MEMBERS of the RDA Ireland (RDAI) were honoured to meet Her Royal Highness Princess Anne, The Princess Royal, who is the President of RDA in the UK, when she visited the Dublin Horse Show last week.

The four 2025 Rider Award winners, RDAI ambassador Dr Emma Golding and some of the Board members were among those to meet Her Royal Highness and it was an excellent opportunity to chat about RDA and its benefits to riders and volunteers. RDAI has welcomed her to Ireland several times and hope it won’t be too long before she revisits.

RDA Ireland (RDAI) has existed since 1969, offering therapeutic riding and carriage driving sessions, purely voluntary, to children and adults living with intellectual and physical challenges. The organisation became an independent Irish charity in 1981, having previously been a region of RDA in Britain.

Thirty groups are riding weekly during school term times in equestrian centres nationwide. The RDAI are so grateful to all the wonderful riding school owners for the use of their horses and facilities.

RDAI have 400 loyal and dedicated volunteers who give the organisation their time every week so that they can continue to support those with special needs. They also paid special tribute to those who take on the extra responsibilities as coaches, as well as the sponsors and donors, whose generosity and support is hugely appreciated.

In addition to being part of the worldwide association, RDAI offers an ongoing training and development programme, Riders’ Achievement Awards, recognition of volunteers’ years of service, and a Sponsor a Rider scheme, which has assisted six people this summer.

In May, the organisation held a fabulous Garden Party in Slane Castle, at which riders, their families, volunteers and guests enjoyed the spectacular surroundings, watched a riding display by the Kells group, had the opportunity to go for a carriage drive with members of the South Wicklow Carriage Driving group, interact with mini ponies and a unicorn, or have a tour around the castle.

Rider Achievement Awards and Volunteer Long Service Awards were also presented at this event. The RDAI thanks Lord and Lady Mount Charles for inviting the organisation to the venue.

As groups prepare to start back in September, RDAI will continue to offer services as a completely voluntary organisation to those who need it the most, continuing to play a vital role in the equestrian world today.

For more information visit www.rdaireland.org.