Gareloch RDA was founded in 1976. We are a registered charity (SC028645) and are affiliated to RDA National. We cater for adults, children and young people, and currently have over 50 riders and drivers with a wide range of physical and/or learning disabilities. We are based in Helensburgh at Colgrain Equestrian Centre for carriage driving and Ardencaple Livery Yard for everything else.
We run many sessions each week at various times of the day and our dedicated group of volunteers are always on hand to help. We are always looking for new volunteers since at times it takes four volunteers to assist an individual rider, so if you have an hour or more to spare, we would be delighted to hear from you!
Gareloch RDA is an inclusive and diverse organisation. We welcome clients with physical and learning disabilities and autism, and there are no age restrictions. Participants have the chance to:
- Reach therapeutic goals: improve muscle tone and posture, develop motor skills
- Achieve their personal ambitions: whether this is to sit on a horse for the first time, learn new skills (or even in some cases compete at Paralympic level)
- Combat social isolation: build relationships, enjoy events and competition, develop self-confidence
- Develop life skills: improve communication, take responsibility, be a team player
- Experience the outdoors: ride in the countryside, access rural Britain
- Connect with animals: adding a new element to life
