RDA
Riding for the Disabled Association
Incorporating Carriage Driving
RDA is a UK Charity that was first registered in 1969 when, largely through the influence of the Duchess of 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 Headquarters of professional staff who are based at the National Agricultural Centre at Kenilworth.
OUR AIM is to provide disabled people with the opportunity to ride and/or carriage drive to benefit their health and well being, and to do this at the level of their ability, choice and ambition.
The Member Groups are supported by RDA National which includes a network of national, regional and county committees. The size, resources and catchment areas of the Groups vary enormously and their facilities range from large purpose-built centres to small riding areas in fields and lanes. All are dedicated to the concept of teaching disabled people to ride and to carriage drive.
If you wish to find out more about the RDA, or find out where your nearest group is, contact:
THE RIDING FOR THE DISABLED ASSOCIATION
Norfolk House
1A Tournament Court
Warwick
CV34 6LG
Tel: 0845 658 1082
Fax: 0845 658 1083
E-mail: info@rda.org.uk
