RDA Kendall - Our Horses

The Heart of RDA Kendall

Our horses are trusted partners in every participant’s journey. Without them, none of what we do would be possible.

They carry not only riders, but also trust, courage and possibility. Each has its own personality, history and little quirks — some are quiet and steady, while others are curious or playful — and each connects with people in its own way.

Their calm presence, sensitivity, responsiveness and willingness to trust make them valued partners in every RDA activity. Through these qualities, they can have a meaningful and positive influence on people in ways that are unique to each individual.

Our horses and ponies come from a variety of backgrounds, with some beginning a new career working with people with disability. Every horse is carefully assessed for the patience, reliability and temperament needed for RDA activities.

Explore below to learn more about our horses, meet those with us today, and remember those honoured through our Legacy Horses.

What They Bring ⬇️

The Emotional/Therapy Value of Horses

Our horses bring something that cannot be replaced by equipment, instruction or activity alone.

They are living, responsive partners who can sense movement, hesitation, confidence, tension and calm.

Whether quiet and steady or gentle yet bold, each horse helps riders themselves.

A good RDA horse does more than carry a participant. They may stand quietly while someone reaches out to pat them, adjust to different balance and movement, or offer a calm presence that helps a participant feel safer, more settled and more confident.

For some participants, the connection begins with riding. For others, it may begin with grooming, leading, touching, talking to or simply being near the horse.

These quiet moments matter. A horse’s patience, warmth and steady presence can help build trust, confidence, communication and a sense of achievement in ways that feel natural and deeply personal.

What Makes an RDA Horse ⬇️

It takes a very special horse to become part of the program, and not every horse is suited to this work.

Selecting an RDA horse takes time, experience and careful observation. Many hours go into deciding whether a horse has the calm, willing nature and that “something special” needed for our program.

The role asks a lot of them. Horses need to cope with different handlers, participants with varying physical and intellectual abilities, and the many sights, sounds and activity that come with a busy Centre, while remaining calm, responsive and safe.

For this reason, the horses selected need to be sensible, willing and well-mannered. They need patience and trust, and must be able to work safely around people of different ages, abilities and confidence levels.

Before joining the program, each horse is taken on trial and given time to be assessed and understood by our coaches.

This includes how the horse responds to being handled, groomed, tacked up and ridden, as well as how it reacts around children, adults, volunteers, other horses, Centre activity and the equipment used in our sessions.

The introduction process is gradual. Horses may be led through mock classes, exposed to different movements and sounds, and observed in situations similar to those they may experience during participant sessions.

Our horses are more than riding horses. They are patient partners who help make each session possible.

Caring for Our Horses ⬇️

The welfare of our horses is foremost in everything we do. Our horses are valued members of the RDA Kendall team, and their comfort, safety and wellbeing are considered every day — in training, during sessions, in daily care and when they are resting.

A dedicated team of volunteers feeds and checks the horses twice each day, helping ensure they are safe, healthy and well cared for.

Our horses also receive regular veterinary checks, farrier care and other support as needed.

Meet Our Horses ⬇️

Meet the horses and ponies who make RDA Kendall possible and learn about their personalities, backgrounds and lives at the Centre ⬇️

Our Horse Family

Life After RDA ⬇️

Leaving RDA Kendall does not always mean retirement.

Many horses are happy in their RDA role for many years. Others may simply need a change of scene and move on to a new career that better suits them.

Some horses retire because of health issues, reduced soundness or simply because they are getting older and need a quieter life.

There is no set length of time a horse remains with RDA. When a horse is ready to leave, its future is carefully considered.

Depending on its circumstances, it may return to a former owner, move to another suitable home or retire as a companion horse.

Whatever the outcome, the horse’s welfare and ongoing care remain the priority.

Legacy Horses ⬇️

The Legacy Horses section honours the horses and ponies who have been part of RDA Kendall over the years.

Each has made its own contribution, formed meaningful connections and earned a lasting place in the story of the Centre.

Through their photographs and profiles, we remember their personalities, their time with us and the part they played at RDA Kendall ⬇️

Meet some of our Legacy Horses

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The Heart of RDA Kendall

Caring for Our Horses ⬇️

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