Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) Eden Group was formed in 1980 and is based at Rookin House Equestrian and Activity Centre, Troutbeck near Penrith, Cumbria. Eden RDA has been transforming the lives of people with disabilities throughout Eden and Cumbria, introducing them to activities that improve physical and mental well-being. The riders join for enjoyment, challenge, friendship, laughter and achievement as well as a degree of independence. It has also been recognised that there are medical advantages resulting in riders being more relaxed and supple.
Eden RDA are always on the look out for volunteers to join us with or without horse experience.
If you would like to join our wonderful team, please download our Volunteer Form, or email us to find out more:
Benefits of Volunteering
Learn new skills
Be part of a team
Make a difference
Enjoy the outdoors (and keep fit!)
Make new friends
Boost your CV
Ride with Us
Become a new rider with Eden RDA – just download our Rider Participant Application Form and bring it along with you to your first session.
Our annual outing for the Eden Group this year was a trip on the Settle to Carlisle railway line to Bingley and then a leisurely walk to Saltaire.
Our group had a stall at the Artisan Fair at Greystoke Castle today raising funds for our group. It was a really successful day, we raised nearly £300, the weather was glorious and we had a lot of fun. Thank you to everyone who helped today including Lions Club of Penrith for lending us the gazebo and Greystoke Castle Cumbria for providing the pitch and to all those people who donated things for us to sell. What a great team we are.
Ever thought of volunteering?
Ever thought of volunteering? Meet Patricia Harrison. Patricia has been involved with the RDA in Cumbria since moving to the county in 1977. Together with Robin Davies and the late Peggy Rowcliffe they helped to establish the RDA in this area as an organisation committed to helping those with a disability achieve their goals through taking part in carriage driving and horse riding.
Patricia was elected County Chairman for Cumbria and then went on to become Regional Chairman covering Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear and Durham, a post she held for nine years.
When she stood down as Regional Chairman, she became involved with the Carlisle Group and began volunteering with the Eden Group which was established by the late Eve Pattinson in 1980.
In 2021, together with Felicity Nicholson and Eve Pattinson, Patricia was given a 40 Year Award for Volunteering with the RDA.
Although Patricia does not now take part in our riding sessions, she remains a Trustee and takes an active interest in our work. “To watch the enjoyment our riders get from taking part in our sessions and the confidence they gain has been a great thrill for me”, says Patricia.
RDA/Patricia Harrison profile 2024
A very special AGM this evening. One of our volunteers Jane Taylor receiving her 25 year achievement award from the Regional Chair Pauline Harrison accompanied by our new Chair Rebecca Kemp. Congratulations Jane and thank you for your dedication over so many years.
We would like to announce the appointment of our new chairman Rebecca Kemp who has come to us with a wealth of knowledge of all things RDA and will be a great addition to our team going forward.
We would like to pay tribute to our retiring chairman Lulie Hothfield who steered the group so diligently for the past 25 years and will be greatly missed.
Eden visited Carlisle RDA group at Blackdyke Farm today to meet RDA’s CEO Michael Bishop. We watched two wonderful outdoor riding sessions and were treated to some lovely sandwiches and cake. Thank you so much for making us feel so welcome.
A Great Start to 2025
It was great to see so many of our new volunteers for our annual get together.
Donate to Eden RDA
This activity is only possible because of the valuable donations made by individuals to RDA, and the fundraising activities, sponsorship, and trust funding received from valued supporters of the charity. Every donation makes a real difference and can help with training, education, or essential support materials and equipment.
To make a donation to Eden RDA, please visit our Just Giving Donation page.
