Cotswold RDA
Cotswold Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) provides a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for people of all ages living with a disability. Based at Cheltenham Racecourse, the charity benefits from access to a wide range of excellent resources and highly qualified staff, enabling them to deliver specialist support and educational opportunities for individuals with SEND. As one of the largest RDA groups in the country, they are well equipped to meet a variety of needs and create meaningful experiences for every participant. Their purpose-built premises include indoor and outdoor riding arenas, as well as ten stables that house their carefully selected horses and ponies. In addition, the site features a sensory garden, offering a calm and engaging outdoor space that supports wellbeing and sensory exploration.
More about Cotswold RDA
Cotswold RDA believes strongly in supporting people with disabilities to focus on what they can achieve, placing ability, potential, and personal growth at the centre of everything they do. Their educational courses are designed to provide meaningful opportunities for learners to develop independence, establish positive routines, strengthen communication skills, and build a sense of responsibility through practical, hands-on experiences.
Using equine care and stable-based activities as a foundation for learning, people can also explore pathways into future volunteering, training, or employment within animal care and related sectors. Alongside these outcomes, the programme places equal importance on personal development, enabling learners to grow in confidence, improve emotional wellbeing, and gain valuable life skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, resilience, and self-management. Learners also benefit from regular social interaction in a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment where they feel valued, included, and encouraged to succeed.
Where are they based?
Find them at:
Cotswold RDA,
Cheltenham Racecourse,
Prestbury Park,
Cheltenham,
Gloucestershire,
GL50 4SH
You can also call on: 01242 584420
Or email: info@cotswoldrda.org.uk
Available courses
Cotswold RDA currently offer Level 1 and Level 2 qualifications in Work-Based Horse Care.
The guides below contain more information on these courses.
There is a lot of information, so if you would prefer to speak to someone about these courses on the phone, please call us on 01672 519977.
We would love to hear from people interested in taking these courses, their families or from local authorities looking to support them.
Level 1 in Work-Based Horse Care
Guidance on the course, and what it involves.
Level 2 in Work-Based Horse Care
Guidance on the course, and what it involves.
" Being able to work while completing a qualification has been great, as I can learn while supporting Cotswold RDA and doing the work I love. I liked doing the practical elements as I could show what I had learnt, and I now have an idea of where my career could take me, thanks to my qualification. Thank you Haddon. "
After the course
People who take a course will learn new skills and get a qualification.
They can chose to do another course, or look for a job doing what they have learnt.
Alternative Provision - Questions and Answers
The length of the course depends on the person taking it, their needs and what course they are interested in.
Some courses can also have different things to learn at different levels too.
If you are unsure if your local authority will pay, please get in touch and we can help to guide you, alongside the companies we work with to give the training.
These courses are made for those who found school hard. The learning is done is small pieces and is made for you to understand. You will have support from experienced people who know how to help you and want you to succeed. Everything about the course is made for you so that you can get experience doing something you enjoy.
Animals including horses have been proven to increase levels of happiness and well-being. Being around animals and learning to take care of them enables people to develop skills of empathy and understanding.