Riding for the Disabled Association

Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) uses the power of horses to improve the lives of disabled adults and children across the UK.

Their three principal objectives are to:

• Deliver opportunities for improving quality of life and lasting therapy,
• Enable participants to achieve to their full potential and
• Facilitate the opportunity to take part in an exciting and enjoyable activity.

When riding, the movement of the horse allows the pelvis, spine and associated muscles to work together as they would when walking. The rhythm of the ride relaxes tight, stiff muscles, improves core strength, co-ordination and balance – providing important therapy to people with a physical disability. RDA are working with increasing numbers of people with learning and social disabilities, for whom the opportunity to develop a relationship with a horse and achieve significant goals creates a vital psychosocial therapy. All RDA riders benefit from an activity that allows them to experience a unique degree of independence and achievement that their disabilities may prevent them from experiencing in everyday life.

Among the ambassadors for Riding for the Disabled Association is HRH The Princess Royal, Princess Anne, who is also the President of Riding for the Disabled UK.

You can help RDA improve more lives of disabled adults and children. For more information, visit their website www.rda.org.uk.