About RDA
Riding for the Disabled Association is a UK charity that was first registered in 1969, when, largely through the influence of the Duchess on Norfolk, some 80 existing Groups came together to form one Association. In 1975 the constitution was amended to include carriage driving. RDA has a fascinating history of remarkable people, mainly from the horse world, who had the vision, enthusiasm and ability to create and develop opportunities for disabled people to enjoy the companionship of the horse.
Today RDA is run by some 15,000 volunteers in over 600 Member Groups who provide riding and carriage driving to some 24,000 adults and young people with a wide range of disabilities. They are supported by a small Headquaerters of professional staff who are based at the National Agricultural Centre at Kenilworth.
Many doctors and physiotherapists approve of the benefits that riding and riding–related activities bring to so many people.
Our Aim
Our aim, in simple terms, is to provide the opportunity of riding to disabled people who might benefit in their general health and wellbeing.
Our Objectives
- To provide disabled people with the means to ride and/or carriage drive at the level of their ability, choice and ambition.
- To acquire, manage and support the resources: people, horses, ponies, donkeys, facilities and finance to achieve the objectives.
- To make available suitable training within the Association.
- To ensure that the structure of the Association is appropriate for its requirements from time to time.
- To encourage disabled people to occupy positions of responsibility within the Association.
- To contribute to the attainment of objectives worldwide.
HRH The Princess Royal, who is president of the RDA National, makes a major contribution throughout the Association. Her genuine interest in the work, shown by her visits to meetings, events, conferences and Member Groups, helps considerably in raising the profile of the RDA worldwide.