Horse Riding for People with Disabilities in the UK: Your Complete RDA Guide

If you or someone you care for has a disability and has ever felt that horse riding might be out of reach, this guide is here to tell you otherwise. Across England, Scotland, and Wales, thousands of people with physical, sensory, cognitive, and emotional disabilities ride horses every week — and many of them will tell you it has changed their lives. The Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) has been quietly doing extraordinary work for over fifty years, and the network of BHS approved riding schools and specialist equestrian centres across the UK makes access far more achievable than most people realise.

Whether you are a parent researching options for your child, an adult who acquired a disability later in life and is wondering whether you can still ride, or a carer looking for meaningful therapeutic activities, this guide covers everything you need to know — from how the RDA works, to what to expect at your first session, to which types of centres across England, Scotland, and Wales offer inclusive riding programmes.

What Is the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA)?

The RDA is a UK charity founded in 1969, and it sits at the heart of disability horse riding in this country. It currently has around 500 member groups spread across the UK, all of which offer riding and carriage driving activities to people with a wide range of disabilities. Volunteers are the backbone of the organisation — the RDA estimates that over 18,000 volunteers support its work, making it one of the largest volunteer-based charities in British equestrian sport.

RDA groups are found at a mix of locations: some operate from standalone RDA centres, others are hosted within BHS approved riding schools or existing equestrian centres. What ties them together is a shared commitment to safety, inclusion, and the genuine therapeutic and sporting benefits that horses can offer.

The RDA is affiliated with the British Equestrian Federation and works closely with UK Sport and Sport England. It is also recognised by the International Paralympic Committee, which means its work feeds directly into Paralympic pathways for disabled riders who want to compete at the highest level.

Who Can Join an RDA Group?

RDA membership is open to people with a very wide range of disabilities. These include, but are not limited to:

Physical disabilities such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, limb differences, and spinal cord injuries
Neurological conditions including multiple sclerosis, acquired brain injuries, and stroke
Sensory impairments including visual and hearing impairments
Learning disabilities such as Down’s syndrome and autism spectrum conditions
Mental health conditions including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder
Long-term health conditions such as epilepsy (subject to individual assessment)

Each participant is assessed individually. The RDA does not operate a blanket policy of exclusion for any condition — instead, trained coaches and volunteers work with healthcare professionals and families to assess what is safe and appropriate for each person. If there is any doubt, the RDA will often consult with a physiotherapist or occupational therapist before sessions begin.

The Benefits of Horse Riding for People with Disabilities

It is worth spending a moment on why horse riding is so well regarded as a therapeutic and sporting activity for disabled people — because this is not just feel-good talk. There is genuine clinical and research-based evidence behind it.

Physical Benefits

The movement of a walking horse is remarkably similar to the movement of the human pelvis when we walk ourselves. For people who cannot walk or who have restricted mobility, sitting on a moving horse provides a form of passive movement therapy that stimulates the core muscles, improves balance, and can help reduce muscle spasticity over time. Many physiotherapists in the UK actively recommend hippotherapy (therapy delivered on or with horses) as a complement to their conventional treatment programmes.

Riders with conditions like cerebral palsy often show improvements in posture and trunk control after sustained RDA participation. For people recovering from strokes or brain injuries, the rhythmic, repetitive motion of riding can support neurological rehabilitation in ways that static exercises cannot replicate.

Psychological and Emotional Benefits

There is something about the relationship between a person and a horse that is difficult to put into words without sounding overblown — but the psychological evidence is clear. Spending time with horses reduces cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and increases oxytocin. For people with anxiety, depression, or autism, this biochemical response can have a meaningful calming effect.

Beyond the science, there is a simpler truth: horses are non-judgemental. They do not see a wheelchair, a speech impairment, or a learning disability. They respond to calm, consistent communication. For many disabled people — particularly those who experience regular social exclusion — this uncomplicated relationship is genuinely restorative.

Social Benefits

RDA sessions are typically group-based, which creates a natural social environment. Many participants, particularly children and young adults with autism or learning disabilities, develop social skills, confidence, and friendships through their RDA group that carry over into other areas of their lives. Carers and family members often comment on how much their loved one talks about their riding group — it becomes a genuine community.

Finding an RDA Group Near You

The RDA website has a searchable group finder that allows you to locate your nearest group by postcode. Groups are spread across all four nations of the UK, with a strong presence in England (particularly in the South East, the Midlands, and the North West), as well as in rural Scotland and Wales where equestrian culture is deeply embedded in community life.

A few things worth knowing when searching for a group:

Waiting lists are common — particularly for popular groups in urban areas. Do not be discouraged; add your name and keep in contact.
Some RDA groups are affiliated with BHS approved riding schools, meaning they benefit from high-quality facilities and well-trained horses.
Transport can be a barrier. Some groups run their own transport schemes, and others can point you towards local disability transport charities that cover travel to sessions.

RDA in England

England has the largest concentration of RDA groups, with particular clusters in Cheshire, Yorkshire, Surrey, Kent, and the West Midlands. Many operate from established equestrian centres that have invested in accessible facilities — including mounting ramps, wide stable paths, and adapted equipment.

RDA in Scotland

Scotland has a strong RDA presence, with groups active across Central Scotland, Ayrshire, Perthshire, and the Borders. Scottish groups often benefit from spectacular riding environments — open farmland and moorland that provide a very different experience to arena-based riding. Equine Facilitated Learning (EFL) is also more commonly offered in Scotland as an alternative to ridden work, particularly for people with mental health conditions.

RDA in Wales

Wales has a long equestrian tradition, and RDA groups are active in both North and South Wales. The Welsh Government’s commitment to disability sport means that Welsh RDA groups have benefited from Sport Wales funding in recent years. Welsh-medium sessions are sometimes available, which is a practical consideration for Welsh speakers.

What Happens at an RDA Session?

If you have never attended an RDA session before, it is completely natural to feel a little uncertain about what to expect. Here is a straightforward rundown of what a typical session looks like.

Before You Arrive

Before your first session, you will usually be asked to complete a medical/health questionnaire and consent forms. If you have complex medical needs, the RDA group may ask for a letter from your GP or consultant. This is standard procedure and is about keeping you safe — not about excluding you.

Wear comfortable, stretchy trousers (jodhpurs are ideal, but not essential for beginners), and closed-toe shoes with a small heel. The heel is important because it prevents your foot from slipping through the stirrup. Many RDA centres have spare helmets available, but if you will be riding regularly, investing in a properly fitted riding hat that meets the current British standard (PAS 015:2011 or EN 1384:2017) is strongly recommended.

Meeting the Horse

Most RDA sessions begin with some time on the ground before mounting. You will be introduced to your horse and given the chance to stroke and interact with it in a calm, safe way. For new participants, this grounding time is invaluable. Horses selected for RDA work are specifically chosen for their calm temperaments, and many are seasoned veterans who have worked with hundreds of riders over the years.

Mounting

One of the most common practical concerns for disabled riders is how they will actually get on the horse. RDA centres are well equipped for this. Most have a mounting block or ramp — some have hydraulic or adjustable platforms that can be set to the right height for wheelchair users or people with limited mobility. Sidewalkers (trained volunteers who walk beside the horse during a session) assist with mounting and dismounting and remain alongside throughout the ride to offer physical support if needed.

The Session Itself

Sessions typically last between 30 and 45 minutes for beginners, with time split between riding exercises and a cool-down period. Coaches use a range of activities — games, obstacle courses, and directional exercises — to build riding skills in an engaging way. For participants with cognitive or learning disabilities, these activity-based approaches are particularly effective.

Carers and family members are usually welcome to observe from a safe viewing area, and many groups have a social element after the session where participants, volunteers, and families can chat over a cup of tea.

RDA and the Pathway to Competitive Sport

It would be a mistake to think of RDA solely as a gentle therapeutic activity. For many participants, it is the beginning of a competitive sporting journey. The RDA runs its own national competitions in dressage, show jumping, and carriage driving, and these events feed into the higher reaches of Paralympic equestrian sport.

Para Dressage in the UK

Para equestrian dressage is the only equestrian discipline featured at the Paralympic Games, and British Dressage has an active para programme that links directly with the RDA talent pathway. Riders are classified into grades (Grade I through Grade V) based on their level of functional ability, and competitions are held at venues across England, Scotland, and Wales throughout the year.

British riders have historically been among the most successful in the world at Paralympic level — names like Lee Pearson CBE, Sophie Christiansen CBE, and Natasha Baker OBE have won multiple gold medals and are genuine ambassadors for the sport. All began their riding journeys through pathways very similar to the RDA.

Moving Forward

Once you have the fundamentals in place, the possibilities open up considerably. The UK offers fantastic opportunities for anyone interested in this hobby, and with the right foundation you will be well placed to make the most of them.