About Cotswold RDA
About This Shop
Cotswold Riding for the Disabled is one of the largest RDA groups in the country, currently offering mounted and non-mounted equine experiences to over 100 individuals living with a disability in the Gloucestershire area.
As well as our core riding lessons which currently include riders from the age of 4 upwards, we also offer our Tea with a Pony activity, aimed at older participants living with dementia or similar conditions. Our arena centre is based within the Cheltenham Racecourse grounds, just past the steam train car park.
We couldn’t run without our team of over 140 volunteers who support us in so many ways, from helping at the arena with our herd of 15 ponies, leading and side-walking in lessons to general tasks such as mucking-out. Of course not forgetting those who fundraise for us, through sponsored events such as fun runs, bake sales, and even wing-walking! Fundraising is another crucial way that we can bring in much-needed revenue.
Our riders benefit in so many ways from what we offer. J is a regular rider who comes along every week to ride his favourite pony, Bruno. J’s mum writes: “Riding certainly is helping his condition and also for his mental well-being as he can achieve so much independently. Also each week J doesn’t realise he has a great physio workout while riding to help with his posture and stretch out his muscles”
Our charity shop in Longlevens, located inside the Midcounties Cooperative, is a fantastic way for us to raise vital funds to support our running costs. Supported by our wonderful team of volunteers, our shop is a busy neighborhood hub also equipped with a space to enjoy refreshments and read.