On Saturday, we were delighted to welcome young people from Power of Polo and The Diamond Centre RDA to RDA Park Lane Stables for a truly unforgettable day of connection, confidence-building, and shared experiences through horses.

The event brought together young people, coaches, volunteers, and youth workers from RDA and Power of Polo that are making a powerful difference in young lives. Throughout the day, participants spent time riding, caring for the horses and forming meaningful friendships in a welcoming and supportive environment.

For many involved, the day was about much more than riding. It was an opportunity to build confidence, reduce anxiety, and feel part of a community united by a shared love of horses.

Maz, an RDA coach, reflected on the importance of the day:

“It was a great day and a pleasure to connect with new people. As an RDA coach, part of my role is to encourage communication, and it was lovely to see participants naturally engaging with both the horses and each other. It really highlights how horses can bring young people together through shared, positive experiences.”

RDA and Power of Polo participants also spoke about the impact of meeting others who share the same passion for horses.

Toby from the Diamond Centre RDA said:

“The day was amazing. Getting to meet others my age and learning about the different experiences and styles of riding was really insightful. This is a great example of what being part of the RDA and the riding community is like. It was so good to share the day with people who share my passion for horses.”

Kaira from Power of Polo shared:

“Today was amazing. I was nervous about riding again and I’ve only ever ridden polo ponies before but now I feel full of confidence. I’m going to the ‘Riding a Dream’ Academy at Newmarket next week and it was great to speak to some of the RDA people who have also done this and to get to share experiences.”

Alicia from The Diamond Centre RDA added:

“At first I was nervous to be in an entirely new place with people I’d never seen before and horses I’d never ridden before, but the entire day was fun and calm at the same time. It was great to meet people from different areas and get to know them and share our stories and interests. By the end of it I had already made a new friend thanks to this amazing opportunity.”

Many of the young people described riding as calming, therapeutic, and freeing.

Micah from Power of Polo explained:

“These horses felt quite different and normal horse riding was really different to polo!! Riding is so therapeutic; it’s calming, it’s chilling… you can just get on a horse and be yourself and relax.”

Isiah from Power of Polo shared:

“It felt so nice to be back on a horse and to ride in a different way and in a different place, on the road and in a park with different scenery… it felt good. Being on a horse takes all your stress away, it just feels nice and it was really good to talk to other people from different charities who feel the same way.”

Youth worker Margarita from Power of Polo also reflected on the experience:

“I’ve only ever ridden polo ponies before so this is a different experience but I feel happy and confident and this is a beautiful thing for us to do together.”

Lexy from Park Lane RDA highlighted just how meaningful the day was for the young people involved:

“It meant so much to see young people I know very well, who struggle daily, actually making friends and having fun with genuine smiles on their faces. They were able to be themselves and relax around fellow horse lovers and everyone felt welcome.”

Yohannes a volunteer from Park Lane RDA described the event as:

“An amazing experience, a great way to meet people with the same interests as me.”

Josiah from Park Lane RDA added:

“I really enjoyed learning from a different group with a shared passion for horses. I felt confident sharing my knowledge and proud to be showing off the ponies I love at Park Lane.”

The day demonstrated the incredible impact that horses and collaboration can have in supporting young people’s physical and emotional wellbeing, building confidence, fostering independence, and creating a strong sense of belonging.

A huge thank you goes to everyone who helped make the day so special. Together, experiences like this continue to open opportunities, break down barriers, and help young people reach their full potential.