Our Story

For 58 years, Glasgow Riding for the Disabled Association (Glasgow RDA) has helped disabled children and adults experience the life-changing benefits of horses and equine therapy from our purpose-built centre in Summerston. Every week, we deliver 23 therapeutic riding and equine-assisted sessions, supporting over 100 people with physical disabilities, autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, dementia and complex needs. Demand is ever increasing with over 140 disabled people waiting to access our services.

But today, we need your help.

Together, We Can Protect the Future of Equine Therapy in Glasgow

We are seeking to raise £100,000 to strengthen the long-term resilience of Glasgow RDA and ensure that disabled people across Glasgow can continue accessing our services for years to come.

£100,000 will provide Glasgow RDA with the financial stability needed over the next 12 months to continue delivering life-changing equine therapy while we complete a programme of restructuring and business development. This will help secure the long-term future of our centre and ensure disabled children and adults can continue to access our services for years to come.

Demand for our sessions continues to grow and as a charity, we subsidise every session we provide, ensuring that cost is not a barrier for those who need our services most.

The need is urgent. Without additional funding, Glasgow RDA faces an uncertain future. The rising cost of caring for our horses, maintaining our facilities and delivering accessible sessions means that, without support, we may be forced to reduce services and could eventually face closure. We cannot allow nearly 60 years of life-changing support for disabled children and adults to be lost.

Why Equine Therapy Matters

For many of our participants, Glasgow RDA is far more than horse riding. It is a place where disabled children and adults build confidence, gain independence, form friendships and experience a sense of freedom that can be difficult to find elsewhere.

The impact of equine therapy extends far beyond the arena. Across the RDA network, independent research found that:

90% of participants feel more confident in themselves

88% report improved posture, balance and coordination

82% feel more connected to others

71% become more independent

68% improve their communication skills

95% feel proud of what they have achieved through RDA

For many disabled people, opportunities to participate in sport, social activities and community life can be limited. Yet for some participants, RDA provides one of the few places where they feel truly included, accepted and free from barriers. Through the unique bond between horse and rider, participants experience improved physical wellbeing, greater confidence, stronger social connections and a lasting sense of achievement that extends into everyday life

Your Donation Will Help Us

Every pound donated will directly support:

- Opportunities for more disabled children and adults to benefit from our services

- The care and welfare of our therapy horses

- Provision of our purpose-built facility.

- Specialist staff and volunteer support

Your support will not only help us continue delivering our current programmes but also strengthen our ability to support future generations.

The Difference You Can Make

£25 could help fund the cost of a therapeutic riding session

£50 could help provide feed and supplements for one horse for a week

£100 could contribute towards essential veterinary and hoof care

£250 could support a half day of therapeutic sessions for our participants

£500 could help with the provision of our purpose-built facility

Every donation, whatever the size, moves us closer to protecting the future of Glasgow RDA.

Help Us Reach £100,000

With your help, we can continue creating opportunities for disabled children and adults to build confidence, improve wellbeing and experience the unique connection between people and horses.

Please donate today and share our campaign with your friends, family and colleagues.

Together, we can protect the future of disabled riding and equine therapy in Glasgow.

Thank you for your support.

From our Participants, Volunteers, Horses and Staff 🐴

THANK YOU!