Meet Paddy 🐴 Standing at 18hh, Paddy is a gentle giant with a big heart. Before joining RDA, he worked as a Hunt Master’s horse and for the past few years, he’s been enjoying a very different pace of life, supporting our participants in sessions filled with connection, care and confidence-building. Whether it’s riding, grooming, or simply spending time together, he helps participants grow in confidence, find their independence, and experience moments of real joy. 💚 We’re incredibly grateful to Red Gorilla International for sponsoring Paddy. Their support helps ensure he can continue doing what he does best: changing the lives of disabled children and adults in his own gentle, powerful way. If your organisation is looking to make a meaningful impact, we’d love to hear from you. Visit our corporate page to learn more about how you can get involved: https://lnkd.in/ejXWBHee
Riding for the Disabled Association
Non-profit Organizations
Shrewley, Warwickshire 6,081 followers
Transforming lives through horses across the UK - supporting over 39,000 disabled children and adults every year
About us
RDA: Enriching Lives Through Horses Since 1969 At Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), we believe in the transformative power of horses to change lives – and we want you to be part of it. Each year, we help over 39,000 children and adults across the UK, through activities like riding, carriage driving, and equine-assisted programmes like Quiet Corners and Tea with a Pony. Did you know that 1 in 4 people in the UK are disabled? Despite the known benefits of physical activity, many disabled people still face significant barriers to being active in their communities. That’s where you come in. As pioneers in the therapeutic use of horses, we are leading the way in improving health, wellbeing, and confidence for disabled people. Why Should You Get Involved? Whether you're looking to volunteer, partner with us, or support our mission in other ways, there’s a place for you at RDA. Volunteer: No experience with horses? No problem. We welcome people of all backgrounds and skills, and we’ll give you all the training and support you need. This is your chance to make a real, lasting impact on someone’s life. Corporate Partnerships: Want your company to make a difference? Through corporate social responsibility initiatives, your support helps us provide life-changing services to those who need them most. Donors & Fundraisers: Every donation makes a difference. Your support helps provide life-changing therapeutic experiences with horses for disabled people across the UK, making a lasting impact on their health, wellbeing, and confidence. What’s In It For You? By joining RDA, you’ll become part of a community that values inclusivity, empowerment, and wellbeing. You’ll have the opportunity to develop new skills, form meaningful connections, and, most importantly, make a lasting difference in someone’s life. So, are you ready to get involved? Whether you want to volunteer, support our programmes, or raise awareness, you can help change lives.
- Website
-
http://www.rda.org.uk
External link for Riding for the Disabled Association
- Industry
- Non-profit Organizations
- Company size
- 11-50 employees
- Headquarters
- Shrewley, Warwickshire
- Type
- Nonprofit
- Founded
- 1969
Locations
-
Primary
Get directions
Lowlands Equestrian Centre
Old Warwick Road
Shrewley, Warwickshire CV35 7AX, GB
Employees at Riding for the Disabled Association
Updates
-
We’re delighted that our CEO Michael Bishop has attended Anthropy UK with huge thanks to the players of People's Postcode Lottery. And inspiring to hear that comedian Rosie Jones has challengd us all to prioritise inclusion—reminding us that disability doesn’t stop people; attitudes and structures do. At RDA we strive to break down barriers and open up possibility, so disabled people are not held back. #Anthropy26
A brilliant few days at Anthropy UK, with huge thanks to the players of People's Postcode Lottery. Given the event is held at the iconic Eden Project, it’s perhaps ironic that the theme which stood out most was the importance of getting ‘out of the bubble’. Hearing diverse perspectives and connecting across business, government and civil society not only challenged assumptions, but sparked fresh thinking. I leave the week inspired, and with a clear focus: ensuring that the extraordinary work of Riding for the Disabled Association volunteers and staff is not only recognised, but better connected with both established and new allies to deliver lasting impact. My personal highlight? Listening to the brilliant comedian Rosie Jones challenge us all to prioritise inclusion—reminding us that disability doesn’t stop people; attitudes and structures do. #Anthropy26
-
-
Riding for the Disabled Association reposted this
Really enjoyable panel session today at Naidex. It is clear that access to nature continues to be a challenge for disabled people. Especially considering the tension between ecology and access. It was encouraging to hear about some of the initiaves being led by organisations on the panel. The importance of lots of preparation information came across to encourage access and confidence "know before you go". Riding for the Disabled Association's Impact Report highlighted that for many participants RDA is their only opportunity to enjoy green spaces. The result (amongst many other outcomes leading to enhanced physical and mental wellbeing) 70% feel more connected to nature. The horse human connection remains critical for confidence, strength and freedom in nature. https://rda.org.uk/impact/ Thanks for chairing Sarah Clarke Alice Evans Miriam Bentley-Rose BSc MEd FIEDP Carrie-Ann Lightley Kate Allan
-
-
It's Equine Health Week and a moment to reflect on the role our horses play and the responsibility that comes with it 💚 That’s why we’ve pledged our support to the Charter for the Horse, alongside partners including Agria and British Equestrian. The Charter sets the standard for horse welfare, showing how to care with empathy, respect every horse’s individuality, and put their wellbeing first. At RDA, these principles guide everything we do, ensuring the horses at the heart of our sessions are nurtured, understood, and truly cared for. There are many ways to support a horses wellbeing, from daily care and environment, to the choices we make around their long-term support. Through our partnership with Agria, their lifetime insurance supports your horse’s ongoing wellbeing, while also giving back, with £50 donated to RDA for every policy taken out via our referral link: https://lnkd.in/ed8wBryt 🐴 #equinehealthweek #agria #equinewelfare
-
-
We’re excited to see our COO, Lee Heard, taking part in a panel at Naidex this week on 'Creating opportunities to access green spaces'. This exciting discussion focuses on how we can break down the physical, social and systemic barriers that prevent people from accessing the outdoors, ensuring more people can experience the benefits of nature. If you haven’t already, you can still book your free ticket to attend informative and inspiring discussions like this one!
Session Announcement: Get Out There: Creating Opportunities To Access Green Spaces Nature is known to offer more than just fresh air, but there are a multitude of physical and mental benefits. Access to nature should not depend on ability, location, or circumstance, yet many restrictions when enjoying parks, trails, and other green spaces. Hear from Alice Evans (Activity Alliance), Carrie-Ann Lightley (UP & The 3H Foundation), Kate Allan (Forestry England), Lee Heard (Riding for the Disabled Association UK – RDA UK), and Miriam Bentley-Rose BSc MEd FIEDP (Head of EDI at The Wildlife Trusts). This panel brings together experts and accessibility leads working to create outdoor spaces built with everyone's enjoyment in mind. Our speakers will discuss practical strategies for inclusive design, infrastructure, community-led initiatives, transportation connections, and policy changes expanding access to green spaces. Gain insights into how to remove physical, social, and systemic barriers to encourage an accessible outdoors so all can experience the benefits of nature. Head over to the Accessibility Hub at 10:15AM on 26th March to experience this interesting session Book your FREE tickets here: https://shorturl.at/6q8Dv
-
-
Yesterday, we were joined by a team of 15 from NFU Mutual at the RDA National Training Centre. We couldn’t have asked for better weather; clear blue skies and warm sunshine made it a really enjoyable day. 🌞 The team really got stuck in, approaching every task with energy and enthusiasm and supporting each other throughout the day. They spent time on important yard maintenance, including laying new walkways and improving areas across the site. These are the kinds of improvements that make a real difference, helping to keep our environment accessible for disabled children and adults. It was also great to see the team take time to understand more about RDA and the work we do. They watched a session in action and met the wonderful Paddy, which is always a highlight. 🐴 Days like this are so valuable. Not just for the practical help they provide, but for the connection, teamwork and shared experience that come with them. A huge thank you to the team from NFU Mutual for bringing such a positive attitude and for all your hard work 💚 If your organisation is interested in arranging a corporate volunteering day with RDA UK, we would love to hear from you. Please get in touch to find out how your team can make a meaningful difference. https://lnkd.in/eCU_Ns5F #RDA #Volunteering #TeamNFU #CommunitySupport #CorporateVolunteering #MakingADifference #Equestrian #Charity #RDANationalTrainingCentre #GivingBack #DisabilityInclusion
-
-
Thrilled to see Michael Bishop, CEO of Riding for the Disabled Association, at the House of Commons today with Rosie Scott-Ward and Andy Collop, attending a pivotal Hartpury University and Hartpury College event, sponsored by Matt Bishop MP, exploring how public funding, private capital, and philanthropy can combine to accelerate sustainable growth in women’s sport - from grassroots to elite level. #InclusiveSport #WomensSport #SportLeadership #SustainableSport
-
-
Inclusion is built in many ways, from everyday kindness to creating spaces where everyone feels they belong 💚 At RDA, we see every day how welcoming and supportive environments can have a huge impact. We provide a safe space where disabled children and adults feel included, valued and part of a community. Your support helps us keep these inclusive spaces thriving. Visit our website to learn more via the link in our bio.
-
-
Giving something back 🐴💚 Joe Ashman shares why supporting RDA means so much to him. From incredible volunteers to the inspiring riders whose lives are changed by horses. 🎧 Listen now to the Talk Horse podcast on all podcast platforms 📺 Watch the full episode on Talk Horse YouTube Donate to Joe’s Marathon here: https://bit.ly/4ll2HdX