A full description of our work can be found in our most recent RDA Trustees Annual Report & Accounts (see below) However, achievements to highlight from 2008/9 include:

• We launched the Volunteer Development project and recruitment of first 29 groups
• We launched the RDA UK Coaching Certificate and ran courses for more than 100 volunteers. For the first time ever, RDA’s qualifications will be formally recognised outside the organisation.
• Together with the Pony Club we launched the PC’s Achievement badge for volunteering with RDA Groups
• We organised the biggest competition in the world for disabled riders - 442 participants competed in our National Championships, with almost 1,000 riders taking part in the Regional Qualifiers.
• We doubled the number of people taking part in our education projects - 168 riders attained awards in our ASDAN accredited Education Programme.
• Four successful driving conferences benefited 170 volunteers and the Annual Instructors’ Conference attracted 102 delegates.
• We held the first ever County Chairmen’s meeting
• Our network of 106 Training Advisors carried out 614 individual reviews of Instructors.
• We set up a new fund to support the travel costs for Groups in Scotland
• 488 participants joined one of 68 holidays organised through our National Holidays Programme, and £4,000 was given in grants to support holidays
• We held 17 dressage training days and 19 potentially talented riders received grants totalling £4,000 to further their training in dressage.
• We were a finalist in the Third Sector Awards for our partnership with Fort Dodge Animal Health – one of our longest and most generous supporters
• We sold over 150,000 Christmas cards sold
• £43,500 was awarded in grants to 54 Groups
• 1,651 RDA volunteers received free CRB checks