History

Stevenage RDA was founded in 1969 by Geoff & Kay Shepherd, and Margaret Lucas, with the generous support of Fred & Maisie Allan of Manor Farm Chesfield, who kindly loaned two of their riding school ponies one morning a week to enable riding lessons for disabled children in Stevenage to begin. The group expanded, offering lessons to pupils from local special schools, as well as individual riders, all of whom faced challenges in their lives.

Fred & Maisie Allan & family continued their support for Stevenage RDA providing stabling for ponies, either purchased by or gifted to the group, and the use of their indoor riding school for lessons.

In the early years, attracting volunteers, fund raising and publicising the work the group did were huge tasks. Many of those early volunteers went on to become involved at county, regional and National levels of the organisation

In 1999 each member group of the RDA organisation became its own registered charity, but remained closely connected to, and a member of, the National Association.

Currently Stevenage RDA are located at Model Farm, Shillington nr Hitchin.

Operating on Monday & Thursday mornings in school term time using ponies
specially trained for RDA work we have pupils from both local special schools &
independent children & young adults who face many challenges in life. For
those physically unable to ride the ponies, we offer an ‘Equine experience’
based upon a horse care programme that can include grooming & leading the
ponies.

Currently we have over 30 dedicated active volunteers helping at our Monday & Thursday morning sessions, but more are always welcome.

Over 50 years on and still helping children & adults benefit from the therapeutic effects of riding and being around ponies.

For more information please email: stevenagerdainfo@gmail.com