SARDA offers free equine therapy through horse riding to children and adults living with intellectual and physical disabilities to improve their physical and social wellbeing and learning abilities.

SARDA comprises more than 100 amazing volunteers who give freely of their time and expertise. For 50 years their dedication and teamwork has built this incredible non profit organisation of immense value, for people living with disabilities.

History and Objects

Therapeutic horse riding for persons living with disabilities. South African Riding for the Disabled Association (SARDA) was established in Cape Town in 1973 by Belinda Sampson and Joy Finlay.

SARDA’s purpose is to provide training and therapeutic horse riding classes for persons living with disabilities. Attendance of all beneficiaries is subject to the consent of their medical advisors.

All classes aim to promote social wellbeing and to improve the quality of participants lives through training, exercise, recreation and rehabilitation.

SARDA in line with its constitution, also avails its facilities to Medical Professionals for research into the beneficial effects of riding for all types of disability.

SARDA relies on fund raising to sustain its operations and to grow its operations in furtherance of its objects.

Best Practice

SARDA Cape Town practices its work according to best practice Riding for the Disabled (RDA) principles, which means people living with disabilities are taught by qualified RDA instructors.

International Affiliation

SARDA is a registered member of Horses in Education and Therapy International (HETI)

Education and Examination

SARDA Cape Town encourages equestrians and therapists to learn the RDA teaching methods.

We offer a RDA instructor training course and examinations.

If you are interested in becoming an RDA horse riding teacher, please contact the SARDA office in Cape Town.

Beneficiaries

SARDA’s programme includes a diverse range of people living with intellectual and physical disabilities.

Participants from the age of 7 onwards can apply to attend our programme.

The majority of SARDA’s beneficiaries are children from previously disadvantaged communities.

Children come to SARDA from Special Needs Schools across the entire Cape Peninsula..

All participants benefit physically from the many aspects that riding brings, including psycho-social benefits, self-esteem and competing with peers on an equal footing.

SARDA provides its services free of charge to the community it serves.

One …

Two …

Free!