Horse riding and carriage driving is enjoyed by thousands of disabled people throughout the UK.
Suitable for a wide range of impairments, ages, and levels of fitness, there is a well-established community of clubs throughout the UK who offer opportunities for people to experience the freedom of riding or carriage driving.
Riding for the Disabled and other British Equestrian Federation member bodies are involved in a wide range of disciplines including visually impaired riding, para-equestrian driving, para-equestrian jumping, para-vaulting, and para-endurance.
To get started you will need to think about basic safety equipment and you comfort.
Things you might need to get started
- Boots with a small heel if riding (as trainers or flat soled shoes might slip in the stirrup)
- Long trousers, ideally with no seam to avoid any chaffing.
- The riding centre will provide you with a riding hat. This should be fitted by a qualified instructor before you mount the horse.
Find out more
Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), is a charity which works with 25,000 disabled children and adults. It is an inclusive and diverse organisation and welcomes people with physical and learning disabilities and autism, and there are no age restrictions. The RDA works throughout the UK and you can search for your nearest centre here: https://www.rda.org.uk/rda-groups/
Check out Ballyboley RDA Club: