HISTORY
The value of mounted exercises and riding in the country for those with incurable diseases was known to the Greeks in the 5th century BC. Throughout history, in many countries, riding has been prescribed as a means of improving the mental and physical well-being of disabled people.
More recently it was practised by Dame Agnes Hunt, founder in 1901 of the first orthopaedic hospital in Oswestry, Shropshire. She understood the importance of laughter and companionship in the recovery of health and the value of horses and riding for her patients.
Miss Olive Sands, a physiotherapist, used to take her horses to a hospital outside Oxford to give riding to soldiers disabled in the 1914-18 war.
Mme Liz Hartel, a Danish polio victim in the 1940's provided the inspiration for the pioneers of the RDA by winning a Silver Medal for Dressage in the 1952 Olympic Games. Her courageous triumph gave hope and encouragement to so many.
By 1965 nine Groups in Britain had come together for their mutual benefit and formed our first national organisation, known as the Advisory Council on Riding for the Disabled. This became the RDA in 1969 when there were 80 Groups.
Currently there are over 700 Groups and over 25,000 riders and drivers.

AVAILABLE FROM RDA HEADQUARTERS
List of Member Groups together with Regional and County Structure.
Annual Report and Accounts.
Videos produced by the RDA.
Christmas Card Brochure.
RDA News.
Order form for other publications.

ADDRESS