RDA Activities

RDA offers a wide range of different activities:  from riding and carriage driving to showjumping, vaulting, dressage and endurance. There are regional and national competitions to take part in as well as holidays and education programmes.

Riding is suitable for participants of all ages and abilities. The therapeutic benefits of riding are numerous and include improved core strength and mobility as well as increase in communication skills and confidence.
www.rda.org.uk/taking-part/riding/

There are opportunities to compete in Dressage at the RDA National Championships but if  you can’t travel,  you can film your test and submit it to Dressage Anywhere  
www.rda.org.uk/taking-part/dressage/

Endurance  is an activity that can be enjoyed by most riders/drivers and offers the chance to increase fitness, stamina and increased time in the saddle. 
www.rda.org.uk/runningyourgroup/endurance/

Showjumping is offered at 5 different levels, starting with poles on the floor before progressing through levels of jumps. The therapeutic benefits include improved balance, motor skills and flexibility.
www.rda.org.uk/taking-part/showjumping/

Carriage Driving offers many of the same benefits of riding (improved co-ordination, muscle strength and balance).   www.rda.org.uk/taking-part/carriage-driving/

Vaulting is best described as gymnastics on horseback. It is a team discipline and has significant physical benefits such as improved balance, stability, motor skills, flexibility and coordination. 
​www.rda.org.uk/taking-part/vaulting/

Education in RDA is delivered by our Learning Through Horses, Learning for Life programme. RDA offers a whole range of programmes to develop skills and gain awards and qualifications. We work closely with ASDAN and also provide Arts & Crafts and Creative Writing opportunities.  
www.rda.org.uk/taking-part/education-2/

Carriage Driving Scottish Qualifier takes place in May every year at Hopetoun House, Edinburgh to qualify to take part in the National Championships.

RDA West & Central Scotland Regional Dressage & Countryside Challenge takes place in May every year at Sandyflats Equestrian Centre, Glasgow.  This is a regional competition that all groups are encourage to take part in to qualify to compete in the RDA National Championships. 

Scottish Dressage Championships are held every year on the last Sunday of September.  

RDA National Championships take place in July every year at Hartpury College in Gloucestershire and is the biggest para-equestrian event of its kind in the world, bigger than the Paralympics and Para World Championships combined. 
http://www.rda.org.uk/taking-part/national-championships/