Local Charity Offering Horse Riding Lessons For Disabled People Calls For Volunteers To Assist Them

Friday, 31 July 2026 16:42

By Daniel Maher

They allow people with a range of disabilities to enjoy safe, healthy, stimulating horse-riding activities.

A local charity is calling for volunteers to assist with horse riding activities that they provide to people with disabilities.

The Riding for the Disabled Assocation of Ireland is a registered charity providing the opportunity for therapy, achievement and enjoyment to people with a range of disabilities to enjoy safe, healthy, stimulating horse-riding activities.

Speaking on Kildare Today, Maureen Bagnel, Coach and Chair of RDAI at Calliaghstown Equestrian Centre in Rathcoole, said that one particular child has been positively transformed as a result of taking part in horse riding activities there:

"We've had one child that came to us and their parents couldn't get any sleep from the time he was born, he came to us at nine-years-of-age, for the last two years they're now getting a nights sleep, the animal calms him down so much."

They currently have nine people with disabilities who benefit from the activities.

She explained the process of how a child is assessed when they first come to the charity:

"At first, a child is assessed, and then they're put up on the horse, or they could walk the animal, they equally get as much out of it, we had one lad last year and at the start he couldn't walk the horse at all, and now he's beating the other guys on the horses when they play the games."

She emphasised their need for volunteers as they hope to continue the good work that has been done in Rathcoole.

"We really need helpers, because we're getting a bit older and we need new people involved so that they will enjoy it and want to continue it."

The full interview can be heard below: