Horses, ponies and donkeys may be owned by a group, lent by private owners, borrowed or hired from approved riding schools.
Riding sessions take place either in the open or in a commercial or private covered school. There are number of purpose-built centres throughout the country.

HOW RIDING HELPS DISABLED PEOPLE
Riding as a new experience and stimulating challenge often brings the rewards of improved co-ordination and balance, a feeling of independence, a sense of achievement, greater self-confidence and a resulting happiness. Newly-found capabilities begin to take precedence over log-accepted disabilities. A new outlook is born and horizons move outward.
New human relationships develop with the voluntary helpers of our Association, often the first step from a sheltered life at home or the professional environment of special school or hospital into the world outside.
To sit up on pony and look down on other people is quite new experience for someone confined to a wheelchair.
To be able to ride across rough fields, along uneven tracks through woodlands and to look over and beyond hedges, even to pick blackberries, are all made possible by the partnership with a trusted friend with four legs, who assumes a special role in exploring a new and exciting world.
This partnership is also beneficial to people with learning difficulties. Although progress may be slow and difficult for some to appreciate, doctors, parents and teachers recognise a better approach to life and to other people and an incentive to learn.

THE RDA - HOW IT WORKS
Headquarters is a modest office building at the National Agriculture Centre at Stoneleigh in Warwickshire. Here. the Director, and a small staff carry out the central administration and are the only salaried personnel.
This registered charity is an Association of Member Groups organised into 18 administrative Regions in the British Isles.
Each Region is represented on the Council which has the advice of the medical and paramedical professions, together with experts in other allied fields in formulating general Association policies.
Through its standing Committees the Council can advise and assist Member Groups on such matters as finance, training, holidays, medical matters, welfare of horses and ponies, driving and publications.