An update from isl Case Management, a recent donor!
- paige2819
- Jun 18
- 3 min read
'A Look Back—and Forward
Earlier this year, we shared the story of our visit to RDA Broadlands and the donation we made to support one of their aspiring coaches. RDA Broadlands is a Hampshire-based centre that provides therapeutic horse riding and equine-assisted activities for children and adults with physical and learning disabilities. Their work helps participants build confidence, develop physical and emotional skills, and experience the joy of working with horses in a supportive, inclusive environment.
We recently caught up with Paige Parsons, who leads the centre, to hear how things are progressing—and it’s safe to say there’s been a lot happening!
Coaching Milestones and Recognition
We’re delighted to share that Freya, the young coach we helped support, has now officially qualified as a Group Coach. She’s already leading her own group of riders at Broadlands and has been nominated for RDA’s national “Young Coach of the Year” award—a fantastic recognition of her dedication and talent.
Two more coaches are currently in training, working through a combination of online and in-person modules. Their progress is helping to build a strong and sustainable coaching team for the future.
Paige has also taken on a new role as County Coach for Hampshire, enabling her to support and assess other coaches across the region and contribute to the development of coaching standards more widely.
Empowering Young People
One of the most inspiring developments at Broadlands is the launch of a new role: a Further Education and Employability Officer. This initiative is designed to support young people—many of whom have been deregistered from mainstream education due to challenges coping in traditional school environments.
These young volunteers are finding purpose and structure at Broadlands, developing practical skills, building confidence, and connecting with others in a safe and supportive setting. One young person came to Broadlands with no horse experience and significant social challenges. After two years of volunteering and riding, they went on to college and secured an apprenticeship with a local event rider. Stories like this are a powerful reminder of the impact of the centre’s work.
Events and Fundraising
This year marks RDA Broadlands’ 70th anniversary, and they’re celebrating with a fantastic line-up of events:
Summer Garden Party (20 June) – A stylish afternoon with food, drinks, entertainment, and a warm community atmosphere.
Quarterly Talks – Including a recent talk from a rider who completed the Mongol Derby, a 10-day race across Mongolia.
Wine Tasting Evening (25 September) – A relaxed and sociable evening with great wine and great company.
Community Events – From “Tea with a Pony” sessions for care home residents to “Tea at 3” open house afternoons for families, these events are a wonderful way to connect with the local community and raise vital funds.
All event details and ticket information can be found on the RDA Broadlands Fac
ebook page and website.
Collaboration and Vision
Paige is also working to strengthen collaboration across the RDA network. She’s planning a regional coaching conference to bring together volunteers and coaches for training, networking, and shared learning. Her goal is to create a more connected and supportive community of RDA groups across the region.
It’s clear that RDA Broadlands is not only delivering life-changing experiences for its participants but also investing in the future—through coaching, community outreach, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Their energy, creativity, and compassion are evident in everything they do, from supporting young people to planning for the next generation of therapy ponies.
We’re proud to support such a passionate and impactful organisation and look forward to seeing what they achieve next.'
~ Sarah
Marketing, isl Case Management
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