Beechley Stables RDA has been named ParalympicsGB’s Every Body Moves ‘Club of the Month’. Recognising the club’s outstanding work in breaking down barriers to inclusive horse riding and equestrian activities for disabled people.

Under its motto “Horses with Hearts in Our Community” Beechley RDA has brought the transformative benefits of horses to disabled people across Liverpool and Merseyside for many years. Annually, the charity supports over 200 participants through almost 2,000 sessions, delivered by 64 volunteers, two staff members and its team of horses.

Uniquely located in the heart of Liverpool, Beechley RDA provides rare access to horses, green space and nature for people in an urban environment. Services include riding, hippotherapy, equine-assisted learning, Tea with a Pony sessions, non-ridden horse care, and reflective wellbeing sessions, alongside newer offerings like Cowboy Skills, Wellbeing for Men, and Picnic with a Pony.

Beechley partners with local health and community organisations, including Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust CAMHS service, care homes, day centres, Mencap and Little Lights Children’s Hospice, to reach people with physical, learning and hidden disabilities across Liverpool, Merseyside and the surrounding region.

Debbie Hartill, Chair and Coach at Beechley Stables RDA, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to receive this award from ParalympicsGB. It is wonderful recognition of our participants, volunteers, staff and horses, who all make Beechley RDA such a special place. Being based in the heart of Liverpool means many of our participants can enjoy horses, green space and the outdoors in a way they may not otherwise have had the opportunity to experience. We are incredibly proud of what our small team and amazing volunteers achieve, and this award is a fantastic opportunity to highlight the importance of supporting charities like ours.”

This work reflects Every Body Moves’ goal of helping disabled people find ways to be active that suit them, via the UK’s largest triple award-winning inclusive activity finder.

Baden Knifton, Para Sport Engagement Officer at ParalympicsGB, said: “Beechley RDA are creating a hugely positive impact for participants. Their therapeutic Tea With a Pony sessions and inclusive cowboy skills are fantastic examples of modern and broader ways disabled people can access this fun and supportive equine community.”

Lisa Davies, Head of Communications, RDA UK, said: “Beechley RDA is a fantastic example of how RDA groups across the UK are breaking down barriers for disabled people through the power of horses. Their commitment to making equestrian opportunities accessible to everyone demonstrates the life-changing impact RDA groups have in communities across the UK.”

Why inclusive equestrian activities matter

Equestrian sport is among the most accessible activities for disabled people, adaptable through specialist equipment, volunteer support and activity variations like carriage driving and non-ridden activities. RDA’s recent Impact Report highlights that a horse’s rhythmic movement mirrors human walking, improving balance, posture, coordination and core stability, while therapeutic riding and hippotherapy support functional movement and rehabilitation. Beyond the physical benefits, spending time with horses builds confidence, reduces anxiety and fosters a sense of belonging that participants find just as life changing as the riding itself.

Demand for Beechley’s services continues to grow, with a waiting list highlighting the need for more volunteers, funding partners and community support to help more disabled people experience the confidence, friendship and wellbeing that spending time with horses can bring.