Megan (14) and Ming Sun (15) began their riding journeys at Bank Farm RDA, where they have ridden together for the past three years.
Both RDA participants have autism, and through RDA they found not just riding lessons, but a place where they feel understood, supported, and like they truly belong. RDA has become a huge part of both of their lives. It has helped them grow in confidence, independence, and friendship. Being with the horses gives them calm, focus, and happiness, and it has become something they look forward to and feel proud to be part of every week. Their coach, Emma MacDonald, began her RDA journey as a parent in 2021 and became a qualified coach in 2023. She has supported both riders as they have progressed and has watched them grow in confidence as they have worked towards the RDA National Championships.
“RDA has been life-changing for me, both as a parent and as a coach. I first came to RDA when I brought my daughter Megan to her first session, and I quickly saw the difference it made to her confidence and happiness. What began as volunteering turned into becoming a coach because I wanted to give something back to a place that had already given us so much. Seeing riders work towards moments like the RDA National Championships is incredibly special. It is where all their hard work, confidence, and progress comes together, and where they can feel proud of how far they have come. For me, the most powerful part of RDA is watching those moments of achievement and joy happen on that stage.”
Emma
The RDA National Championships are one of the most inclusive and exciting events in the equestrian calendar, bringing participants together from all over the country. For Megan and Ming Sun, it feels like a really special moment to be part of something so big, where every rider is welcomed, supported, and celebrated. Coming to Championships means being part of something that feels accessible and made for them. It is about the excitement of travelling, preparing, and stepping into an environment full of other RDA participants who understand the journey. It is also about pride- pride in how far they have come, and pride in being there.
For both participants, it is a chance to enjoy riding in a different environment, meet other people in the RDA community, and feel the buzz of a national event where everyone is cheering each other on.
Megan will be competing at this years RDA National Championships in Dressage class 95 and mounted best turned-out class 137 both on the Saturday, and has grown in confidence through her time in RDA, becoming more independent and comfortable in her riding. Megan is really excited about being at the Championships and being part of something she has worked towards.
“Being around the horses makes me feel calm. I like being around the horses and being able to learn a new skill. I like just being with the horses and not having to talk to them.RDA has given me an opportunity to try riding, I am not sure I would have tried it otherwise. It has given me a sense of achievement and it is a safe space for me to be me. I find competing a little bit stressful but it makes me feel as though I’ve achieved something. I would really love to win the national championships.”
Ming Sun
Ming Sun will be competing this year in Dressage class 87 on Friday and Countryside Challenge class 165 on Sunday. RDA has helped Ming Sun grow in confidence and belief in himself. He enjoys being around the horses and feels proud of what he has achieved through his riding. Their coach Emma has supported them both through their journey and has seen how much RDA can change confidence, independence, and happiness. Together, Megan and Ming Sun’s journey to the RDA National Championships reflects the pride, joy, and sense of belonging that comes from being part of an event where every participant is celebrated for their achievements.
Supporting a Summer of Inclusion
As RDA shines a spotlight on inclusion this summer, the new vaulting barn represents an exciting new opportunity for disabled children and adults to participate, develop new skills, and experience the many benefits of equestrian activity.
For many disabled children, summer can bring additional barriers to participation, with fewer accessible activities and opportunities to spend time outdoors, build confidence, and connect with others.
Facilities such as the new vaulting barn help create more inclusive opportunities throughout the year, ensuring that disabled children and adults can access activities that promote wellbeing, achievement, and belonging.
This summer, RDA is encouraging supporters to help make inclusion possible for more disabled children and families.
Join us in creating a Summer of Inclusion, so no disabled child is left in the shade.
Donate today and help more people experience the confidence, connection, and opportunities that RDA makes possible.
