Charity launches fundraising appeal to ensure no disabled child is left in the shade this summer

The Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) is inviting communities across the UK to help create a “summer of inclusion” for disabled children and young people.

The charity is launching a nationwide fundraising campaign alongside a brand new outdoor cinema event at this year’s RDA National Championships at Hartpury House, Gloucestershire.

The campaign, calling for “nobody left in the shade,” highlights the barriers many disabled children face during the summer months, when access to inclusive activities can be limited.

It also shines a spotlight on how families often struggle to find suitable opportunities for their children to stay active, build friendships and enjoy time outdoors. While summer is often associated with freedom, adventure, and making memories, for many disabled children it can instead mean isolation, exclusion and missed opportunities.

Through its network of groups across the UK, RDA provides therapeutic, equine-based activities that help disabled children develop confidence, independence and a sense of belonging. RDA creates welcoming spaces where every child can experience the joy of movement, nature and friendship.

Demand for RDA services continues to grow, with many groups operating waiting lists and increasing pressure on volunteers and coaches.

The summer of inclusion campaign aims to raise vital funds to expand access, recruit and train volunteers, and ensure more children can benefit from RDA’s life-changing activities.

“Summer should be a time of adventure, friendship and fun, but for many disabled children it can be a time of isolation and missed opportunities,” said Vicki Rowles, director of fundraising at RDA UK.

“Every day we see the difference that our incredible horses and supportive volunteers make to a child’s confidence, independence and wellbeing, and to their families. With the support of donors, volunteers, and local communities, we can help more disabled children access these life-changing experiences.

“Whether people join us for our outdoor cinema event at the National Championships or make a donation to our summer of inclusion campaign, every contribution helps create opportunities for disabled children to feel included, build friendships and enjoy being active. Together, we can help ensure no child is left in the shade this summer.”

Outdoor cinema comes to the RDA National Championships

As part of the campaign, RDA is excited to announce a brand new addition to this year’s RDA National Championships programme: an outdoor cinema fundraiser, screening the hit film The Greatest Showman at Hartpury House, Gloucestershire.

Taking place on July 10, 2026, the event will bring together the RDA community, local supporters, families and members of the public for a memorable summer evening under the stars, while raising funds to support RDA’s work across the UK.

The RDA National Championships are one of the highlights of the organisation’s calendar, celebrating the achievements of disabled participants from across the country.

Held annually at Hartpury University and Hartpury College, the Championships welcome hundreds of competitors, volunteers, coaches and supporters for several days of competition, community and celebration.

This year’s outdoor cinema event will offer guests the chance to enjoy a screening of the much-loved musical The Greatest Showman in the stunning grounds of Hartpury House, creating an inclusive and family-friendly experience for attendees of all ages.

Gates open at 6pm, with the film beginning at 7pm. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets, camping chairs or beanbags and settle in for an evening of entertainment, singalongs and summer fun. Fancy dress is welcome, with visitors invited to embrace a touch of “ringmaster chic”.

The event has been designed to be accessible and welcoming, with subtitles included during the screening and a range of ticket options available, including adult, child, family, accessible, companion, volunteer and VIP tickets. Food and refreshments will also be available on site.

Organisers hope the event will attract both existing supporters and new audiences, helping to raise awareness of RDA’s work while generating vital funds to support disabled children and young people.

Every donation made through the summer of inclusion campaign helps RDA continue delivering opportunities that build confidence, improve wellbeing, increase physical activity and create lasting friendships for disabled children and young people.

This summer, supporters can help ensure more children experience the freedom of being outdoors, the joy of trying something new and the confidence that comes from feeling included.

For more information about the campaign, to donate, or to book tickets for the outdoor cinema event, visit the RDA website: rda.org.uk