Demo page. This fictional example shows how a simple starter page for a local RDA group could look. Clarion Equestrian can adapt this structure with your group name, photos, contact details and key information.
Local RDA group in Helmswick
Helping people enjoy riding and spend time with horses in Helmswick
Thornfield RDA provides accessible riding opportunities for disabled children and adults, supported by local volunteers, coaches and the wider yard community.
Thornfield RDA is a local volunteer-led group based at Thornfield Stables in Helmswick. We provide opportunities for disabled people to enjoy riding, spend time with horses, build confidence and be part of a supportive community.
Our sessions are made possible by local volunteers, coaches, ponies, supporters and the wider yard community.
We wanted to create a place where disabled riders and their families felt safe, understood and welcome — and where volunteers could be part of something genuinely worthwhile.
Margaret EllisFounding trustee, Thornfield RDA
What matters to us
Safe, supportive sessions
Welcoming volunteers
Confidence and enjoyment
Local community support
Riding
Riding sessions and activities
Our sessions are designed to be supportive, enjoyable and appropriate for each participant. Availability may depend on ponies, volunteers, coaches and venue capacity, so please contact the group before visiting or making plans.
We may not always have immediate spaces available, but enquiries are welcome and the group will explain the current position.
Sessions and volunteer activities are arranged in advance — please contact us before visiting.
Places are limited and waiting lists may apply. Some terms we have spaces; others we are full. Please contact us and we will let you know honestly what is currently possible — we would rather have the conversation than have you wonder.
What's coming up
Upcoming events
A few moments in the year when the gates are open a little wider. Everyone welcome — please email if you would like to come along.
Sessions are friendly, calm and supported by trained volunteers. We will usually speak with you first, explain what information we need, and arrange any visit or assessment before riding begins. No one should just turn up without contacting us first.
After you enquire
A volunteer will get in touch within a few days to understand what support a rider may need.
Visits are by arrangement
We will agree a quiet time to visit the yard, meet the ponies and ask questions before riding.
Assessing suitability
We take time to match each rider to the right pony, coach and session — safety always comes first.
What to wear
Long trousers, sturdy shoes with a small heel, and a warm layer. We provide riding helmets and any specialist equipment.
Carers & family
Carers, parents and family members are warmly welcome to attend. There is a small viewing area beside the arena.
Your privacy
We only ask for the information we need and store it carefully. We will never share rider details outside the group without consent.
Meet the team
Meet our ponies
A small team of steady, patient ponies who know their riders by name. Each has their own personality — and their own favourite biscuit.
Bramble
14hh · Bay gelding · 18 years
Steady, sensible and quietly loved by everyone. Bramble has been with the group for over a decade.
Marble
12.2hh · Piebald · 14 years
Patient with new riders, always the first to spot a Polo mint in your pocket.
Pepper
13.2hh · Grey mare · 16 years
Calm under pressure, much loved by our adult riders. The yard cat agrees.
Rosie
14.2hh · Chestnut mare · 12 years
Forward but kind. Loves long lead-rein walks and a good scratch behind the ears.
Honey
13hh · Palomino mare · 15 years
Our gentlest pony, often paired with riders who are new to horses.
Volunteer
Volunteer with us
Volunteers are at the heart of our group. You do not always need previous horse experience to get involved — enthusiasm, reliability and a willingness to help can make a real difference.
Help during sessions
Support riders, coaches and ponies during group activities.
Support riders
Walk alongside riders during sessions, offering reassurance.
Prepare ponies
Grooming, tacking up and looking after the ponies before sessions.
Fundraising
Help with raffles, events, local sponsors and online fundraising.
Admin & communications
Answering emails, updating the website, supporting day-to-day admin.
Events
Open mornings, sponsor visits, fundraising events and yard days.
Yard support
Helping keep the yard tidy, safe and welcoming for everyone.
Trustee or committee
Help steer the group, share skills and support good governance.
How volunteering works
We try to make joining as straightforward as we can. Here is what usually happens after you get in touch.
Send a volunteer enquiry
Tell us a little about your availability and any interests. No experience needed.
Visit or chat with us
We will invite you to visit the yard or have a chat to answer your questions.
Training & safeguarding
We will talk through any training needed and complete safeguarding checks together.
Start with a suitable role
You will start in a role that suits your time and confidence, supported by experienced volunteers.
Volunteer roles may be subject to training, safeguarding checks and group requirements.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
A few things people often ask. If your question isn’t answered here, please get in touch.
Do you have spaces for new riders?
Availability changes term by term and depends on ponies, volunteers and coaches. We may not always have immediate spaces, but enquiries are very welcome and we’ll explain the current position honestly.
Do volunteers need horse experience?
No previous experience is needed for most roles. Many of our volunteers learn alongside the team. We’ll show you what to do and you’ll always be supported by experienced people.
Who do you support?
We work with children and adults with a wide range of disabilities, additional needs and long-term health conditions. We’ll always take time to understand what support a rider may need before offering a place.
Is there a cost for sessions?
We aim to keep sessions affordable and accessible. Please contact the group about current contributions — we can also talk through bursary support where needed.
Can I visit the yard before signing up?
Yes — please contact us first so we can arrange a suitable time. Sessions are arranged in advance and the yard is small, so we don’t take drop-in visits.
How do I make a donation?
You can email the group, donate at one of our local fundraising events, or partner with us as a local business sponsor. We’re a small group, so every contribution makes a noticeable difference.
Support
Support the group
Donations and fundraising help cover the costs of ponies, equipment, training, insurance and keeping sessions accessible for our riders.
Choose an amount
ContinueNo payments are taken on this page — we will reply with the donation options that suit you best.
Gift Aid: If you are a UK taxpayer, you can boost your donation by 25p for every £1 at no extra cost. Just complete a Gift Aid declaration when you donate.
Some donation platforms may take a small handling fee. Bank transfers reach the group in full. To set up a donation method, please contact us.
Where we are
Where we are based
We are based at Thornfield Stables, a family-run yard near Helmswick in North Yorkshire. Please contact the group before visiting, as sessions and volunteer activities are arranged in advance.
To ask about riding sessions, volunteering, donations or general enquiries, please use the form below.
Send us an enquiry
Required fields are marked with *.
Your enquiry will be sent to the group’s volunteer team. We usually reply within a few days.
Please do not include detailed medical information in this form. A volunteer will contact you to discuss next steps safely and privately.
Thank you. Your enquiry has been sent to Thornfield RDA.
Sorry, something went wrong and your message could not be sent. Please email the group directly at
hello@thornfield-rda.example.
Safeguarding
Thornfield RDA takes safeguarding seriously. All volunteers and coaches are subject to references, training and appropriate DBS checks. Concerns should be raised with our safeguarding lead via hello@thornfield-rda.example.
Thornfield RDA is the data controller for this website. We only use the information you give us to respond to your enquiry and run our group safely.
What we collect
If you contact us through the form on this page, we collect:
Your name and email address (required, so we can reply).
A phone number (only if you choose to share one).
The enquiry type you select and the message you write.
We ask that you do not include detailed medical information in the form. A volunteer will contact you to discuss anything sensitive privately.
Why we use it
To reply to your enquiry and arrange visits, sessions or volunteering.
To carry out safeguarding and group-administration duties.
To keep simple records of enquiries and supporters where you have asked us to.
Who sees it
Your enquiry is read by the small volunteer team that runs the group. We do not share your details with advertisers, marketers or third parties. We may share information with the Riding for the Disabled Association where there is a legal or safeguarding obligation to do so.
How long we keep it
We keep enquiry emails for as long as needed to respond and for a short period afterwards in case you contact us again. Records for active riders, volunteers and supporters are kept while you are involved with the group, and disposed of securely when no longer needed.
Cookies & browser storage
This site does not use cookies and does not track visitors. The accessibility-preferences panel saves your display choices (font size, contrast, etc.) in your browser only — it never leaves your device.
Your rights
You can ask us to see, correct or delete the personal information we hold about you, or ask us to stop using it. You also have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ico.org.uk).
