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RDA Carriage Driving is open to all members of RDA and is particularly useful for people who can no longer ride due to disability or prefer a different kind of challenge.

Carriage Driving offers many of the same benefits as riding:

• Improved co-ordination
• Improved muscle power
• Improved balance
• Relaxation through rhythmic movement
• Being out in the open air

Some of the non physical benefits include:

• Decision making
• Making friends
• Achievement
• Self confidence
• Having fun!

Drivers progress in the same way as riders. Drivers can take proficiency tests to increase and demonstrate their ability and knowledge. They can compete in RDA and EFA Carriage Driving Shows that have disabled classes. Some drivers progress outside of RDA and attend training days and compete internationally.

Carriage driving uses trained, non-disabled volunteers, who sit alongside the driver to teach skills and help if required.

The object of dressage is to improve balance, control, mobility, memory and freedom. Riding the movements required for a test and maintaining a good rhythm increase the awareness of balance and control.

RDA dressage tests range from led, with helpers, at walk, to canter tests with lateral movements. The challenge of learning a test, riding it accurately and performing to the best of the horse's ability has many positive benefits.

The objective for the dressage horse is to develop physique and ability harmoniously, making the horse calm, supple, loose and flexible but also confident, attentive and keen thus achieving perfect understanding with its rider.

These qualities are revealed by the freedom and regularity of the paces, the harmony, lightness and ease of the movements, the lightness of the forehand and the engagement of the hind quarters, originating in a lively impulsion and the acceptance of the bridle, with submissiveness throughout and without any tension or resistance.

The horse thus gives the impression of doing of its own accord what is required of him. Confident and attentive he submits generously to the control of his rider, remaining absolutely straight in any movements on a straight line and bending accordingly when moving on curved lines.

Vaulting can be defined as gymnastics on the back of a moving horse. It is one of the 7 disciplines recognised by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI). The team of 8 with a reserve, work with one horse under the control of a lunger.

Competitive vaulting is a youth sport but at the novice and recreational level it has much to offer to all ages and abilities. Vaulting is a sound basis to learn riding from and should not be seen as merely jumping on and off, but sessions that allow participants to work within a group sharing not only the horse but also their experiences. It allows time to watch, relate and to explore feel, rhythm, timing and balance. The vaulter gains harmony with the horse whilst having no responsibility for the control of the animal. The time spent in gaining trust and confidence in their own ability leads to greater security. Undoubtedly vaulting has a role to play in the introduction of riding to all.

The inclusion of vaulting within RDA activities opened yet another channel for our riders to improve their skills with many of the elements required in this discipline being essential transferable life skills.