About Court Meadow RDA
Founded in 1977, Court Meadow RDA has been enriching the lives of children with a wide range of special needs for nearly five decades. Thanks to the dedication and passion of our incredible volunteers and qualified coaches, we continue to offer the joy and freedom of horse riding in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Our sessions are held on Thursday mornings at Tremaines Riding Stables in Horsted Keynes (Treemans Road, RH17 7EA), where we are fortunate to have the kind support of the Tremaines team. Their partnership and hospitality help make each week’s sessions possible — and truly special — for every rider who takes part.
Supporting Young Riders Through Partnership and Inclusion
Each week during the school term, we are proud to welcome pupils from three local SEN schools — Hill Park, The Hive, and Brantridge School — for therapeutic riding sessions designed to inspire confidence, joy, and personal growth.
Our close partnerships with these schools allow us to provide tailored sessions that meet the individual needs of every rider. Each child is supported by our experienced coaches and volunteers, who work alongside teaching staff to create a safe, encouraging, and inclusive environment.
Through riding and horse care, pupils develop valuable motor, sensory, and communication skills while experiencing the calming and empowering connection that comes from working with horses. The sessions not only help to improve balance, coordination, and focus but also nurture confidence, independence, and a sense of achievement.
We’re continually inspired by the enthusiasm and progress of our young riders. Watching them build trust, learn new skills, and take pride in their accomplishments reminds us why these partnerships are such a vital part of our community work. Together, we’re helping children discover new strengths — both in and out of the saddle.
With the older children, the Group’s coaches and volunteers encourage each rider to develop their riding skills and horse care knowledge through their time with the RDA. It is very rewarding to see how much the children grow in confidence through their riding lessons and fulfil their own personal potential.
Each year in the summer term, the children enjoy taking part in the Summer Rally when they enjoy more time with the ponies. The children put into practice what they have learnt in their horse care lessons by helping to groom and tack up their ponies Riding sessions during this week are longer and if the weather is fine, the riders have the opportunity of riding out in the countryside. The final day of the rally is a celebration of all the children have achieved, with rosettes for all and some special awards too. The children work towards RDA national grades and our activities are monitored by RDA Regional and National inspections.
Awards & Recognition
Over the years, Court Meadow RDA has been honoured with a number of special achievements that reflect the dedication of our riders, volunteers, and supporters.
In 2004, we had the privilege of welcoming HRH The Princess Royal to a ceremony celebrating the Group’s receipt of the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Award for Voluntary Service — a national honour presented to only 100 organisations that year, recognising the exceptional commitment of our volunteers.
Several of our talented riders have also achieved incredible success beyond our arena. In both 2005 and 2010, Court Meadow riders proudly represented the Group at the Special Olympics, returning home to West Sussex with Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals — a moment of immense pride for everyone involved.
Our milestones have continued to be celebrated in the community. In 2017, we marked 40 years of providing inclusive riding opportunities, and in 2019, as part of the RDA’s 50th anniversary celebrations, Court Meadow was featured by ITV News. Reporter Malcolm Shaw interviewed three of our riders, showcasing their achievements and shining a spotlight on the spirit of our Group.
These moments of recognition remind us just how far we’ve come — and how much can be achieved when passion, teamwork, and community come together.