For more than forty years, the Avon RDA (Riding for the Disabled Association) Group has provided therapeutic riding for children and adults with a wide range of disabilities and impairments, visible and invisible. We aim to improve lives by focussing on the health and wellbeing benefits of bringing people and horses together.

The Avon RDA Group is one of the larger groups in the UK with a large indoor arena, an outdoor arena, a mechanical horse simulator and almost 100 acres of fields and woods. The RDA Group provides therapeutic riding for almost 100 people every week, who benefit from a carefully structured programme of riding sessions.

We offer riding for people living with disabilities and impairments, including physical and learning disabilities, sensory impairments, long-term health conditions, and neurodiversity. The minimum age for riding is 4 ½; there is no upper age limit. Participants may self-refer or be referred by educational providers, medical professionals or other specialists.

Our riding programme improves mobility, boosts physical health and mental wellbeing, builds confidence and teaches new skills. Simply sitting up straight on a moving horse or pony provides physiotherapy response and core strengthening. Improved core strength means better balance and improved mobility in everyday life.

Horses and ponies are natural therapists, they are non-judgemental with huge empathy. They can give riders

· access to the outdoors and nature across our extensive estate.

· the opportunity to learn a skill and take part in a physical activity

· resilience and confidence.

This is all made possible by our small staff team, dedicated arena volunteers, experienced and qualified coaches, and specially selected and trained horses and ponies in a friendly, understanding and accepting environment.

Sessions Run

Tuesday afternoon, Wednesday afternoon, Thursday morning, Thursday evening, Friday morning, Friday afternoon, Saturday morning