Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA)

At Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), we enrich lives through the unique bond between people and horses. Each year, we support over 39,000 disabled children and adults through activities including riding, carriage driving, and equine assisted programmes such as Quiet Corners and Tea with a Pony. We are pioneers in the therapeutic use of horses, leaders in disability sport, and the only major UK charity focused specifically on the health and wellbeing benefits of bringing people and horses together. We welcome people of all ages and abilities, including those with physical and learning disabilities, sensory impairments, long-term health conditions, and neurodiversity. With 24% of the UK population classified as disabled, we make a lasting impact through the therapeutic power of horses. JOB DESCRIPTION Job Title: RDA Coach Reports to : Centre Manager Based at: Lowlands Equestrian Centre, Warwickshire Hours: Flexible working available: This role is advertised as 30 hours per week, Tuesday to Saturday , but we're happy to consider flexible working patterns. The role can be shared between two or more people, so we'd encourage you to apply even if you can't work all the hours advertised. Contract Type: Permanent Salary : £24,947 Role Purpose The RDA Coach is responsible for the planning, coordination, and delivery of safe, effective, and engaging sessions at Lowlands Equestrian Centre. The Coach role ensures that all sessions meet the needs of disabled riders while maintaining high standards of equine welfare, volunteer support, and compliance with RDA guidelines. Key Responsibilities Session Delivery Lead and deliver all ridden sessions, ensuring they are safe, inclusive, and tailored to individual rider needs. Lead other activities at the centre when needed. Complete session risk assessments and retain responsibility for maintaining safety throughout. Take overall responsibility for the effective running of sessions, including setup, delivery, and close-down. Ensure all sessions align with RDA standards and best practice. Coordination of volunteers to ensure adequate support for participants. Session Planning Plan structured and progressive ridden sessions to support rider development and enjoyment. Adapt session plans to meet the varying abilities and goals of riders. Contribute to the overall activity plan, identifying ways to increase efficiency, session quality and volume. Assessment & Rider Development Carry out rider assessments to facilitate progression and ensure appropriate support is in place. Identify when further advice and therapy support are required to assess safety for riders. Complete and maintain Risk Assessments (RA) relevant to ridden activities. Monitor rider progress and adjust sessions accordingly. Horse Allocation In partnership with the Equine Team: allocate suitable horses to riders based on: o Rider ability and needs o Horse suitability, fitness, and temperament ensure horse workload is appropriate and balanced. Record Keeping Maintain accurate and up-to-date records for sessions, including: o Attendance o Rider progress and assessments o Any incidents or concerns Volunteer Coordination & Training Coordinate volunteers for ridden sessions, ensuring appropriate roles are filled (e.g., side walkers, leaders). Provide clear briefings before sessions and debriefs where required. Deliver training and guidance to volunteers to ensure safe and effective support during sessions. Monitor volunteer performance and safety, identifying any training needs or safety concerns and providing the appropriate support where needed. Health, Safety & Welfare Ensure all sessions operate in line with health and safety requirements and RDA policies. Monitor both rider and horse welfare during sessions, taking action where necessary. Report and record any incidents or concerns promptly Person Specification Essential Criteria Coaching qualification (RDA Coach, BHS Stage 2 Coach or equivalent). Experience of delivering ridden sessions, ideally within a therapeutic or educational setting. Strong understanding of equine behaviour, welfare, and suitability for ridden work. Experience of working with volunteers and coordinating teams. Ability to assess rider ability and adapt sessions accordingly. Good organisational and record-keeping skills. Knowledge of health and safety requirements in an equine environment. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Desirable Criteria Experience working within an RDA-approved centre or RDA Group. First Aid qualification. Safeguarding training. Experience of working with individuals with additional needs or disabilities. Personal Attributes Patient, empathetic, and supportive approach. Confident leader with the ability to direct sessions effectively. Calm and decisive under pressure. Highly organised and reliable. Commitment to inclusion, accessibility, and high welfare standards. Committed to continuously improving coaching practice and development

At Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), we enrich lives through the unique bond between people and horses. Each year, we support over 39,000 disabled children and adults through activities including riding, carriage driving, and equine assisted programmes such as Quiet Corners and Tea with a Pony. We are pioneers in the therapeutic use of horses, leaders in disability sport, and the only major UK charity focused specifically on the health and wellbeing benefits of bringing people and horses together. We welcome people of all ages and abilities, including those with physical and learning disabilities, sensory impairments, long-term health conditions, and neurodiversity. With 24% of the UK population classified as disabled, we make a lasting impact through the therapeutic power of horses. We are looking for an Instructor to be based at our Equestrian Centre in Warwickshire, to help us continue our work. JOB DESCRIPTION Job Title: Instructor (non-ridden activities) Reports to : Centre Manager Based at: Lowlands Equestrian Centre, Warwickshire Hours: Part Time 20 hours per week, Monday, Friday and Saturday Contract Type: Permanent Salary: £15,859 Role Purpose The RDA Instructor (Non-Ridden Activities) is responsible for the planning, coordination, and delivery of engaging and inclusive equine-facilitated learning (EFL) and non-ridden sessions at Lowlands Equestrian Centre. The role focuses on supporting individuals with disabilities through meaningful equine-based activities, ensuring a safe, structured, and person-centred approach. Key Responsibilities Session Delivery Plan and deliver all Equine Facilitated Learning (EFL) and non-ridden activities, ensuring sessions are safe, inclusive, and purposeful. Lead sessions that promote confidence, communication, independence, and wellbeing. Ensure all activities are aligned with RDA values and best practice. Session Planning Design and implement structured session plans tailored to the needs, abilities, and goals of each participant. Adapt activities to suit a wide range of physical, cognitive, and emotional needs. Individualised Support Structure non-ridden sessions to meet individual needs, ensuring each participant is appropriately supported and challenged. Monitor progress and adjust activities to support development and engagement. Horse Allocation Allocate suitable horses for non-ridden activities based on: o Participant needs and abilities o Horse temperament and suitability Ensure horses are used appropriately and their welfare is maintained. Record Keeping Maintain accurate and up-to-date session records, including: o Attendance o Participant progress and observations o Any incidents or concerns Volunteer Training & Support Identify, train, and support volunteers involved in non-ridden sessions. Provide clear guidance and instruction to ensure safe and effective session delivery. Promote best practice and consistency in volunteer support. Health, Safety & Welfare Ensure all sessions are delivered in line with health and safety policies and RDA guidelines. Monitor the welfare of both participants and horses, taking appropriate action when required. Complete and adhere to relevant risk assessments. Person Specification Essential Criteria Experience of delivering activities in a disability or therapeutic setting. Strong understanding of inclusive practice and supporting individuals with additional needs. Ability to plan and deliver structured, person-centred sessions. Experience of working with and training volunteers. Good organisational and record-keeping skills. Awareness of health and safety and safeguarding requirements. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Desirable Criteria Relevant qualification in Equine Facilitated Learning, RDA coaching, education, or therapy. Experience of working within an RDA-approved centre. First Aid and safeguarding training. Background in education, care, or therapy. Knowledge of equine behaviour and welfare, particularly in non-ridden contexts. Personal Attributes Patient, empathetic, and inclusive approach. Creative and adaptable in session delivery. Confident and supportive leader. Calm and observant, with strong attention to individual needs. Reliable and well-organised. Committed to promoting wellbeing, inclusion, and high welfare standards.

Role Purpose The Coordinator role provides high-quality operational, administrative and coordination support across central services ensuring process efficiency, excellent stakeholder engagement, accurate data management and seamless delivery of organisational activity. Key Responsibilities 1. Operational & Administrative Support Act as first point of contact for enquiries via phone, email, or digital platforms, providing accurate information and escalating where required. Manage shared inboxes and enquiry channels, ensuring timely, high-quality responses. Maintain accurate records in central relationship management (CRM) systems and specialist databases (e.g., qualifications, membership, orders). Support cyclical operational activities such as membership renewals, insurance processes, annual returns and coach qualification tracking. Support with provision of data for analysis and insight Administer internal systems including intranet content, document repositories and online resources. Support fulfilment or group orders in a timely manner, liaising with suppliers to maintain stock levels and ensuring high quality of customer care and support. Assist with planning and delivery of national events, training days, workshops and webinars, including coordination of attendees, materials and general logistics 2. Project & Process Coordination Provide end-to-end project support to central teams, including scheduling, documentation, tracking and reporting. Assist in implementation and evaluation of processes, governance requirements, compliance tasks and ongoing operational improvements. Support onboarding processes (e.g., new groups and centres, coaches, volunteers) and support closures or transitions where relevant. 3. Stakeholder & Customer Service Deliver clear, professional guidance to groups, coaches, volunteers and the public on operational matters including governance, health & safety, training and policies. Identify themes in enquiries and provide feedback to enhance organisational guidance, processes and communication. 4. General Undertake such other duties as the line manager shall from time to time determine Demonstrate the values and cultural aspirations of RDA in all work. Ensure due consideration is always given to our charitable aims and objectives and that this is demonstrated in all activities. Person Specification Essential Strong administrative and organisational skills with experience managing multiple priorities Excellent customer service and communication skills, including via phone, email and digital channels High attention to detail and accuracy, particularly in data handling Proven ability to deliver against deadlines and service standards High computer literacy, including MS Office 365 and CRM/databases Ability to use initiative, problem-solve and identify opportunities to improve processes Comfortable working in a busy, multi-functional team Empathy with RDA s values, aims and approach Desirable Experience supporting governance, compliance or operational procedures Experience with Salesforce, WordPress or other CRM/content systems Experience managing stock, orders, or supplier relationships Familiarity with training/qualification pathways or membership administration Experience working with volunteers or in a volunteer-led environment Understanding of disability, equestrian context or charity operations