Riding for the Disabled Association

At Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), our horses benefit the lives of over 25,000 disabled children and adults. With fun activities like riding and carriage driving, we provide therapy, fitness, skills development and opportunities for achievement – all supported by 18,000 amazing volunteers and qualified coaches at nearly 500 RDA centres all over the UK.

RDA is an inclusive and diverse organisation. We welcome clients with physical and learning disabilities and autism, and there are no age restrictions. Through our network of member groups, RDA is at work in every corner of the UK, in our cities and remote rural areas, bringing the therapy, achievement and fun of horses to as many people as we can.

We are a charity, and we can only carry out our life-changing activities thanks to the generosity of our donors, the dedication of our volunteers and the good nature of our fantastic horses.

RDA is the only major UK charity whose focus is squarely on the therapeutic and health benefits of bringing people and horses together – and we make a difference.

Our activities are recommended by Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists, and the majority of our participants are referred to RDA by a medical professional.

Many of our participants say that RDA activity is their main way of accessing physical exercise, and we have a positive, long-term impact on confidence levels, relationship building, communication skills, enjoyment and physical ability.

Regular riding improves core strength, balance and coordination and our welcoming groups help to combat isolation and loneliness and boost wellbeing and happiness.

RDA have groups in these local areas:

• Dorchester
• Osmington
• Bovington
• Hanford
• Blandford
• Milton Abbas
• Lychett
• East Holton
• Three Legged Cross

If you are interested in joining one of our groups please visit our website for more information.