About Us

For more than 40 years, RDA has been delivering opportunities for therapy, achievement and enjoyment to people with disabilities. Founded as a National Organisation in 1969, RDA now has over 500 Member Groups across the UK - together, these Groups help 30,000 people take part in riding, carriage driving and vaulting activities.
 
Although RDA was set up to work mainly with people with physical disabilities, RDA Groups now work across the spectrum of disabilities, age range, social status and urban and rural environments. The focus of our work is to ensure that each individual has the chance to derive a direct therapeutic benefit and the opportunity to achieve their personal goal (whether that be learning a very simple skill or winning a major competition).
 
RDA gives individuals the opportunity to:

Reach therapeutic goals: improve muscle tone and posture, develop fine and gross motor movement
 
Achieve their personal ambitions: sit on a horse for the first time, learn new skills, win a Paralympic medal

Combat social isolation: build relationships, enjoy events and competition, develop self-confidence

Develop life skills: improve communication, take responsibility, be a team player

Experience the outdoors: ride in the countryside, access rural Britain
 
Connect with animals: bringing positivity and optimism, adding a new element to life
 
RDA brings together more than 500 volunteer groups throughout the UK. More than 28,000 adults and children enjoy the benefits of riding or carriage driving.Each year more than 18,000 dedicated volunteers give a total of more than 3.5 million hours of their time.

Although the current level of service delivered by RDA is truly amazing, we are aware that there are many more people who merit help and support. Currently RDA fails to meet the increasing demand for riding and carriage driving opportunities, with the vast majority of RDA Groups reporting a waiting list. It is the shortfall in volunteer numbers that severely restricts the availability of RDA services and significantly limits the current number of rider and driver opportunities nationally.