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Approved Centres

RDA participant with arms out to the side stretching and copying the coach

Initial Interest Form

 

What are Approved Centres?

RDA Approved Centres are equestrian centres – from riding schools to alternative education settings, that have been assessed and approved by RDA to deliver inclusive, high-quality equestrian and equine-assisted services for disabled participants. While independent, they are part of the RDA family and adhere to our nationally recognised standards.

By combining the strengths of RDA Groups and Approved Centres, we can increase reach, choice, and impact – ensuring more disabled people experience the life-changing benefits of equestrian activity.

Important Updates – From Accessibility Mark to Approved Centres

The programme has officially moved from Accessibility Mark to RDA Approved Centres. This new identity gives the scheme a stronger, clearer place within RDA, making it easier for participants, families, and partners to understand what it offers and how it connects to the wider RDA community.

Interested in becoming an RDA Approved Centre?

For further information or questions, contact: approvedcentres@rda.org.uk

Looking Ahead

This is an exciting step forward. It allows us to:

  • Reach more participants, faster.
  • Support the equestrian sector to be more inclusive and resilient.
  • Strengthen RDA’s role as a leader in disability inclusion across equestrianism.

Most importantly, it means more disabled people gaining access to the freedom, confidence, and wellbeing that RDA makes possible.

New branded materials: Logos, Arena Banners & Posters

Approved Centres have access to a range of branded materials, which can be accessed via the links below:

Please note: To edit PDF files, you will need Adobe Acrobat.

New Approved Centre Plaque

You will be receiving your brand-new Approved Centre Plaque in the post shortly. If these haven’t arrived by the end of October, please get in touch at approvedcentres@rda.org.uk.

Annual Subscriptions

From 2026, annual subscriptions will increase from £190 to £215. We’ve updated the branding and enhanced the scheme benefits, which now include a hub of resources, new branding, training opportunities and compliance support.

Reassessments & Training

We’re making some changes to how your reviews and training will run.

Following many requests from Approved centres to reduce the pressure from member body assessments RDA will:

  • Reassessments every 3 years – your full review and training will now take place once every three years.
  • Annual online review – in the years between, you’ll complete an online form to confirm compliance and maintain RDA’s standards of excellence.

For new team members, or anyone needing a refresher in between assessments, we’ll be running new regional and sub-regional training sessions (subject to cost and availability).

Dates and details will be shared soon via My RDA and in the newsletter – so keep an eye out!

Why Approved Centres Matter

The equestrian sector is under real pressure. The British Equestrian Federation’s latest State of the Nation report highlights falling participation, financial strain on riding schools, and workforce and volunteer shortages. Meanwhile, demand for RDA opportunities is rising – with over 4,000 people currently on waiting lists.

This is where you make a difference. Not every RDA Group has the resources, capacity, or facilities to meet growing demand, but Approved Centres help bridge that gap.

By being part of the Approved Centre network, you’re helping RDA raise awareness of disability and inclusion across the equestrian sector, set standards, and provide guidance – while still running independently and sustainably. Together, we’re ensuring participants enjoy the same safe, high-quality, and inclusive experience they expect from RDA.

What it Means to be an Approved Centre

As an RDA Approved Centre, you’ve been assessed and recognised for delivering inclusive, high-quality equestrian and equine-assisted services for disabled participants. From riding schools to alternative education providers, you’re part of the RDA family and uphold nationally recognised standards.

By combining the strengths of RDA Groups with your work as Approved Centres, we can increase reach, choice, and impact – ensuring more disabled people experience the life-changing benefits of equestrian activity.

Looking Ahead

Together, we can:

  • Reach more participants, faster
  • Support the equestrian sector to be more inclusive and resilient
  • Strengthen RDA’s leadership in disability inclusion across equestrianism

Most importantly, this means more disabled people gaining access to the freedom, confidence, and wellbeing that RDA makes possible.

Share Your Stories

We know many of you are doing incredible work in your Centres, and we’d love to share this with the wider network. We’re starting a Good Practice Webinar Series where Centres can showcase successful ideas, projects, and approaches for others to learn from. These stories may also be used as case studies to inspire the wider RDA community. If you have something you’d like to share, please get in touch at: approvedcentres@rda.org.uk, big or small, every idea can make a difference.

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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 Approved Centre or just getting started.  

Email: approvedcentres@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.

Page Last Updated: September 25, 2025