Riding for the Disabled
Donating a pony • How horses help riders with disabilities • Volunteering with RDA
QMy daughter has sadly outgrown her very gentle first pony and I’m considering offering him to our local RDA. What type of ‘lifestyle’ and work could I expect for him before I make this decision? Sally Morgan, Lincolnshire
Caroline says...
RDA is always on the lookout for new horses and ponies to help provide the charity’s brilliant service to even more participants. We are trying to move away from the stereotype that we need old, static ponies. On the contrary, they need to be fit, healthy and athletic to cope with the lifestyle in an RDA group. We need everything from smaller, forward-going ponies to weight-carrying cobs. RDA offers riding, carriage driving, vaulting, showjumping and endurance, so we need different equine skills too.
Temperament assessment
Before coming to us, horses are assessed for their health and suitability, as we’re also looking for a great temperament and a positive outlook. In return for all these qualities, RDA can offer horses and ponies a home with high standards of care and the opportunity to change lives. Our horses and ponies mean the world to us.
As well as the care they receive at their RDA group, the equine aspect of RDA is supported by a specialist team of advisers and vets.