About us
Riding for the Disabled Jersey Group has been established in the Island since 1974 and provides opportunities to learn to ride for adults and children with physical and/or learning disabilities. This not only improves confidence, wellbeing and social skills but delivers a real and lasting therapy that strengthens core muscle groups improving mobility and coordination.
RDA Jersey operates from Le Claire Stables in St John with a large outdoor sand school and currently runs ten rides per week term time for around sixty people. The charity relies on voluntary help, donations and sponsorship to remain able to deliver its service free of charge to riders.
RDA Jersey are kindly supported by local companies who have made it possible for selected groups to periodically visit the Calvert Trust centre in the UK for a full riding experience weekend, especially tailored to disabled visitors.
RDA Jersey is affiliated to Riding for the Disabled Association in the UK as a member group. There are over 500 volunteer groups throughout the UK offering opportunities for up to 30,000 people each year.
Transforming Lives
What does RDA Jersey Do?
Our principal objective is to provide both adults and children with physical and/or learning difficulties the opportunity to ride horses and ponies to benefit their health and wellbeing.
What are the benefits?
Reach therapeutic goals: improve muscle tone and posture
Achieve personal ambitions, sit on a horse for the first time, learn new skills
Experience the outdoors: ride in the countryside
Combat social isolation: build relationships, enjoy events, develop self-confidence
Connect with animals: bringing optimism and adding a new element to life
Develop life skills: improve communication, take responsibility, be a team player
Where do we operate?
Jersey RDA operate from Le Claire Stables in St John. Monday to Friday afternoons during school term time.
Do you charge for your rides?
We do not charge for our rides and rely on donations and money raised from fundraising activities in Jersey. All of our coaches and volunteers are unpaid. As we are an independent member group all money raised in Jersey is fully used to benefit Jersey riders.
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.
Term Dates 2024/2025
Autumn Term 2024 – 12 weeks
Monday 9 September – Friday 6 December
Half term holiday 28 October – 1 November
Public Holiday Thursday 12 September
Spring Term 2025 - 10 weeks
Monday 13 January - Friday 28 March
Half term holiday 17-21 February
Summer Term 2025 - 9 weeks
Monday 28 April - Friday 4 July
Half term holiday 26-30 May
Public Holidays Monday 5 May & Friday 9 May
Details of Rides - held at Le Claire Stables, St. John (school term time)
Monday
1.30 - 2.45 pm
Secondary School/Adult Ride
Group Coach - Lucy Johnson
Tuesday
12.30 - 1.30 pm
Primary School ride
Group Coach – Jane Feltham Fletcher (assistant Lucy)
1.45 - 2.45 pm
Adult Ride
Group Coach– Lucy Johnson
Wednesday
1.30 - 2.30 pm
Primary School ride
Group Coach – Rachel Andrews (assistant Jane)
2.30 - 3.15 pm
Children’s Ride
Group Coach – Rachel Andrews
Thursday
12.30 - 1.30 pm
Primary School ride
Group Coach - Cathy Fricker
1.30 - 2.30 pm
Primary School ride
Group Coach - Cathy Fricker
Friday
12.30 - 1.30 pm
Secondary School Ride
Group Coach - Sue Holland/Charlotte Bashforth (assistant Rachel)
1.30 - 2.30 pm
Primary School ride
Group Coach – Rachel Andrews