What Are RDA Accessibility Mark Centres (soon to be known as Approved Centres)?
RDA Accessibility Mark Centres are commercial riding establishments that have been formally approved by Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) to deliver inclusive, high-quality equestrian and equine-assisted services for disabled participants. While these centres operate independently, they are supported by RDA UK and adhere to RDA’s nationally recognised standards.
Important Updates – Evolving the Programme: 2025 Improvements
Please click here to see important updates regarding Accessibility Mark Centres
Interested in Becoming an RDA Accessibility Mark Centre?
For further information or questions, contact AM@rda.org.uk.
Meeting the Needs of Participants
RDA Accessibility Mark Centres complement the work of RDA Groups by offering:
- Additional capacity to meet growing demand.
- Greater flexibility and choice for participants in how, when, and where they engage or participate.
- An alternative for individuals who may not require the level of support provided by RDA Groups.
What Does RDA Approval Mean?
Once a centre meets RDA’s standards, it is awarded Approved status—demonstrating its commitment to delivering inclusive excellence in the equestrian sector. Approved Centres benefit from:
- Expert training and guidance from RDA Accessibility Support Officers (ASO’s).
- Recognised accreditation and quality assurance.
- Access to RDA resources, competitions, and ongoing support.
More than 50 centres across the UK currently hold RDA Approved status.
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Need Help or Have Questions?
We’re here to support you every step of the way—whether you’re already an established Accessibility Mark Centre or just getting started.
Email: AM@rda.org.uk
Phone: 01926 492915
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Useful Resources
E-Learning
Our e-Learning courses are a great way to develop your skills and understanding. For further information please visit here
Education in RDA
RDA Proficiency Tests
Part of the Learning through Horses, Learning for Life programme, RDA Proficiency Tests celebrate progress at every level. From Grades 1 to 4, they offer accessible, achievable goals that build confidence and skills.
Running the tests at your Accessibility Mark Centre can boost motivation for riders, volunteers, and staff alike. They also support lesson planning and encourage learning beyond the session—at home, in school, and in care settings.
For more details Proficiency Tests – Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA)
RDA Endeavour Award
The Endeavour Award celebrates personal achievements for all RDA participants—no tests, no set syllabus, just individual goals and recognition. Everyone can join in and earn colourful badges or patches. For more details Endeavour Award – Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA)
Special Equipment
For more information on special equipment in RDA please visit special-equipment
Medical guidelines
RDA Epilepsy Policy
Notes on Medical Conditions and Disabilities- being updated
Contra Indication Guidance
Horse and Rider Combination Calculator & Guidance
Horse and Rider combination is something AM centres must carefully monitor on a regular basis. In line with our Weight Chart Guidelines we have a Weight Calculator to help our AM centres work out the maximum weight a horse could carry. This includes tack and is before taking into consideration, the conformation, age, health and fitness of the horse. Centres must be aware that although heavier horses are deemed to be able to carry more weight when using the figures from the weight chart, this does not include horses that are overweight. If a horse is overweight in itself then carrying more weight will increase the risk of lameness and poor health. Centres must be mindful of adjusting weight carrying capacity in these situations and work towards reducing the equine’s body weight. Discover more here.
This is purely to ensure that participants and horses are correctly paired. The information is completely confidential.
Please note: weight calculator will appear as a Microsoft Excel download.
Useful resources from other organisations
British Blind Sport-Equestrian Resource
Activity Alliance – Access for all: Opening Doors
Activity Alliance – Inclusive Communications Guide
Engaging disabled people: the guide
All Activity Alliance resources can be found on their website here.
