Three year pioneering research project with university
A charity focusing on boosting wellbeing for disabled people by teaming them up with horses is today unveiling a pioneering three year research partnership with Hartpury University and College.
The Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA UK) says the project will help to deepen our understanding for the potential life changing benefits for disabled people to be with horses.
The scheme aims to examine the role horses play in delivering unique experiences for the disabled – and how the horse may also find benefit in doing so.
‘This partnership is an important milestone for us,’ says Michael Bishop, CEO of RDA UK. ‘RDA has long seen the profound health and wellbeing outcomes for disabled people engaging with equine assisted activities.’
‘Through this collaboration, we can create the robust evidence base needed to elevate our impact, demonstrate the value of the horse to society, unlock funding, and shape future policy.’
‘We’re excited to work with Hartpury to further embed equine-assisted activity within the wider health, education, and care sectors.’
The charity’s 56 years of practical experience is seen as a crucial ingredient for the collaboration with Hartpury which is internationally recognised for its research and equestrian expertise.
‘To push the boundaries of what we know’
The team explains the collaboration will explore how ‘equine-assisted services can address the social, health, and educational inequalities experienced by disabled people.’
‘We’re proud to work alongside RDA UK to push the boundaries of what we know about equine-assisted activity,’ says Andy Collop, Vice-Chancellor Principal and CEO at Hartpury University and College.
‘It’s a chance to contribute to something that’s making a real difference, and to back that up with strong, meaningful research.’
Experts add the study aims to ‘contribute to elevating the standards and professional recognition of the equine-assisted sector and workforce, and developing best practices in equine welfare.’
The formal partnership was launched a few weeks ago at the RDA UK National Championships.
The charity says the study will help to shape the future of inclusive equine assisted activities in the UK and beyond as it’s rooted in a shared belief in the power of horses to transform lives.
