RDA Impact Report Now Available

RDA Impact Report, Released for International Day of People with Disabilities, Shows How Horses Improve Health, Inclusion and Independence for Disabled People Across the UK

To mark International Day of People with Disabilities on 3rd December, Riding for the Disabled Association has released new research showing the profound social impact horses make on the lives of disabled children and adults across the UK. The report highlights how therapeutic riding, carriage driving and equine-assisted programmes significantly improve physical health, emotional wellbeing, independence and social connection for more than 39,000 disabled people each year.

The findings reinforce the importance of accessible, community-based activities that enable disabled people to thrive – and underline the urgent need to expand funding and provision. Nearly 4,000 people are currently on RDA waiting lists, and 71% of groups are unable to meet demand.

Real Improvement in Health, Participation and Life Satisfaction

RDA Participant: “Joining RDA has changed my life. The increase in confidence, muscles, strength, balance and mental health has been noticed by family, friends, carers and healthcare professionals. This has given me the ability to do more for myself.”

The 2025 Impact Report shows measurable benefits across key areas of life:

Impact at a glance:

  • RDA activities make a unique contribution to the changes experienced by participants: 
    80% of parents/carers think the changes in participants would not have happened without RDA
  • Outcome: Improved mental wellbeing
    95% of participants feel calm and focused during sessions
  • Outcome: More connected to others and the natural world 
    82% feel more connected to others
  • Outcome: Increased Self-esteem, Confidence and Independence 
    90% feel more confident in themselves
  • Outcome: More physically active and increased physical ability 
    88% have better posture, balance and co-ordination

Outcome: Increased engagement with Education  

RDA’s Wider Impact: RDA benefits often extend to the whole family

Every RDA session is underpinned by skill, care and understanding

Each RDA session is shaped by expertise, and awareness

Responding to Rising Demand: Expanding Access and Choice

The report shows a significant increase in demand, including from people with complex disabilities, multiple conditions and neurodivergent needs. RDA is committed to widening access, strengthening community provision and ensuring disabled people can choose how and where they engage in horse-led activities.

To help meet this need, RDA is relaunching its Approved Centre Scheme, equipping commercial equestrian centres with the training, tools and accreditation required to deliver high-quality, inclusive experiences that meet nationally recognised standards. This approach expands choice and ensures disabled people can access meaningful equestrian activities through both RDA charity groups and commercial centres.

Michael Bishop, CEO, RDA UK:
“The improvements in wellbeing, skills and independence captured in this report reflect what participants tell us every day: RDA makes a profound difference. As we mark IDPWP, we are calling for wider support so more disabled people can access meaningful, life-enhancing equine activities in their communities.”

A Call to Action for International Day of People with Disabilities

RDA receives no statutory government funding, and relies entirely on voluntary donations. To ensure more disabled people can benefit from RDA’s programmes, the charity is asking organisations, individuals and partners to:

  • Volunteer – join over 13,000 people creating life-changing experiences every week.
  • Support RDA through funding, partnerships, or sponsorship.
  • Become an RDA Approved Centre – open your equestrian centre’s doors to more disabled participants and be part of a nationwide movement for inclusion and excellence.
  • Advocate for access to community-based equine programmes that promote participation, wellbeing and inclusion
Read the full Impact Report

New “About Us” Video

To celebrate the launch, RDA has released a new “About Us” video to help demonstrate the incredible work taking place across RDA nationwide.