Our History

Overview

The Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) was founded in 1969 and has around 500 independant groups nationwide, of which Cotswold RDA is one.

Princess Anne has been the RDA’s Patron since 1971 and president since 1985.

The Beginnings of Cotswold RDA

In October 1965 Cotswold RDA was held in the garden of a local lady. Twelve riders attended on a Tuesday and Sunday for half a day only. Originally, the ponies were borrowed from local owners and transported in on the days they were needed.

In 1972 Cotswold RDA moved to what is now known as Ellenborough Park Hotel. Again the ponies were transported in as required and provided riding lessons to approximately 30 riders. Later in the same year Cotswold RDA moved to a field in Woodmancote and stayed at this location until February 1982.

After many attempts to find suitable land, the Cheltenham Steeplechase Company kindly offered to lease an acre of land on Cheltenham Racecourse. Fundraising took place and within two years enough funds were raised to commence building.

On April 29th 1982 H.R.H. The Princess Anne formally declared the new centre open.

The center, on Cheltenham Racecourse, is called the Jackie Brutton Riding Centre in memory of the late Mrs Jackie Brutton whose bequest made it possible for the Centre to become a reality. Mrs Brutton had been a supporter of the group for a number of years. A skilled horsewoman, who, in her early days rode her own point-to-point winners, one of which being Lord Fortune, pictured to the right.

In 1983 another pony, named Chips, became the second pony bought for Cotswold RDA. Chips went on to live to the grand old age of 35! As well as an indoor arena, Cotswold RDA now has an outdoor arena, stables and a sensory garden.

In 1984 the first horsebox was donated to us by M&S, we have since upgraded to a horse lorry via crowd funding, to enable up to 6 ponies and riders to participate in the annual off-site Regional and National RDA equestrian competitions, and many other events.

Friday 7th August 1981:

“Contracts were signed at Cheltenham Racecourse yesterday for work to start on the Cotswold Riding for the Disabled Association’s £75,000 indoor riding school which should be ready by November. Coun. Jack Denley, Borough Mayor of Tewkesbury, whose charity appeal is supporting the association, was there to dig the first turf.”