DA is a charity dedicated to improving the quality of life for disabled people – from young children to adults well past retirement age – through the provision of riding and carriage driving. The benefits of these unique therapies are well recognised and touch many aspects of our riders’ and carriage drivers’ lives.

RDA sessions aim to improve mobility, provide mental and physical stimulation, and the opportunity to open up new horizons along with the injection of a large dose of fun. Member Groups work closely with medical advisors, physiotherapists and professional carers, to ensure that everyone who rides or carriage drives with RDA gains the maximum benefit.

Our aim is to provide disabled people with the opportunity to ride and/or carriage drive to benefit their health and well-being. Put quite simply, RDA is all about making a difference!

DJ the pony leads the way at Westminster

DJ the pony from the Vauxhall City Farm trotted over Vauxhall Bridge and made his way to Westminster on March 3rd , when he represented the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) at an event held to demonstrate the beneficial effect that animals have on human lives. DJ was led by Robin Saunders Co-ordinator of the RDA project at the Vauxhall City Farm and ridden by Ben Jones, a volunteer with the group.

Organised by the National Office for Animal Health (NOAH), the event drew interest from a cross-section of MPs and Peers. “I am extremely pleased that this event has highlighted the work of devoted animal companions,” commented NOAH Chief Executive Phil Sketchley. “It has also underlined our communal responsibility to provide them with proper care and protection with regular vaccination and good preventive healthcare.”

DJ joined several assistance dogs that attended the event to represent the many thousands of animals across the country that help their human owners by providing companionship and practical assistance.

DJ is a 7-year old skewbald pony of 14.2 hands, and following a year of training he has now been working with disabled people for a year. “He’s such a character,” commented Robin. “He’s patient and good natured and loves his work.”

Riding for the Disabled is a charity that aims to benefit disabled people by providing the opportunity of equestrian related activities to benefit their health and well being. “Our schemes foster confidence, co-ordination and concentration in our riders,” explained Robin. “But above all we want people to have fun and enjoy themselves. Participating in a Riding for the Disabled group gives people self esteem and social skills which boosts their self esteem and helps them to become more independent.”

All Riding for the Disabled instructors are volunteers and work for the community on a charitable basis. Robin was able to give MPs and Peers a really good understanding of the joy and practical experience that DJ and other horses up and down the country bring to their disabled riders.

ENDS

For further information please contact: Gail Lacey, Kendalls, Tel: 01394 610022 Maggie Bradley, Riding for the Disabled Association, Tel: 024 7669 6510