Saxon Group Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) are based at Widbrook Equestrian Centre in Bradford on Avon, near Bath. We provide riding and horse-related activities for adults and children with both physical and learning disabilities.

The benefits of riding and being around horses are immeasurable, and for some, their only social outing each week. Horses provide both physical and emotional stimulation, with riding being a vital form of physio for people with physical disabilities. For someone who is confined to a wheelchair, riding can give them a feeling of freedom that they may not experience at any other time.  

We are a small charity relying solely on the help of volunteers to provide this invaluable service. We receive no government funding and are only able to keep functioning through fundraising, donations, and charging a small fee for lessons.

The people who come riding with us have a very wide range of conditions; some have physical or mental disabilities, learning difficulties or autism or complex emotional needs, and horse riding provides them with physical therapy and exercise, as well as providing opportunities for achievement, fun and socialisation, and we see improvements in people’s physical health, mental well being, confidence, communication and enjoyment.

The charity currently owns 5 horses and we hire two ponies from the riding school for our weekly sessions.