Founded in 1969, Riding for the Disabled Association (known as RDA) is a charity focused on providing therapy to children and adults with developmental and physical disabilities as well as improving the lives of those with mental health difficulties using horse-riding, equestrian vaulting, and carriage driving.
With a network of almost 500 RDA centres all over the UK, involvement with horses benefits the lives of over 26,500 disabled people, all supported by 18,000 incredible volunteers and qualified coaches.
The RDA can only conduct their life-changing work thanks to the generosity of their donors, the dedication of their volunteers and of course, the good nature of their fantastic horses.
In Oxfordshire, the Abingdon Group of RDA was established in 1975 and currently works with over 84 children and adults whose ages range from 2 to 70+. There is no age limit for people wanting to ride with RDA – it is certainly not just children who can get involved. Not only do the participants enjoy the experience of riding, but they also have opportunities to engage in new social activities, enter competitions and even go on national holidays.
Volunteer group coach for the Abingdon RDA, India Collins-Davies tell us more: “I have been involved with the Abingdon group for more than ten years and it is wonderful to be part of a truly local, grassroots charity that does great things for the community. Watching how children and adults develop and gain a new dimension to their restricted lives is absolutely wonderful. As part of a team of almost 200 volunteers, we work hard to ensure that the group provides riding therapy throughout the year working with nearly 100 adults and children with a wide range of disabilities. Our riders can range from a small child learning to walk or talk for the first time to offering a more advanced rider the opportunity to compete at a national level. RDA caters for many different disabilities including learning difficulties, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy and a variety of syndromes. Our incredible team of 18 horses help make riding a fun activity and our Centre is a place of great achievement, where confidence is gained, medical conditions are often improved, and new friendships are made with both humans and horses.”
RDA is an inclusive and diverse organisation. Abingdon RDA was one of the first groups to re-open following the restrictions imposed by the Covid pandemic and despite significant challenges to their finances, they were able to open a brand new Paralympic-size indoor arena facility in the autumn of 2021. The new arena will enable more disabled people to get involved with the Abingdon group.
“As it costs £100,000 plus to run our Centre at Southmoor each year, we are constantly fundraising to top up our small income from heavily subsidised riding fees. We are always looking for volunteers to help us in many different ways and we aim to provide our volunteers with training, friendship, and fun. Currently, we are looking to train more volunteer coaches which will enable the Abingdon Riding for the Disabled to expand their client bases as they have several children and adults on the waiting list wanting to be part of this enriching organisation.”
To find out more about the Abingdon RDA visit their website rda-abingdon.org.uk, Facebook@AbingdonRDA, Twitter.com/AbingdonRda.
Their stables are located at Lower Lodge Riding Centre, Charney Road, Southmoor, Abingdon, OX13 5HW. You do not have to live in Abingdon to get involved.
