Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) is a national organisation made up of Member Groups dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities, through riding and/or carriage driving. It’s all about giving children and adults confidence and independence to benefit their health and wellbeing and to achieve their goals, whilst having fun.

Horse riding offers an opportunity for enjoyment, challenge, friendship, laughter, achievement, independence and confidence.

Medical professionals recognise that there are also significant therapeutic benefits for the rider. The warmth and three dimensional movement of the horse is transmitted through the rider’s body, gradually making it more relaxed and supple, reducing spasms and improving balance, posture and co-ordination.

Riding offers an element of risk, often denied to many people, especially those who have been affected by an accident or serious illness and offers them the chance to regain mobility and a sense of achievement. People with congenital disabilities discover a new freedom in movement. Those with progressive diseases can retain mobility and activity longer and often take up Carriage Driving when they can no longer ride.

The Local Group - Lambourn RDA

The local representative of the RDA is the Lambourn Group which is part of the Southern Region. Each group of the RDA is self supporting, so fund raising is an essential part of ensuring we can continue to provide a centre for riding locally.

We are based at Maddle Farm in Upper Lambourn and we meet at the following times:
* Tuesday mornings between 9.00 and 12.30
* Wednesday afternoons between 15.00 and 18.00

Lambourn RDA relies on the input and support of its volunteers - not just those who help with riding or carriage driving but also fundraisers, treasurers, and administrators or simply those who can help with a bit of DIY!  We need volunteers with a wide range of skills - people who want to share in the fun and excitement and be part of the environment that bring horses and people together for such great benefit.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer with the Lambourn Group either on a regular basis or as and when you can, we would be delighted to hear from you. No previous experience with horses is required; we appreciate all offers of help, large or small.