Riding For The Disabled (Woodbridge & District Group).

Established in 1987 we are a self-financing charity, now based in Clopton, Suffolk that provides therapeutic riding and carriage driving for children and adults with physical and/or serious learning disabilities. This instruction provides our clients with valuable therapeutic exercise, an opportunity to develop their social skills and a chance to build relationships with both our volunteers and horses.

rdawoodbridge.org.uk Fundraise for us

fundraising@rdawoodbridge.org.uk

01473 737087

Registered charity no. 1127627

Member since September 2018

Latest News

Participant Achievement March 2023

In March 2023 our regular riding participant Debs was awarded her RDA Rosette and an Endeavour Award 🏅Congratulations 🎉

Both our riding and carriage driving activities provide therapy, fitness, skills , development and opportunities for achievement – all supported by our amazing volunteers and qualified coaches.

BT Staff volunteer with us for the day - September 2022

BT (@BTUK) actively encourages its people to get involved in their local communities and on 8^th September a team from Adastral Park in Martlesham joined us at The Bays. They cleared and swept the feed barn for in preparation for the concrete floor to be sealed (to reduce dust); installed water butts so that we can use rainwater in our hay steamer (reducing the need for descaling); cleared the grazing fields of ragwort; and did a bit of painting in the stables and community room. As well as all that hard work they took some time out to meet Jacko and Izzy.

The team enjoyed the day and we’ve had some really positive feedback (as well as 2 tubs of chocolates!) from them:

“I had such a good time – it was lovely to be able to get out with everyone and do something that was helping others!”

“I felt we achieved something and made a difference.”

“A good day working together for a good cause.”

“Great to achieve something useful for the RDA.”

A huge thank you from us for their efforts!

Platinum Jubilee 2022

As part of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations a torch relay took place around Suffolk by Rickshaw, making 250 stops and finishing at the Suffolk Show whilst showcasing our wonderful county as part of the 2022 Festival of Suffolk 🚜

We view ourselves very much as part of the local community, having a positive, long- term impact on the lives of our participants, supported by our volunteers, local businesses and the wider local community. The torch convoy called into nearby Clopton Church on its way between Otley and Grundisburgh where one of our RDA Woodbridge clients Jasmine Nightingale, aged 10, along with her dad Carl, took the torch on the next part of its Journey. Great job both! 👏

About us

We provide therapeutic riding and carriage driving for children and adults with physical and/or serious learning disabilities. We keep 12 horses and ponies on our purpose built rented facility which incorporates an indoor riding school, community area, kitchen and stables. We are situated in a semi-rural location but within easy access of the A12 and A14. Adult clients come to us from resource centres in East Suffolk, including Ipswich, Woodbridge, Felixstowe and Saxmundham. Children are often directly referred to us by their doctors or physiotherapists, or by personal recommendation. Some will come for lessons as part of a school group. Our sessions run 6 days per week and are supported by a large team of trained volunteers and our Yard Manager who is a qualified BHS riding Instructor.

The disabilities/medical conditions of our participants include:

Autism, ADD, Down’s Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Deafness, Vision impairment, Epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease.

There are numerous benefits of horse riding and carriage driving to those that are physically and mentally challenged. These include:

• A real sense of greater freedom and thrill of physical activity engagement.

• Improved social and interpersonal skills (especially dexterity), decision making, taking responsibility, confidence and developed communication skills.

• Research has shown that 80% of schoolchildren who rode with RDA for a term experienced physical improvement. The greatest improvements were identified in confidence and enjoyment with 90% of riders demonstrating positive change in these areas. 82% of riders demonstrated improved communication and 70% improved their ability to build relationships. (Source: 2017 Helen Woolley MCPS Grad Dip Phys.)

• Carriage driving also has a therapeutic benefit, both physical and mental. It exercises the body for those with limited movement and gives a sense of achievement in having undertaken a challenge and experience so different from their daily lives.