Enriching lives through horses.
Over 60 years ago, Sheila More Nisbett placed a local child who was suffering from Polio on the back of one of her children’s ponies. The child, who had until then been unable to sit or stand unaided, drew up her chest and beamed a huge smile to everyone’s amazement. It was obvious to all who witnessed that it was the interaction and movement of the pony that had brought on this change in confidence and strength.
Since that day, The Drum Riding for the Disabled Trust has been committed to serving and helping the disabled and supported community in Edinburgh and The Lothians. It’s a safe place, to make friends, become part of our community and share in our love and respect for horses and ponies.
We are continuing to try and reach more and more people who need support. We have pioneered horse husbandry, youth support and family connection programmes, some of which are award winning, in our quest to help as many people as possible.
Our horses regularly enhance the lives of many children and adults from the supported community. Providing therapy, fitness, skills development and opportunities for achievement – all supported by our amazing volunteers and qualified coaches — we help change the lives of our riders and in many cases their carers too.
RDA is an inclusive and diverse organisation. We welcome clients with both physical and learning disabilities as well as enhancing wellbeing of many. We are always here, bringing the therapy, achievement and fun with horses to as many people as we can.
We are a charity, and we can only carry out our life-changing activities thanks to the generosity of our donors, the dedication of our volunteers and the good nature of our fantastic horses.