in Chelmsford.

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Volunteers Royally Honoured with RDA President’s Awards
February 7, 2024

In January, five people were presented with RDA’s most prestigious volunteer award, awarded for outstanding service to RDA over a period of 30 years or more.

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A Royal Day to Remember at Nantwich & District RDA
February 7, 2024

HRH The Princess Royal has officially opened a new Centre and facilities for Nantwich & District RDA Group at Reaseheath College.

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Michael Bishop, image credit Historic England.
RDA Appoints New CEO
January 25, 2024

RDA is delighted to announce the appointment of Michael Bishop as new Chief Executive.

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Hand on a desk writing on a piece of paper. The hand is wearing a white jumper.
RDA Creative Writing Competition 2024
January 19, 2024

Now in it's eighth year, the RDA Creative Writing Competition is open for 2024.

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Anna Celebrates a Lifetime of Volunteering with RDA
December 18, 2023

Anna Power, a volunteer with the Riding for the Disabled Association’s Unicorn Centre based at Hemlington, Middlesbrough, has been presented with the RDA’s 25 Years of Service for Volunteering.

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RDA Appoints Helena Vega-Lozano as New Chair of Trustees
December 15, 2023

RDA is delighted to announce the appointment of Helena Vega-Lozano as the organisation’s new Chair of Trustees.

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A collage of images with the RDA logo next to the title, 'Celebrating Achievements in 2023'.
Celebrating the Achievements of 2023
December 7, 2023

Celebrating some of the incredible achievements of our participants and volunteers over the last year.

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RDA Coaches Conference 2023
November 15, 2023

From the Annual Coaching Awards, to the Society of Master Saddlers, the 2023 Coaches Conference was an event not to be missed...

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Two riders and a volunteer walk down a track surrounded by woodland.
New RDA Group Opens!
August 24, 2023

Onley Grounds RDA are the first new RDA Group to open for 2 years! Read all about them and their exciting plans for the future.

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A picture of Barbara Manson against a lawn and garden is on the left hand side of the picture. On the right is the RDA logo and the words
RDA Welcomes a New Board Member
July 27, 2023

RDA welcomes Barbara Manson as Trustee for Scotland to its Board of Trustees.

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RDA participant Philippa George stands with Park Lane Stables RDA Group Chair Natalie O'Rourke against the backdrop of Wimbledon Centre Court.
RDA Participant Chosen for Wimbledon coin toss
July 25, 2023

RDA participant Philippa George performed the coin toss at the Wimbledon Ladies' Singles Final on Centre Court on Saturday 15th July in front of an audience of 4.5 million.

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King Charles III's emblem
RDA Volunteers Receive Royal Honour in King’s Birthday Honours
June 27, 2023

Find out about the volunteers honoured in this year's King's Birthday Honours.

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Collage of images of the award winners and a white space where the words
Annual RDA Award Winners Announced
June 23, 2023

Find out who has won this year's RDA Awards, including Participant of the Year and Volunteer of the Year.

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Picture of RDA Coach Mel Tomlinson teaching. Her back is to the camera and the rider is in front of her on a bay horse.
UK Coaching Week – Diversity & Inclusion
June 13, 2023

For UK Coaching Week, RDA Advanced Coach, Mel Tomlinson, tells us about how she incorporates diversity & inclusion into her coaching.

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Natalie O'Rourke and volunteer saddle up piebald pony.
UK Coaching Week – Mental Health & Wellbeing
June 13, 2023

For UK Coaching Week, Natalie O'Rourke tells us about her PRCA experience and tells us about one of her participants who is facing mental health challenges.

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Horses nose against a dark background. The horse has a pink nose and white face.
Let the Ponies Work Their Magic
May 18, 2023

A new project out of Penniwells RDA called Let The Ponies Work Their Magic is helping to tackle some of the mental health challenges faced by young people in their community. #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek

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Hand touching a white horse's neck.
Social Prescribing at Saxon RDA Helping to Tackle Mental Health Challenges
May 18, 2023

Read about the amazing work RDA member group, Saxon RDA, are doing in working closely with Wiltshire Council and Social Prescribers in the county to receive people who are socially prescribed to their Group and helping some with their mental health challenges. #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek

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RDA Logo
RDA UK Board Welcomes Three New Members
April 6, 2023

The RDA UK Board are delighted to announce the appointment if three new members, Ellie Orton, Rachel Vaughan-Johns and Simon Bragg.

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RDA Logo
Statement from the RDA UK Board 29.03.23
March 30, 2023

A statement released from the RDA UK Board regarding an important update to our governance and National Office.

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National Equine Show logo over a light pink background. The text says
National Equine Show nominates RDA as Charity Partner
February 28, 2023

Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) is delighted to have been chosen as charity partner at the inaugural National Equine Show that runs from 4th – 5th March at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham.

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Rider on bay horse mid-jump during a showjumping round at Bolesworth.
Bolesworth Joins Forces with Helite UK & RDA
February 22, 2023

Bolesworth has partnered with Helite UK and Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) for its 2023 season of equestrian events.

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Purple background with the words
RDA Volunteers Recognised in New Year’s Honours List
January 9, 2023

The New Year Honours List for 2023 recognises the achievements and service of extraordinary people, and the RDA are delighted that two of our long serving volunteers are among the first to receive honours from King Charles III.

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Lizzie on Puro
Our Highlights of the Year
December 21, 2022

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Physio and young client aged 3 sat on pony supported by volunteer and mother
“She’s definitely come out of her shell” Read about Noreen’s Hippotherapy Journey
December 15, 2022

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Protected: RDA Announces Appointment of new CEO
December 6, 2022

Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) have announced that Kathryn England has been appointed as their new Chief Executive. Kathryn joins RDA from Zoological Society of London (ZSL) London Zoo, the international conservation charity and global destination, and will start on 1st March 2023.

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Boy on horse with arms in T shape.
RDA supports Disability History Month
November 25, 2022

RDA supports disability history month

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Participants and Volunteers from Cleethropes & Grimsby standing in a line looking over their shoulder to the camera. The participants are holding rosettes.
Record entries at RDA Virtual National Championships 2022
November 7, 2022

The Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) Virtual National Championships that took place over the weekend of October 29th to 30th were watched by thousands of viewers across YouTube and Facebook, showcasing the skills of disabled competitors via these digital platforms.

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Kady Chatman and participant
RDA Coach of the Year a finalist in the UK Coaching Awards 2022
October 27, 2022

RDA Coach of the Year a finalist in the UK Coaching Awards 2022

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Kady receives her award for Coach of the Year
Winners of the RDA Coaching Awards Receive their Awards at Coaching Conference
October 5, 2022

Winners of the RDA Coaching Awards Announced

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Lizzie on Puro
RDA Announces New National Vaulting Lead
September 30, 2022

RDA Announces New National Vaulting Lead

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Queen Elizabeth II
RDA Extends its Condolences to the Royal Family Following the Sad Passing of Queen Elizabeth II
September 14, 2022

RDA mourns the loss of our nation’s Sovereign, Queen Elizabeth II.

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RDA rider presented with award
Rider of the Year shows ‘gracious understanding of what it means to be part of RDA’
July 19, 2022

Annual awards presented at RDA National Championships

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Triumphant return of RDA Championships
July 18, 2022

Rosette time!

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RDA National Championships logo
National Championships 2022 Results
July 16, 2022

RDA National Championships results are in

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RDA Logo
Suspension of Sunday competition following weather warning
July 12, 2022

Championships suspended on Sunday 17th July due to severe weather warning.

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Boy on horse leaning over to put a letter in a letterbox
RDA National Championships returns
July 11, 2022

RDA National Championships returns

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RDA rider with thumbs up
RDA supports Activity Alliance findings
June 29, 2022

RDA supports findings

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British equestrian logo
British Equestrian and its member bodies pledge to improve equality, diversity and inclusion in the equestrian community
June 20, 2022

British Equestrian and its member bodies pledge to improve equality, diversity and inclusion in the equestrian community

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Jonquil Solt
RDA mourns the loss of Para dressage pioneer, Jonquil Solt.
June 15, 2022

RDA mourns loss of para dressage pioneer

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‘Only Heroes & Horses’ tells remarkable story of saving RDA stables in London
May 26, 2022

RDA Coach launches new book

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RDA smashes fundraising target as Badminton Charity of the Year
May 25, 2022

RDA Shetlands are a draw at Badminton

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Tea With a Pony session
RDA marks Dementia Action Week with record Tea With a Pony sessions
May 12, 2022

RDA marks Dementia Action Week

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Woman strokes pony
RDA to showcase ‘Tea with a Pony’ as part of Badminton Charity of the Year
April 21, 2022

RDA Highlights at Badminton

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Launch of new Strategic Plan: Transforming Lives Across the UK
March 28, 2022

RDA Strategy Launch

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badminton
RDA named Badminton Charity of the Year
March 9, 2022

RDA named Badminton Charity of the Year

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Princess Anne and new Coach Mentor Mark Cunliffe
Launch of Princess Royal Coach Academy
November 8, 2021

Princess Royal announces new Coach Mentors

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have your say
RDA launches consultation into ambitious 3-year strategy
November 3, 2021

RDA opens consultation into new strategy.

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Winner Millie Boo
RDA recognises COVID challenges in Annual Awards
October 5, 2021

Winners of RDA Awards announced

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Thousands tune in to Virtual RDA Championships
September 27, 2021

Triumph of Virtual National Championships

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Natalie and Philippa accept their award
RDA group named best Health Charity in Sun Awards
September 21, 2021

Winners of 'Who Cares Wins' award

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Hundreds enter first ever RDA Virtual National Championships
September 8, 2021

RDA Virtual National Championships 25&26 September

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Equestrian ‘most prevalent provider of parasport opportunities’ thanks to RDA
August 19, 2021

Leonard Cheshire research shows prevalence of equestrian sport for people with disabilities

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RDA hosts Paralympic team announcement
July 16, 2021

RDA hosts Paralympics Team Announcement

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RDA elects Rachel Medill MBE as new Chair of Trustees
June 17, 2021

New Chair Rachel Medill MBE brings trustee and equestrian knowledge to ‘meet the growing need for support’

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RDA releases impact report for ‘unprecedented’ year
June 15, 2021

With only 50% of RDA groups reopened nationwide, Princess Anne writes of ‘unprecedented challenges’

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RDA Logo
RDA volunteers recognised in Queen’s Birthday Honours
June 14, 2021

RDA Volunteers recognised in Queen's Birthday Honours

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RDA launches ‘Tea with a Pony’ nationwide
May 11, 2021

RDA launches Tea with a Pony

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93% of RDA participants still unable to return to riding
March 26, 2021

Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) has launched a report into current activity levels following the easing of lockdown restrictions.

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RDA group smashes £1 million fundraising target
February 18, 2021

Park Lane Stables has been supporting the community during lockdown.

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New Year’s Honour for RDA Chair
January 4, 2021

Sam Orde receives OBE for services to disabled people

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A horse sitting in front of a girl on wheelchair
RDA presents one-off awards to recognise COVID challenges
November 13, 2020

Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) has recognised the particular challenge faced by its groups during 2020 with series of one-off awards presented at the charity’s virtual AGM.

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A woman speaking in public
HRH The Princess Royal Chairs Zoom AGM
November 13, 2020

Princess Anne praises ingenuity and resilience of groups across the UK

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A woman smiling image
Recognition for Coach who brought therapeutic riding to Russia
October 30, 2020

RDA ‘Birt Spooner’ Cup awarded to Lead Coach and International Liaison

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First ever RDA Dressage Challenge Class at Virtual Windsor
September 23, 2020

supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery and Wychanger Saddlery

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Three horses on a field
RDA UK awards £70,000 in direct grants to member groups
July 21, 2020

‘Crisis & Resilience’ fund helps groups to respond, rebuild and recover from lockdown

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A woman speaking in front of an audience
Princess Royal on call with RDA members
July 13, 2020

Riders and volunteers talk about the impact of lockdown and plans for reopening

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Vacancy: Group Development Manager, Maternity Cover
June 22, 2020

RDA is a leading national charity, dedicated to enriching the lives of disabled people through horses and our team at national office work closely with our network of national volunteers to ensure RDA Groups are able to provide an excellent experience for those who take part in our activities.

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Paula from RDA with a dog
Report reveals impact of lockdown on disabled community

June 22, 2020

Widespread impact on physical and mental wellbeing

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Princess Anne sends message of thanks and support to volunteers
June 4, 2020

Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) President, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal has sent a message of support and gratitude to volunteers as part of Volunteers’ Week.

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Volunteers Week 2020: RDA joins forces with other charities to say ‘thank you’ to volunteers
May 29, 2020

Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) is part of a collaborative action of organisations championing a united response for Volunteers’ Week 1-7 June.

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Statement from RDA UK
May 12, 2020

Following the government’s announcement on Sunday 10 May, RDA has briefed its groups around the UK to remain closed.

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RDA asks supporters to join The 2.6 Challenge
April 22, 2020

The Covid-19 pandemic has had a catastrophic effect with the cancellation of thousands of events and the loss of billions in income through fundraising events.

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First RDA groups receive emergency funds from charity appeal
April 17, 2020

14 Riding for the Disabled groups get funds for immediate crisis relief

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RDA launches emergency appeal to care for horses

April 6, 2020

Charity fundraising appeal will support disability horse riding groups in immediate crisis

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‘Thank you for the memories’

February 25, 2020

RDA launches Dementia project to open up the sensory world of horses

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Clare Balding visit to South Bucks RDA
December 19, 2019

Clare Balding’s new children’s book, ‘The Racehorse Who Learned To Dance’ is an inspirational tale about overcoming adversity and following your dreams.

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Two RDA groups receive Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service
October 21, 2019

Two RDA groups in Yorkshire have been presented with the prestigious Queens Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS).

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RDA Rider Makes Disability Power 100 List
October 21, 2019

RDA rider and volunteer, Colin Duthie, has been revealed as one of the 100 most influential disabled people in the UK, following his inclusion in the Shaw Trust Disability Power List 100 for 2019.

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50th Celebration Week across the UK
October 21, 2019

Marking 50 years since the start of RDA, groups all over the UK have been holding special events as part of a week of celebrations.

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RDA Coaches scoop top awards
October 21, 2019

Three RDA Coaches have received awards at the charity’s annual Coaching Conference.

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RDA Awards celebrate 50 years of enriching lives through horses
October 9, 2019

Clare Balding, Alastair Stewart and racing driver Damon Hill were among the special guests...

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Countryfile to Salute RDA in its 50th Anniversary Year
July 23, 2019

BBC Countryfile is to honour RDA in its 50th anniversary year with a programme dedicated to the charity and its work.

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RDA Celebrates 50 Years at National Championships
RDA Celebrates 50 Years at National Championships
June 17, 2019

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Princess Anne to launch first National Training Centre
June 5, 2019

The first ever National Training Centre for RDA will be officially opened in Warwickshire on 12 June by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal.

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Meet the ‘50 faces’ breaking down barriers
May 21, 2019

50th anniversary portrait project challenges attitudes and celebrates diversity in disability horse sport

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HRH Princess Anne launches 50th anniversary tartan for RDA in Scotland
May 3, 2019

A new tartan has been produced by Lachcarron of Scotland in celebration of 50 years of Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) providing therapy through horses.

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RDA News
Riding for the Disabled Association to research the effectiveness of their brand
February 22, 2019

As Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) reaches its 50th year, RDA has decided to carry out research into the brand, to determine whether it fully reflects the organisation as it is today.

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