A pony’s gait is a movement very similar to that of the human pelvis at walk. This rhythmic movement producing approximately 110 impulses a minute and combined with the warmth of the pony helps to promote relaxation and decrease high muscle tone. The initial impact is on core strength enabling an upright sitting posture and concentration whilst the body learns to relax and adjust to the regular movement. 

Carriage Driving has been a part of RDA since 1975 and is particularly useful for people who are unable to ride due to their disability or prefer a different kind of challenge. Many of the benefits of riding are also relevant to carriage driving; it helps to improve coordination and balance and gives the disabled driver a wonderful sense of freedom being out in the country air with a pony. 

Equine assisted learning is ground based activities surrounded by the ponies. Our coaches carefully select a pony to work with. The sessions can be tailored to suit all, centring around the care and understanding of horses. These sessions can include grooming, mucking out along with general day to day care. 

Hippotherapy is a form of physiotherapy where the physiotherapist uses the movements of a horse to provide carefully graded motor and sensory input. The aim of the sessions is to use the movements of the horse for therapy which can improve balance, core strength, coordination as well as many other benefits.