Green Cottage Riding for the Disabled Association

We provide riding lessons for children with a variety of special needs and disabilities.

Welcome to Green Cottage RDA

We’re an independent charity that is a member of the Riding for the Disabled Association.

We’re a small, local charity offering free therapeutic horse riding sessions to children with disabilities and additional needs. Based at Green Cottage Riding Centre in Three Legged Cross, Wimborne, we’ve been running for over 50 years – every Thursday morning during school term time – thanks to a brilliant team of qualified coaches and trained volunteers who generously give their time, energy and care.

We don’t charge for our sessions. Everything we do is made possible through the kindness of donations, sponsorships and legacies.

What we do

Each week, we welcome up to 24 school-aged children with a range of needs – including cerebral palsy, autism, Down syndrome, and other complex learning or developmental conditions. Horse riding offers so many benefits: it can help build strength, improve balance and coordination, support mental wellbeing, and encourage communication and listening skills.

But above all, it’s fun. Being outside, meeting the ponies, learning new skills, and making friends – it’s something many of our riders look forward to all week.

Our sessions are designed around each child’s individual ability, with plenty of encouragement, smiles, and game-based activities to keep things engaging. As well as learning to ride, children also get the chance to learn about horse care in a safe and supportive environment.

1 day ago

Green Cottage RDA
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2 days ago

Green Cottage RDA
Lots of new and secondhand tack and clothes. All bargains, priced to sell, cash preferred. Hot food, raffle, stalls, all for a great cause. West Hants Pony ClubPortman Pony ClubDorset EquestrianRiding for the Disabled Association (RDA) ... See MoreSee Less
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6 days ago

Green Cottage RDA
We all love what we do - but it gives us such a boost when we receive messages like this from a parent 😔You are all AMAZING 🌟 and I hope you know the difference you made to a little girl (and her Mum) today! Special thanks to Sarah and Colin ☺️ This is such a wonderful opportunity for young people and I hope you all know how truly appreciated it is that you give up your time each week to support children and families like mine ❤️ xxx ... See MoreSee Less
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Sponsors and supporters

A few of the companies that have helped the RDA