The aim of our RDA Group is to provide children and teenagers with varying disabilities and special needs, both physically and able-bodied, with the opportunity to ride to benefit their health and wellbeing. Riding offers a degree of independence that many cannot have in their daily life.

We meet up every Thursday afternoon during term time when the group can ride and learn to carry out stable management. All lessons are overseen by qualified instructors with trained volunteers assisting the children during the lesson. Volunteers arrive in time to help with setting up the session and tidying away.

Presently, we work with local special needs schools. The children and teenagers have a range of emotional and behavioural difficulties, including autism and associated language disorders.

Our aim is to encourage them to use different skills to socialise and interact with the ponies and adults while having fun. We aim to build their self-esteem and become confident with the ponies.

We end the year with a fun day in which the children take part in competitions in a range of riding and non-riding activities.