“Many groups, which rely on income from riding and carriage driving sessions, are facing financial hardship and the very real possibility of permanent closure without a vital injection of funds,” said an RDA spokesman.
“The fundraising appeal will direct funds to groups most in need, and help provide vital care to the 4,000 horses who are central to RDA’s life-changing work.”
The closures have affected about 25,000 disabled people, children and adults, many of whom “rely on their weekly RDA sessions for physical therapy, health and wellbeing”, the spokesman said, adding: “RDA groups are also a vital community space for volunteers and participants to socialise, get active and have fun.”
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RDA chief executive Ed Bracher said the association has already moved existing funds into the appeal, putting much planned activity on hold to support groups,
“But we desperately need more money to make a real difference in the long term,” he added. “With so many groups relying on income from weekly sessions to pay their running costs – including looking after their horses – this appeal is vital for the survival of the organisation around the UK. I urge everyone to do what they can to support us at this extremely difficult time.”
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Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.
