The Riding for the Disabled Association Incorporating Carriage Driving — known as the more punchy RDA — is considering changing its name.
The idea was proposed at the RDA’s AGM last November.
“We’re consulting members in a non-committal way,” said RDA chief executive Ed Bracher.
“Many think our current name inadequately describes the spread of our activities and a significant number of volunteers believe the word ‘disabled’ excludes some of our riders.”
Sarah Cornell, chairman of Wiltshire RDA, canvassed opinion last week at a gathering of local groups.
She told H&H: “The message from Wiltshire is clear. A name change is too expensive, particularly in the current climate.
“Ed Bracher has done exactly the right thing to react to the request for a name change, and he’s right to ensure it will not be centrally decided, but rather a decision by the volunteers, riders and their carers and families. The ball is in our court, which is excellent.”
RDA links more than 500 volunteer groups. Its 18,000 volunteers help 26,500 special needs adults and children to ride or carriage drive annually.
This article was first published in Horse & Hound (3 June, ’10)
