Riding for the Disabled Association

Addition, we rely on generous donations from individuals and businesses to support our programmes. Your donation can make a real difference in helping us continue to provide therapeutic horse riding experiences for individuals with disabilities.

We welcome volunteers of all ages and backgrounds who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of others. Whether you have experience with horses or not, there are many ways you can contribute. Our volunteers play a crucial role in assisting and supporting our riders during their sessions. If you have a couple of hours to spare each week, we would love to have you join our team.

Our RDA classes run on Thursdays and Fridays, with three classes held each afternoon. Volunteers are expected to arrive at 1:30pm, while riders are encouraged to arrive 15 minutes before their designated session. The sessions start promptly at 2:00pm, 2:40pm, and 3:20pm. We kindly ask that everyone adheres to the specified timing to ensure that our riders can receive the most out of their sessions.

In case of any delays or late arrivals, please contact the relevant number provided.

At East Devon Riding for the Disabled, we cater to children and adults of all ages and disabilities in Exeter and East Devon. We provide a safe and nurturing environment for individuals with physical, mental, behavioural, and sensory disabilities to experience the joy of being with horses. Our classes are designed to offer therapeutic exercise and can greatly benefit participants in terms of balance, coordination, concentration, physical and mental control, communication, confidence, self-esteem, independence, and social contact.

The safety and well-being of our riders, volunteers, and horses are of utmost importance to us. As a self-funded group, we ensure that our operations are compliant with health and safety guidelines by seeking support from the national Riding for the Disabled Association. This includes providing necessary insurance coverage and access to advice and training for our volunteers. We also maintain a progressive training plan for our volunteers to enhance their understanding and professional care for our riders.

We are fortunate to have a team of well-trained and friendly horses who play a vital role in our therapeutic riding programme. Each horse is carefully chosen for their temperament and suitability for our riders. Our beloved pony, Blue Jack, holds a special place in the hearts of all our riders and volunteers. Additionally, we have May, Apollo, Seamus from Hitts Barton, and Sparky, owned by Tracey & Sarah, who all contribute to creating a positive and enjoyable experience for our participants.

As a self-funded group, fundraising, and donations are crucial to sustain our operations. In addition to the fees paid by riders, we organise various fundraising activities throughout the year. This includes attending local village fetes, agricultural shows, and coffee mornings. We deeply appreciate any contributions made by individuals and businesses, as they directly support our mission of providing therapeutic horse riding experiences to individuals with disabilities.

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about Riding for the Disabled Association in Exeter. We invite you to get involved, whether through volunteering, donating, or spreading the word about our organisation. Together, we can make a positive difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities and help them find joy and fulfilment through horse riding.