At RDA therapy is often disguised as an opportunity to have fun. In fact recent research into rider outcomes shows that after just 12 weeks 74% demonstrated physical improvement, 77% experienced greater confidence and 75% more enjoyment. 65% showed a greater willingness and ability to communicate, 72% showed improved relationship building skills and 78% demonstrated clear advances in horsemanship.

The Therapy through Horses Plan has 5 main objectives to provide the best possible experience for riders, carriage drivers and vaulters (gymnasts on horseback).

1. To encourage a partnership approach to goal setting and evaluation by the use of the RDA Tracker outcome assessment tool. We know that people achieve more when they are supported to work toward a goal.
2. To promote internal and independent research so that RDA gains insight about the needs, aspirations and experience of adults and children who ride and drive our horses.
3. To provide training to coaches, therapists and volunteers through written materials and courses.
4. To engage and retain physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech and language therapists who can use their professional skills in an equine environment.
5. To provide consultancy via a panel of medical and non-medical therapeutic and educational experts.

RDA seeks to work in partnership with other organisations such as:

• ACPEA (Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Equine Activities) ACPEA Regional representatives are listed in the ‘Physio point of contact’ https://www.acpea.org/
• EFOT (Equine Facilitated Occupational Therapy) https://www.efot-uk.co.uk/
• HETI (Horses in Education and Therapy International) https://hetifederation.org/
• as well as schools and the NHS in order to make therapeutic riding and equine assisted activities available to more disabled people. 

RDA mainstream activities are therapeutic riding, carriage driving and vaulting (gymnastics on horseback). We are regularly asked about hippotherapy which, in the UK, describes physiotherapy delivered via a horse by a specially trained Chartered Physiotherapist. Hippotherapists are scarce and hippotherapy is offered by very few RDA Groups.

To read an article ‘Understanding Hippotherapy’, written by Lauren Tate, please click on title under the blue ‘Contacts’ sign. The article defines, describes and explains hippotherapy in the UK context. It includes content from ACPTR (Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Therapeutic Riding), RDA, Fortune Centre of Therapeutic Riding and hippotherapists. Written in straightforward language for both the non-expert and professional reader.