RDA Success Story: How Therapeutic Riding Transformed One Rider's Life

A remarkable journey from RDA beginner to advocate

When Bryony Moss first discovered the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), she never imagined how profoundly it would change her life. Today, behind her home, a miniature farm bustles with life—a testament to that transformation. Ducks quack their morning greetings, chickens scratch in the yard, and goats peer curiously over their fences. At the heart of this menagerie stands Lola, a miniature horse whose presence represents far more than just another animal in Bryony's growing family—she symbolizes a remarkable journey from RDA beginner to advocate.

"The first time I went on a horse, it was too high up, I was petrified," Bryony recalls. That initial trepidation could have defined her relationship with horses forever. Instead, it became the first step in a transformative journey that would reshape her life.

Through the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), Bryony discovered that riding could be more than just a sport—it became her therapy. Without stirrups, she learned to rely on core strength, transforming physical challenges into opportunities for growth. "It's like physio for our body," she explains. "My hamstrings are quite tight because of my cerebral palsy, so being on the horse and letting the horse give me that motion really helps me to stretch out all my ligaments."

The connection between horse and rider transcends physical benefits. These sensitive creatures possess an almost supernatural awareness of their riders' needs. "I can have a seizure, and the horse will literally stop," Bryony shares. "He'll know I'm having a seizure before I even know I'm about to have it, and he'll just stop and not budge. He'll only walk on when he knows I'm safe."

Para-dressage emerged as Bryony's chosen discipline, a pursuit she describes as "dancing with your horse." From regional competitions to nationals, her journey exemplifies the sport's power to transcend physical boundaries. Her experience riding Paralympic horses like Lambrusco, whom she describes as "the most gentlest little giant," reveals the extraordinary precision and trust required at elite levels.

Yet the equestrian world faces significant challenges. Since 2018, over 250 riding schools have closed, eliminating more than 1.5 million opportunities for people to discover the transformative power of horses. "The prices of just a normal riding lesson are insane now," Bryony observes. "I have loads of people say to me, 'I really want to learn, I just cannot afford it.'"

Beyond accessibility, Bryony challenges deeper misconceptions about who belongs in the equestrian world. As a South Asian woman with disabilities, she advocates for broader representation: "It doesn't matter where you come from, what you look like, you can have these opportunities."

For Bryony, horses provided sanctuary during difficult times. "When I was getting bullied, it was my safe space. The horses accepted me for me," she reflects. "I say to my mum and dad, I would not be here if it wasn't for the horses and the people at RDA. I would not be here."

Her dreams extend beyond personal achievement. "One day I'd love to have my own RDA stables," she shares, envisioning a future where she can offer others the same life-changing opportunities she received. Currently preparing for international para-dressage competitions, Bryony embodies the determined spirit that defines the curious equestrian.

Through social media (@defeating_disability), Bryony connects with others facing similar challenges, building a community that extends far beyond the arena walls. Her documentary about living with cerebral palsy, PTSD, and anxiety opens important conversations about invisible disabilities and the healing power of human-equine partnerships.

"There's no one way to be disabled," Bryony emphasizes, challenging preconceptions about both disability and equestrianism. Her journey reminds us that transformation often begins with a single choice to face our fears—and perhaps climb back into the saddle one more time.

Listen to Bryony's complete conversation on the Curious Equestrian Podcast, where she shares more insights about her journey, the therapeutic power of horses, and her vision for a more inclusive equestrian world.