Riding for the Disabled Association (Armagh) Limited

Public benefits

The direct benefits of Riding for the Disabled Association hereinafter known as the Association, is the enhancement of the health and well-being of people with disabilities through the delivery of effective and life-enhancing therapy; (in terms of greater mobility, balance, core strength, self confidence) the opportunity to learn new skills and

achieve personal goals and ambitions; and the chance to enjoy taking part in a social activity that promotes general well-being. The benefits are demonstrated by the outcomes achieved by the beneficiaries (which is backed by clear research evidence that shows the positive physical and psychological impact of the activity for the participants). This is further evidenced by the improved communication and learning ability of school-age beneficiaries and the sporting success achieved by some beneficiaries. Equestrian activity carries inherent risk to both the beneficiary and the volunteers involved. Any potential risk and harm is offset by the Association operating within the guidelines and operating procedures set out by Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), the national Federation to which the Association is affiliated to. These set out the standards and procedures by which the Association operates, including the minimum standard of qualification of the people responsible for the activity at any time. In this way we ensure that at any time, all activity is guided and supervised by an appropriate person and the highest standards of safety and welfare are maintained. The Association only works with people with disabilities, although we act to ensure that no person is excluded from our activity where there is space for them within the Association and the appropriate equipment and support is available. Most of our beneficiaries would be unable to access this activity if this Association did not exist to provide the service and support them to do so. No private individual benefits form the existence of this Association, other than through the delivery, to them, of the activity and this is purely incidental.

What your organisation does

To provide disabled people with the means to ride and/or carriage drive at the level of their ability, choice and ambition. To encourage disabled people to occupy positions of responsibility within the Company.