What is the RDA?

By donating a small amount for each image, you can raise money for the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA). This is a charity which provides disabled people of all ages with the opportunity to take part in all sorts of equestrian activities - from dressage to carriage driving, showjumping, and vaulting (gymnastics on horseback). The RDA gives opportunities to experience the benefits of riding for people with all kinds of disabilities - from those with physical disabilities who benefit from the physiotherapy side of riding to those with severe learning disabilities who gain confidence through riding as well as having lots of fun and developing social skills.

The Cambs College group out for a ride in Milton Country Park

What impact does the RDA have? 
There are around 500 groups across the UK, giving free or heavily subsidised lessons to around 28,000 people. These activities are delivered by an army of 18,000 volunteers, whose dedication not only provides fun and therapy to individuals but has also launched the careers of a number of GB's most successful Paralympic riders. It is no coincidence that Great Britain is the most successful para-equestrian nation in the world - the high standards reached by riders with all kinds of disabilities are honed through extensive training and competition opportunities at all levels from grassroots to Paralympic. Each year, 400 riders, drivers and vaulters compete at the RDA National Championships which is held at the world-class equestrian venue of Hartpury College.

More importantly than this, though, the RDA makes people believe in themselves. RDA sessions are fun and you can achieve something each time you ride. They give disabled people the chance to be with other people who understand their difficulties in an environment which celebrates disability and makes what is often perceived as abnormality seem normal. There are countless tales of children who have never spoken before who learn to do so as a result of wanting to talk to the pony they ride. People who have lost their sight learn to perform complex dressage tests and showjumping rounds independently. Adults who have become disabled through accidents or illness rediscover freedom and joy through their partnership with a horse. Young people with learning disabilities can work towards qualifications that they would not achieve at school. Simply attending an RDA session each week creates powerful bonds between riders, riders and helpers, and riders and horses, the importance of which cannot be underestimated.

Money raised from the sale of photos on this site will go towards supporting the Cambridgeshire College RDA Group. This group provides opportunities for young adults (16+) to take part in a huge range of activities, including dressage, showjumping, mounted games, vaulting, arts and crafts, horse care/knowledge and musical rides. It is based at the College of West Anglia's Milton campus - just a bit further downstream from Baitsbite Lock! The group currently has the use of six horses and has been successful at regional and national competitions. It welcomes riders with a range of disabilities, from Down Syndrome to autism and cerebral palsy.

Why does the RDA need money?
Nothing with horses comes cheaply and the RDA is entirely dependent on charitable donations. Horses are expensive animals to buy, keep and care for. Tack (e.g. saddles, bridles and harnesses) is expensive, especially for those who require specialist tack to cater for their disabilities. The level of experience and skill required of instructors is considerable - they must not only have excellent knowledge of horses and riding but also a good understanding of the ways in which a vast range of disabilities affect individuals' capabilities. Lots of volunteers are required in a situation where any one rider may need three or more helpers whilst on the horse. Volunteers aren't expected to come armed with the skills to communicate with all the riders (e.g. how to communicate with people who have sensory impairments, who are non-verbal, or who struggle to recall vocabulary) and they need training in this as much as in the safe way to keep a severely disabled rider on their horse. On a larger scale, events such as regional and national competitions rely on funding in order to stable horses overnight, provide transport, hire venues, produce rosettes and trophies, pay for judges and so on. There are also costs involved in paying professionals to manage the RDA's resources in the best possible way.

How can I find out more about the RDA?
Head to their website here.

How can I volunteer or become a rider with the RDA?
Pop your postcode into the search box here to find your nearest group. Bear in mind that some groups only offer sessions to children from specific schools, but there should be options for people of all ages if you're prepared to travel a little bit. You don't need to have any prior experience of horses at all to become an RDA rider.

If you'd like to volunteer, please be aware that you do not need to have any equine experience at all! There are plenty of useful things you can do that don't involve contact with horses, or - if you'd like to learn more about horses - groups are always willing to train people up even if they have no prior experience.