Changing Lives, One Ride at a Time
Help us make a difference
Pony Tales is a group of friends born out of a love for horses and their proven help to those in need. Horses have made a huge impact on people's lives, by providing therapy, fitness, skills development and opportunities for achievement as well as increasing self-confidence and self-esteem.
Pony Tales are committed to fundraising for charities that support children and adults dealing with the challenges of learning difficulties, physical disabilities or struggling with their mental health.
About RDA
Enriching lives through horses
At Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), our horses benefit the lives of over 25,000 disabled children and adults. With fun activities like riding and carriage driving, we provide therapy, fitness, skills development and opportunities for achievement – all supported by 18,000 amazing volunteers and qualified coaches at nearly 500 RDA centres all over the UK.
RDA is an inclusive and diverse organisation.
We welcome clients with physical and learning disabilities and autism, and there are no age restrictions. Through our network of member groups, RDA is at work in every corner of the UK, in our cities and remote rural areas, bringing the therapy, achievement and fun of horses to as many people as we can.
We are a charity, and we can only carry out our life-changing activities thanks to the generosity of our donors, the dedication of our volunteers and the good nature of our fantastic horses.
About Changing Lives through Horses
An equine lifeline
Changing Lives Through Horses is an alternative education programme of regular sessions, taking place in a BHS Approved Riding Centre with qualified and experienced BHS Accredited Professional Coaches.
The programme is suitable for young people, aged 5-25, who have special needs and may be either permanently excluded, or at risk of exclusion in its widest sense, and those who are not in employment, education, or training (NEET). They may also be at risk of becoming socially excluded with income below the poverty line and without the skills to improve their economic situation.
The CLtH programme uses a range of awards and achievements within a professional equine setting linked to the school curriculum, but focused and structured towards promoting holistic development and nurturing six life skills: building relationships, communication, confidence, responsibility, teamwork, and perseverance.
How Pony Tales will make a difference:
Funding specialist equipment
Helping riders with learning difficulties and specific physical needs
Helping more volunteers to be able to have more time to teach
Encouraging young people to regain confidence and return to education
Making sure everyone who needs the programme can access it whatever their financial circumstances
Ensuring all participants have access to safe and well-fitting riding equipment, such as riding hats, warm waterproof clothing, suitable footwear
“No hour of life is wasted that is spent in the saddle“
— Winston Churchill
A message from our Founder Sophie Brunt.
“For those of you that are or have been involved with horses whether it be riding, working with them or just looking after horses and ultimately lucky enough to own your pony or horse, then you will understand the profound effect it has on us and in the most incredible and unimaginable way.
From being incredibly lucky enough to own my own beautiful pony “Zara” and being fortunate to being around horses most days, I have brought together some wonderful friends in the horse world and we are going to raise money for charities Changing Lives through Horses, and the RDA which will enable children and adults to get involved with various ponies and horses whether they want to actually ride or just spend time with these wonderful understanding horses that can help people through disabilities, therapy and particularly children who have had a very difficult start in life.”
