Welcome to Eden Riding for the Disabled (RDA)

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. 

At the moment we work with Children and Adults from The North Lakes School, Ullswater Community College, Edington Day Centre, Warcop Primary School, and Aspire 17. We meet every Thursday from the end of February to July and September to November. 

Volunteer with Us

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

Volunteer with Eden Riding for the Disabled (RDA)

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.

Eden visited the Carlisle RDA Group today to meet the CEO of RDA Michael Bishop. We thoroughly enjoyed talking with volunteers, exchanging experiences and the joy of being part of Riding for the Disabled (RDA). We watched two outdoor riding sessions in the sunshine. It was such a lovely day and we would like to thank Carlisle group 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.

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

Our UCC riders receiving their rosettes before Winter break

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.

Donate to Eden RDA with JustGiving

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