Running Costs

Gareloch RDA was founded in 1976. We are a registered charity and affiliated to RDA National. We cater for adults, children and young people, and currently have over 50 riders and drivers with a wide range of physical and/or learning disabilities. We are based in Helensburgh at Colgrain Equestrian Centre for carriage driving and Ardencaple Livery Yard for everything else. We run many sessions each week at various times of the day and our dedicated group of volunteers are always on hand to help. Gareloch RDA is an inclusive and diverse organisation. We welcome clients with physical and learning disabilities and autism. We have no age restrictions, everyone is welcome to attend regardless of age or ability. The positive benefits of animals in therapy sessions are well documented. All our ponies and horses are very gentle and extremely patient which makes our sessions ideal for individuals with additional support needs. Improvements are noted in muscle tone, posture, motor skills, increased confidence, making friends, positive responsibility and learning how to work as part of a team. To ensure cost is not a barrier to anyone wishing to attend we provide all equipment required. We are seeking assistance with our annual running costs for 2026/2027. Income from sessions only covers around one third of our annual total running costs. Based on our most recent accounts we were required to secure £40,952 from other sources. We had a shortfall of £3,587 which was covered by reserves.

Who Benefits

Over 50 riders and drivers with a wide range of physical and/or learning disabilities, including adults, children and young people in the Helensburgh area