Campaign by 
Story
When you step into the Cotswold RDA arena on a normal weekday, it is full of life. You hear the rhythmic sound of hooves on the surface, bursts of laughter from riders discovering what they are capable of, and the quiet, steady words of encouragement from volunteers walking alongside them.
For more than 170 disabled children and adults across Gloucestershire, these sessions are far more than a weekly hobby. They provide physical physiotherapy that builds core strength, emotional therapy that reduces anxiety, and a welcoming community where barriers disappear.
"Coming to Cotswold RDA is the highlight of our week. The bond our son has built with the ponies has given him confidence we never thought possible." — Parent of a Cotswold RDA participant
When the Sessions Stop, the Need Continues
Essential maintenance repairs mean our arena has temporarily fallen quiet, and regular riding sessions cannot take place. However, the heartbeat of Cotswold RDA has not stopped.
Our herd of specially trained therapy ponies still requires the same dedicated daily care. Every single day, our team is on site feeding, grooming, turning out, and maintaining veterinary and physiotherapy care for every horse. At the same time, we are maintaining specialist equipment and facilities so that we are prepared to open our gates the moment conditions permit.
"Our therapy ponies give so much unconditional patience and love to our participants. Even when sessions are paused, their welfare is our absolute priority. They are working partners, and caring for them requires ongoing resources every day." — Cotswold RDA Yard Team & Volunteer
A Story of Community and Resilience
Rather than focusing on cancelled sessions, we see this moment as an opportunity to demonstrate the strength of our community. This is a story of resilience: neighbours, local businesses, families, and supporters pulling together to protect an essential local resource.
To ensure we weather this period and return stronger than ever, we are launching a simple, collective challenge: The 1,000 Friends of Cotswold RDA.
The Goal: 1,000 Friends, up to £10 each (if you can), £10,000 raised
We are asking 1,000 individuals, families, and local businesses to become official "Friends" by donating £10, or whatever they can afford.
If 1,000 people join hands in this effort, we could raise up to £10,000.
That funding will directly cover:
Nutritious feed and hay for our therapy ponies.
Routine veterinary and specialist equine care to keep every pony healthy and ready to work.
Arena and equipment maintenance so safety standards remain uncompromised.
Operational security to ensure all 170+ participants have their sessions waiting for them.
How You or Your Business Can Take Part
Whether you are an individual supporter or part of a local company, there are practical ways to make a tangible difference:
Become an Individual Friend: Donate £10 (or any chosen amount) on our JustGiving Campaign Page.
Become a Corporate Champion: Sponsor a pony or offer matched funding for employee donations. Get in touch with our team directly at: info@cotswoldrda.org.uk
Spread the Word: Share our campaign story on LinkedIn, Facebook, or Instagram to help us reach the next Friend.
"Cotswold RDA has been a cornerstone of disability support in Gloucestershire for years. It takes a whole community to sustain a charity like this, and every single contribution helps secure our future." — Cotswold RDA Trustee
Join the 1,000 Friends Today
Every share, every conversation, and every gift brings us one step closer to reopening our arena with happy ponies and smiling riders.
Be part of our comeback story.
THANK YOU.
