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
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.
Tim completes the Montane Winter Spine Race in aid of Eden Riding for the Disabled
Massive congratulations to Tim Campbell, the husband of one of the teachers who bring our weekly riders has completed the gruelling Montane Winter Spine Race, covering an eye watering 268 miles over the roughest terrain and in horrendous weather conditions over the spine of the Pennines. A total accent of 13,330 metres, that’s higher than Everest and all this in 6 days. We are in awe of you Tim and if that wasn’t enough he was running the race and asking for donations for us at Eden Riding for the Disabled. We wanted to make sure Tim knew we were thinking about him so two of our Trustees went to meet Tim mid race to thank him for supporting us in such a heroic way. If you would like to support Tim in his amazing achievement and us please donate on the Just Giving link here. https://www.justgiving.com/page/timothy-campbell-9… to help us continue to provide our riders with the riding sessions they love.
Settle Carlisle Railway Development Company names Eden Riding for the Disabled as Charity of the Year 2026
The Settle Carlisle Railway Development Company has announced Eden Riding for the Disabled as its Charity of the Year for 2026, recognising the charity’s long-standing work supporting children and adults with disabilities across Cumbria and the surrounding area.
The charity was nominated by Sue Barnes (pictured), a member of the Settle Carlisle Railway Refreshment Trolley team and a volunteer with the Eden Riding for the Disabled group. Sue put forward the charity after seeing first-hand the positive impact that horse riding can have on people’s confidence, wellbeing and physical development.
Riding for the Disabled groups provide therapeutic horse riding and carriage driving for people with physical, learning and emotional disabilities. Local groups, including those in Cumbria, are run entirely by volunteers and rely on fundraising, donations and grants to continue their work. Riders benefit from improved balance, coordination and muscle strength, as well as increased confidence, independence and social interaction.
Sue Barnes said: “Volunteering with Riding for the Disabled has shown me just how powerful these sessions can be for riders of all ages. It’s wonderful to see the railway supporting a charity that makes such a meaningful difference in local people’s lives.”
Throughout 2026, Settle Carlisle Railway Development Company will raise funds for Eden Riding for the Disabled through activities supported by staff, volunteers and passengers using the Settle Carlisle line. Funds raised will help local groups continue to offer safe, inclusive and life-enhancing riding experiences. Chair of Settle Carlisle Railway Development Company, Pete Myers said: “The Settle–Carlisle Railway has strong roots in the communities it serves. Choosing Riding for the Disabled as our Charity of the Year reflects our commitment to inclusion, accessibility and supporting organisations that bring real benefits to people across our region.” Chair of the Eden Riding for the Disabled Trustees, Rebecca Kemp said: “Whilst our group comes under the umbrella of the national Riding for the Disabled Association, we are entirely self funding and rely on donations and our own fundraising activities and grant applications, which is why we are so pleased to have been chosen as the Settle Carlisle Railway Development Company’s Charity of the Year 2026. “
Each week during term time, we host our adult riders from Ullswater Community College and Edington Adult Learning Centre in Penrith and Aspire Centre, Appleby. Our junior riders come from North Lakes Junior School in Penrith, and from Warcop Junior school. In total, we can host up to 26 riders at each session. Our riders benefit from their interaction with the lovely, steady ponies from Rookin House Equestrian Centre. “Our enthusiastic volunteers ensure a fun and safe experience each week and love to see our riders enjoying themselves.”
More information about Riding for the Disabled is available on their website www.edenrda.org.uk. More details about the Settle Carlisle Railway are available at www.settle-carlisle.co.uk
We would like to thank everyone who has donated to us, anonymously or otherwise through our Just Giving page or by using our QR code. It is very much appreciated and crucial in enabling us to continue to run our group.
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 riding sessions and were treated to some lovely sandwiches and cake. Thank you so much for making us feel so welcome.
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.