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RDA Impact Report shows how horses drive social good and strengthen equestrianism’s role in society

Thursday, 04 December 2025

New research from Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) shows the profound social impact horses make on the lives of disabled people across the UK - and highlights the essential contribution the equestrian sector can offer to society. Each year, RDA’s therapeutic riding, carriage driving and equine-assisted learning support the wellbeing, confidence, independence and social connection of over 39,000 disabled participants, creating healthier, more inclusive communities.

But demand for these life-changing activities continues to grow. With nearly 4,000 people on waiting lists and 71% of RDA Groups unable to meet current need, RDA is calling on the equestrian community to volunteer, support its work, or join as an RDA Approved Centre. This support will help more disabled people experience the benefits of horse-centred activities while demonstrating the sector’s wider social value.

Findings from the British Equestrian Federation’s (BEF) recent study into the social value of equestrianism reinforce this need, showing that equestrian activities have higher representation of disabled participants than traditional sport (18% vs. 13%).

RDA’s Life Changing Impact

RDA Participant; "Joining RDA has changed my life. The increase in confidence, muscles, strength, balance and mental health has been noticed by family, friends, carers and healthcare professionals. This has given me the ability to do more for myself."

RDA’s activities deliver measurable, lasting outcomes:

• Mental health: 95% feel calm and focused; 63% report long-term mood improvements. Life satisfaction is significantly higher than the national average for disabled people (32% vs. 5% “very high”).
• Social connection: 82% feel more connected, 65% form friendships, 70% feel closer to nature - benefiting both participants and their families.
• Confidence and independence: 90% report increased confidence, 95% are proud of achievements, 71% gain independence, and 67% develop new interests that extend into school, work, and daily life.
• Physical ability: 88% improve balance and coordination, 71% enhance motor skills, 48% are more active beyond RDA sessions.
• Educational engagement: 71% of children and young people are more relaxed at school, with over 11,500 awards and qualifications achieved in 2024.

Crucially 80% of parents and carers say these improvements would not have happened without RDA - a testament to the organisation’s specialist coaches, volunteers and the unique connection between people and horses. Read the Summary Report here. 

read the summary rda impact report 

HRH The Princess Royal, RDA UK President; “This report celebrates the incredible work of every RDA community and gives voice to those at the heart of our organisation – our participants, their families and carers. It highlights the challenges disabled people face and shows the vital role RDA plays in creating opportunities that might otherwise remain out of reach.”

Responding to the Growing Need and Demonstrating Social Relevance

RDA’s work is more essential than ever, with rising demand - particularly from participants with complex or neurodivergent needs - highlighting the organisation’s central role in demonstrating how horses enrich society beyond sport.

To help meet this need, RDA is relaunching its Approved Centre Scheme, equipping commercial equestrian centres with refreshed training, tools and accreditation required to deliver high-quality, inclusive experiences that meet nationally recognised standards. This approach expands choice and ensures disabled people can access meaningful equestrian activities across both RDA charity groups and commercial centres.

Michael Bishop, CEO, RDA UK; “RDA shows the profound difference horses make in people’s lives. By supporting our work - as volunteers, funders or approved centres - the equestrian community can help meet growing demand and demonstrate the sector’s meaningful contribution to society. RDA’s impact today reinforces the relevance, trust, and long-term success of equestrianism as a force for good.”

A Call to Action

With demand increasing across the UK, RDA is calling on the equestrian community to:

• Volunteer - join over 13,000 people creating life-changing experiences every week.
• Support RDA through funding, partnerships or sponsorship.
• Become an RDA Approved Centre - open your doors to more disabled participants and be part of a nationwide movement for inclusion and excellence.

Visit www.rda.org.uk for more information.