Our Services

Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) is a UK-wide network of over 400 local groups and approved centres, all working to enrich lives through the power of horses. Our groups and centres are welcoming and inclusive, offering a wide range of equine activities for people of all ages and abilities. Whether you’re living with a physical or sensory disability, learning difficulties, autism, ADHD, dementia, or mental health challenges, there’s a place for you at RDA.

What’s on Offer?

RDA is about much more than therapeutic services. You can enjoy:

• Horse riding and carriage driving to build confidence, strength, and independence.
• Equine-assisted programmes like Quiet Corners or Tea with a Pony, ideal for wellbeing.
• Opportunities to take part in local and national competitions, where participants can challenge themselves and celebrate their progress.

Whatever your goals – making friends, building confidence, having fun, or competing – RDA offers a supportive and encouraging environment to help you thrive.

To get started with RDA, visit our Find a Group page and contact your local group or Approved Centre directly to learn more about what they offer and how to join.

Our Core Activities

Therapeutic Riding

Riding offer significant therapeutic benefits, and many of our participants are referred by medical professionals. The warmth, rhythm and three dimensional movement of the horse is transmitted through the rider’s body, and can help in relaxing tight muscles, strengthening core stability, reducing spasms and improving balance, posture and co-ordination.  

Benefits:   

• Aids mobility, core strength and balance  

• Improve general fitness and health  

• Make friends and stay active  

• Opportunities to progress and compete  

Carriage Driving

RDA has a long history of carriage driving, offering an alternative equine experience for participants who may be unable to ride, or prefer a different type of challenge. Carriage Driving offers many of the same benefits as riding, including improved co-ordination and balance, relaxation through rhythmic movement, along with the freedom and experience of getting out in the open air. Carriage Driving can range from a relaxing drive, to the exhilaration of a  competition putting the driver’s decision making, accuracy and control to the test – at speed!  

Benefits  

• Suits all ages and abilities  

• Improves balance and coordination  

• Builds independence and confidence  

• A social and exhilarating activity  

Competitions

Competitions inside and outside of RDA are a great opportunity to build confidence, equestrian skills and celebrate achievement. Competitors can benefit from the focus competition preparation adds to weekly sessions. The RDA National Championships is biggest competition for participants.  

National Championships & Virtual Championships

The RDA National Championships is one of the most inclusive equestrian events of its kind, exceeding the number of disciplines and competitors in both the Paralympic Games and the Special Olympics World Games. The Virtual Championships opens up RDA competitions to participants and groups who cannot take part in our in-person events. 

Competitors can compete in:   

• Dressage
• Showjumping
• Vaulting
• Performance Showing
• Endurance
• Countryside Challenge
• Carriage Driving

and more…

Tea with a Pony

Tea with a Pony is a safe and supportive activity for people with disabilities or long-term conditions, such as dementia. Sessions typically include tea and cake accompanied by the horse at a distance, followed by the opportunity to stroke or groom the horse.  

Benefits  

• Multi-sensory   
• Good for memory, alertness and engagement.   
• Intergenerational for participants and families/ carers.  

Quiet Corners

Provide a relaxing, low pressure environment in which to spend time with a horse, bonding and connecting through touch, speech, and breathing techniques.  

Benefits  

• Overcome stress and anxiety   

• Develop trust and empathy  

• Connect with nature  

Horsecare and groundwork sessions

participants spend quality time with horses grooming and leading, and learn valuable lessons in horse care and knowledge, and equine welfare.   

Benefits  

• Promotes physical and emotional wellbeing  

• Skills development  

  

Awards & Learning

RDA Activities offer a great platform for learning, setting goals and achievement. Any size of Group can get involved in our educational activities.

• Proficiency Tests for riding, horse care, carriage driving, showjumping and vaulting – developed by coaches to support and reward your participants’ knowledge and skills. Grades 1-4 horse care are available as part of our e-learning programme at rda-learning.org.uk  

• Endeavour Awards – no tests and no set syllabus. Just agree the goal and celebrate with a certificate and badge when it has been achieved   

• Arts & Crafts and Creative Writing Competitions – a creative way for participants to reflect on their time at RDA    

• ASDAN – Accredited certification using RDA activities to support curriculum-based learning   

 Benefits  

• Sets goals and recognises achievement  

• Builds confidence and self-esteem  

• Provides a challenge and encourages progression