Who We Are

Ravelrig Riding for the Disabled (RDA) is a volunteer-led charity based in the beautiful countryside of Balerno, just outside Edinburgh. At Ravelrig, children and adults with physical and learning disabilities can enjoy therapeutic horse riding. Since opening our gates in 1985, we’ve welcomed hundreds of riders, each with their own story, abilities, and goals. Our sessions go beyond riding — they build strength, confidence, independence, and joy.

What We do

Ravelrig offers weekly riding sessions tailored to individual needs, led by qualified instructors and supported by a dedicated team of volunteers. Riders benefit from improved balance, coordination, and wellbeing — all while forming meaningful connections with our specially trained horses.

Our Values

At Ravelrig RDA, values shape everything that happens — in the arena, in the stables, and in the community.

These values reflect the inclusive, empowering and collaborative spirit that makes Ravelrig special.

They guide the way Ravelrig supports riders, cares for its horses and brings people together.

Inclusion

Everyone is welcome and supported to achieve their best.

Empowerment

Individuals are supported to develop confidence and independence.

Partnership

Horses, volunteers and riders work together in harmony.

Community

Ravelrig brings people together and grows stronger through its community.

Our Community

At Ravelrig, you’ll find a vibrant, inclusive community made up of riders, families, volunteers, supporters, and of course, our much-loved horses. Whether helping in the arena, caring for horses, or fundraising, every person plays a part in making what we do possible. We are proud to be part of Riding for the Disabled Association UK, a national network of over 400 groups, and to be a trusted source of support and positivity in our local area.

Our Horses

Thumper

Known as the ‘Gentle Giant’. – he is a much loved and an extremely valuable member of the team. He is a grey Irish Draught Cross and stands 16.3hh and is 20 years old. His size is a real asset and his gentle and patient nature makes him the perfect horse for our riders.

Max

Known as ‘Maxi baby’ is our youngest and newest member of the herd. Max is 15hh, and is 7 years old, has an unusual colouring described on his Passport as Blue Roan. Before he was ready to come to Ravelrig in 2023, he was schooled by professional trainers and ridden by volunteers under instruction of a BHS coach, and since his arrival he has won the hearts of everyone..

Buddie

Known as the ‘Godfather of Ravelrig’ Buddie’s is 24 years old, 15hh and is a Cob. His coat is tri-coloured - black, white and brown, which is known as ‘skewbald’. Buddie’s mane always grows thick and fast and so we clip it, which transforms his appearance from scruffy hill pony to eye-catching superstar. Due to his age, we manage his workload very carefully as he is such a willing horse.

Oreo

Known as ‘the playful one’ – Oreo is now an important part of the team and has many followers from both volunteers and the riders who look forward to riding him every week. He is 13 years old, 14.2hh, and is a black cob. He is the perfect RDA pony, he enters into the spirit of pony club type games and does not like to lose !. He enjoys dressage and jumping, and just loves to be hacked out.

Teemo

Our resident ‘Black beauty’ - Teemo is the biggest member of the Ravelrig herd and is second in the pecking order, after Thumper. He is a peacekeeper and looks after his smaller friends. He is 14 years old, 17.2hh, and is a Irish Draught Cross. Teemo is probably the quietest, most trustworthy horse at Ravelrig –a super star.

Tonto

Known as ‘My little pony’, he is small but is also known as a pocket rocket. His is 17 years old, 13.2hh and is a piebald gypsy cob cross. He is always last to come in from the field as he just loves to munch.

Flynn

Known as the one who ‘Loves his grub’. He is 13 years old, 16hh and is a piebald cob. It has been a long journey and we have had to work at Flynn’s pace but as time goes by, he is more accepting of challenges he has to face and is now an important part of the equine team at Ravelrig and is particularly popular for volunteer riding.

Shaunnie

Shaunnie is our newest member. He was originally a carriage driving horse and is officially on the endangered breed list.
He is like a big black labrador with a lovely temperament. However, he is known for getting up to some high jinks for the other horses.