Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) (Coleraine & District Group)

 The Riding for the Disabled Association provides horse riding and carriage driving opportunities for physically disabled people and those with learning difficulties from Coleraine and the surrounding area.

  The group has an arena and stables for nine horses and manages the operation and maintenance of the facilities. The volunteers raise funds, run the facilities and provide leaders and ride walkers for each horse depending on the experience and needs of the rider.

 Every month they raise £1000 to cover the cost of keeping the horses and the operation and maintenance of the facilities, giving their time for free to promote the group and its benefits, with all funds being dedicated to providing the service.

  RDA was established 30 years ago when its founders identified a need to provide a fun and therapeutic activity for those with disabilities, and their families, in the local community. In the last 12 months, the association has helped over 120 people of all ages, background and religions from the whole community.

The RDA is also expanding and is set to move to a larger, 13.5-acre site with new and better premises, and providing a multi-sports facility in addition to the existing activities. The group faces the challenge of raising the funds for this move, as the project will require around £1million over the next year.  The group has already raised £115,000 towards the project over the last two years, which has facilitated the purchase of the new site, and have already secured a grant of £200,000 from Coleraine Borough Council (Later increased to a total of £300,000). The Group is currently working with the Sports Lottery Fund & other bodies to attract further major grant funding to complete the project. (Note: This Project is now completed - see other pages on this site)

 David McClarty, a Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly, said:

  “I have tremendous personal knowledge of the group and the huge contribution it makes to the Coleraine District. No deserving person with disabilities is turned away. I have often witnessed the real sense of personal achievement and the development of their personal self esteem after they have been to the RDA.”

  Speaking on behalf of the Group, Albert Clyde, Group Secretary, said

   “We are highly honoured to receive this Award. It is recognition of the dedication and service of countless volunteers over the past 30 years. Currently, there are around 50 Volunteers who attend the RDA arena each week, and provide an equestrian service which is both recreational and therapeutic to over 100 disabled persons. In addition the Group is in the process on providing a new Centre at Castleroe, which will provide a state of the art Multi-Sports Centre, and referral service for disabled persons throughout the area.”

Contact:  Albert Clyde, Hon Secretary
Call: 028 7032 0147
Website: www.rdacoleraine.org
Email: rdacoleraine@hotmail.com

 See: The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service  the home page of The Queen's Golden Jubilee Award Website