ABOUT

‘What has struck us over the time Darcey has been attending is for all the fun and games on offer there is clearly a serious riding philosophy where teaching the correct techniques and habits are paramount. Darcey has learnt so much in her short time at South Bucks RDA, not only from a riding perspective but also in other areas too, her confidence has improved and also communication skills, it really has been great for her all round development.   Big thank you to everyone at South Bucks RDA. ‘

 South Buckinghamshire Riding for the Disabled Association is a UK charity promoting the aims of the Riding for the Disabled Association Incorporating Carriage Driving, by providing people with the opportunity to ride and have equine interaction to benefit their health and well-being. We are based near Fulmer, Buckinghamshire.

Our Centre has helped many disabled children and adults over the years and some have gone on to become National and Olympic Champions in the sport of Para-Dressage, including Sophie Christiansen, Natasha Baker and Julie Payne.

We are lucky to have Sophie as President and  Natasha as Vice President of our Group.

Our volunteers and coaches help children and adults with a range of disabilities get a sense of independence as well as exercise and rehabilitation. Please browse our site for more information on the Centre, our horses and ponies and how to join us as either a rider or volunteer.

Riding is widely recognised as an excellent form of physical and sensory therapy. It helps to build up self-confidence, develops concentration, balance and strength and, at the same time, provide recreation, education and sport.

The coaches at South Bucks RDA Group, in partnership with physiotherapists and volunteers, work with riders who have a variety of disabilities. These include learning difficulties, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, paraplegia, rheumatoid arthritis, Down’s syndrome, epilepsy, deafness, visual impairment and limb amputation.

For some, who cannot ride just being around horses has a well-being benefit.  We provide the opportunity for participants to take part in social activities such as ‘Tea with a Pony’, or bespoke interaction sessions.

We receive no government nor Lottery funding, and we rely on donations and fundraising as well as the commitment of volunteers to continue to offer life-changing opportunities. Please help us if you can. You can make a one-off donation, or set up regular giving through CAF bank.

The facilities at SBRDA are second to none with post and rail fenced pastures, 20 x 40 indoor arena and 20 x 60 outdoor arena, and access to off road private hacking around our fields and tracks.  There is also a classroom for lectures and a mechanical horse.  These facilities can all be hired for RDA members use.  Please contact us for details.

Lessons are held throughout the week during school hours and  at weekends.  These are both for designated groups, such as local schools, who have children with special educational needs or disabilities where they will have group lessons as part of their educational curriculum.  Some schools will enable individual children with a disability and EHCP to come during the school day as part of their general learning curriculum or their adaptive PE lessons.

If you would like to ride or are interested in enjoying our horses please see our Participants page, or get in touch