Disabled participants from across the country come together to showcase their skills, celebrate progress and experience the power of community at RDA’s biggest event of the year.
The atmosphere of encouragement, the sight of participants entering the arena with confidence and the shared excitement of achievement captured the true spirit of the 2026 RDA National Championships.
Held from 10th–12th July 2026 at Hartpury University & College in Gloucestershire, the National Championships brought together disabled participants from across the UK for three unforgettable days of competition, celebration and connection.
The event was a powerful reminder of what a Summer of Inclusion looks like – a place where participants can challenge themselves, build friendships and experience the confidence that comes from belonging.
A celebration years in the making
The RDA National Championships are about much more than competition. For every participant, reaching the event represents months and years of dedication, encouragement and support from families, coaches, volunteers and the incredible horses at the heart of RDA.
This year’s Championships celebrated:
- 650 entries
- 178 classes
- 9 disciplines
- 99 competing groups
- 3 days of inspiring performances
Behind every number was a personal journey – a story of determination, progress and the achievement of something that once may have seemed impossible.
From dressage and show jumping to carriage driving and vaulting, participants had the opportunity to demonstrate their skills at one of the most inclusive equestrian events of its kind for disabled competitors.
More than medals: the stories behind the Championships
For many participants, the Championships represent far more than winning a rosette.
Matt’s RDA journey shows how involvement with RDA can create confidence, independence and a sense of belonging. Through his experiences with horses and the RDA community, Matt has been able to challenge himself, develop new skills and enjoy being part of something special. Watch Matt’s story here
For Derek, the Championships are about bringing people together. His famous knock-knock jokes and infectious sense of humour remind everyone that the event is about friendship, fun and creating memories just as much as it is about competition. Watch Derek’s story here
These moments reflect the heart of RDA – giving disabled children and adults opportunities to take part, achieve their goals and feel valued.
Showcasing incredible equestrian talent
Across the three-day event, participants competed across a wide range of disciplines, each designed to celebrate different skills and achievements.
Participants took part in:
Vaulting – combining artistic movement, balance and teamwork on horseback or on the barrel.
Dressage – developing communication and partnership between rider and horse through technical tests adapted for riders of all abilities.
Countryside Challenge – testing balance, steering, accuracy and confidence through a series of obstacles.
Best Turned Out – celebrating horse care, presentation and the partnership between horse and participant.
Carriage Driving – challenging accuracy, decision-making and control while enjoying the freedom of driving.
Endurance – encouraging participants to develop fitness, knowledge and confidence over distance.
Horse Care and Knowledge – recognising the importance of understanding and caring for horses.
Showjumping – supporting participants as they progress from pole work to jumping challenges.
Performance Showing – celebrating individual riding ability and the unique partnership between participant and horse.
Every discipline demonstrated the skill, commitment and passion of RDA participants.
Bringing people together
The National Championships also offered visitors the chance to experience the RDA community in action, with spectators encouraged to attend Hartpury’s world-class equestrian facilities and support competitors.
For those unable to attend in person, classes were available to watch through the National Championships live stream on RDA’s social media channels, YouTube and Horse & Country. Catch up on all the live highlights here.
A special new addition to the 2026 event programme was an outdoor cinema experience at Hartpury House, where guests could enjoy a screening of The Greatest Showman while supporting RDA’s life-changing work.
Creating more moments of inclusion
Every rider’s journey begins with an opportunity.
The confidence, friendships and achievements celebrated at the National Championships are made possible through the dedication of RDA volunteers, coaches, supporters and partners.
By supporting RDA, more disabled children and adults can experience the joy of horses, the confidence to achieve their goals and the feeling of knowing they belong.
The 2026 National Championships proved that inclusion is not just about taking part – it is about having the chance to shine.
A huge thank you to our class sponsors, Life With Art, Taylor Rose and Brown Advisory, for their generous support of this event.
Bringing the Championships to life
The 2026 National Championships reached even more people with the launch of RDA’s first ever daily wrap-up show, capturing the highlights, stories and unforgettable moments from across the event. If you missed the episodes, they are still available to watch here and experience the excitement from the Championships.
The event also welcomed influencers Joe Ashman and Esme, who joined the RDA community to share their experiences, celebrate the achievements of participants and help showcase the magic of the Championships to a wider audience.
A huge thank you again to our wonderful dedicated RDA volunteers, coaches, horses, supporters and partners.
