Why we do what we do

The simple pleasure of working with horses is the cornerstone of all RDA activities. From that starting point everything else flows – be that freedom of movement, gaining confidence, building relationships, receiving life-enhancing therapeutic experience, or achieving individual goals.

Riding offers an element of risk, often denied to many people, especially those who have been affected by an accident, disability or serious illness and offers them the chance to regain mobility and a sense of achievement. People with disabilities discover a new freedom in movement and sense of control. People with health conditions may retain mobility and remain active for longer.

Therapeutic Benefits

Health professionals recognise that there are significant therapeutic benefits for the rider from Horse riding. The warmth and three dimensional movement of the horse is transmitted through the rider’s body, gradually making it more relaxed and supple, strengthening core stability and improving balance, posture and co-ordination.

Being around the horses provides participants not only with valuable therapeutic exercise, but also an opportunity to develop their communication and social skills, and build relationships with our horses and ponies, the people helping, and other group members.

Our volunteers find a rewarding outdoor activity, helping others to experience the joy of horses, and at the same time building their own fitness and a sense of wellbeing. Friendships are formed - with people and with horses – and volunteers become part of a team.

People and Community

The centre that we use is a strong community, where disabled and non-disabled people from diverse backgrounds come together with a shared purpose, build friendships, a sense of belonging, confidence and self-esteem centred around our equine activities. Participants come with groups or as individuals, from many local London Boroughs including Newham, Tower Hamlets, Hackney, Redbridge, Barking and Dagenham and Waltham Forest. Boroughs which are recognised as having some of the most deprived areas in London and nationally.

The participants are ably supported by a team of RDA trained volunteers and RDA Qualified / experienced coaches who recognise the challenges faced by the participants and the riders gain self-confidence and social skills as they enjoy interaction with our volunteers and staff as well as the Horses and ponies at the centre we use for our sessions.

Making a difference

We rely entirely on grants, donations, volunteers, and the generosity of the public to allow us to offer disabled children and adults in our community this life-enhancing experience of riding horses and connecting with these wonderful animals, and opportunity to develop their social skills and a chance to bond with the horses and ponies of Wanstead Community Riding Stables.

Our Home

Nestled in peaceful green surroundings, our stables offer a calm space for riders to connect with horses.

Location

ALDERSBROOK & WANSTEAD RDA GROUP

E12 5HW, United Kingdom

Hours

Tue: Afternoon

Wed–Fri: Morning

Sat: Morning, Afternoon