Volunteers, Riders, and a Very Special Team of Horses
The programme took a closer look at Morpeth RDA in Northumberland, where volunteers and riders come together year-round. Margherita spoke with volunteer Pauline, who has been involved with RDA for over 30 years. Pauline shared how she didn’t start riding until she was 25, but quickly fell in love with horses, describing the sense of freedom and escape they bring. “It’s not what you can’t do but what you can do that counts,” she said.
Margherita also followed Derek, a long-term member whose enthusiasm lights up every session. Riding his favourite horse Bluebell, Derek experiences freedom, focus, and a strong sense of belonging. His care worker Robert explained how RDA has helped Derek concentrate, develop hand-eye coordination, and build friendships and how his riding has evolved from therapeutic sessions to competitive success, including first place at the RDA regional dressage championships and participation at the national level in Hartpury.
After his session, Derek said warmly to Bluebell: “Well done Bluebell, my best friend.”
After Derek’s ride, Margherita had the chance to ride Bluebell herself, guided by Andrea Foote, who shared her experience of seeing the transformative bond between horse and rider every day.
A Nationwide Impact
Andrea highlighted the scale of RDA’s work: there are around 450 groups across the UK, providing opportunities for approximately 39,000 participants each year. RDA supports people of all ages with physical or learning disabilities, sensory differences, long-term health conditions, and neurodiversity.
Margherita asked what makes this charity so special? Andrea replied, “It’s what it does for the riders, it does that for the volunteers, and it’s just a little bit of community between us all. Some riders go on to competitions and winning a rosette can be a huge achievement for them and their families. But I’d love to say it’s us… but it’s really the horses. They get on a horse and just feel enabled, happy, calm, without a doubt.”
Celebrating Horses, Volunteers, and Community
The episode beautifully showcased the dedication of RDA volunteers, the joy and pride of riders like Derek, and the power of horses to change lives. It’s a testament to how the simple act of riding can foster confidence, physical wellbeing, and community connection.
We’re so grateful to the Countryfile team for telling this story with warmth and authenticity and for helping to share the magic of RDA with a national audience.
If you missed the episode, catch it here:
