RDA is a registered charity (SC002041) based in Summerston. Our Mission: “Improving Lives” focus on those who find themselves; for various reasons, socially and economically excluded. Annually, we provide equine therapy to over 400 children and adults with disabilities. Our service users have physical and psychological disabilities, often severe. For instance: cerebral palsy, down syndrome, sensory impairments and autism. They are often excluded from mainstream activities thus society as a norm.
Horse riding provides a host of physical and psychological health benefits which are difficult to obtain in other forms of exercise. Other forms of exercise can be inaccessible for many of our riders and drivers due to the severity of their disability. For people with physical disabilities; the movement of the horse acts as a form of intense physiotherapy, working their muscles without any strain on their part. The horses’ movement is 3-dimensional and mimics a walking pattern in the muscles of the individual. This exercises, strengthens and loosens muscles usually involved in walking. Riding not only helps balance, mobility, strength, co-ordination but it also boosts our riders’ confidence and self-esteem. In particular, those suffering from cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis, paraplegia and muscular dystrophy, show greater relaxation and centralisation.
Horse riding provides a host of physical and psychological health benefits which are difficult to obtain in other forms of exercise. Other forms of exercise can be inaccessible for many of our riders and drivers due to the severity of their disability. For people with physical disabilities; the movement of the horse acts as a form of intense physiotherapy, working their muscles without any strain on their part. The horses’ movement is 3-dimensional and mimics a walking pattern in the muscles of the individual. This exercises, strengthens and loosens muscles usually involved in walking. Riding not only helps balance, mobility, strength, co-ordination but it also boosts our riders’ confidence and self-esteem. In particular, those suffering from cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis, paraplegia and muscular dystrophy, show greater relaxation and centralisation.