Back in June, the arena at Tillyoch Equestrian, Therapy and Rehab Centre had a few extra friendly faces — and not the four‑legged kind. Equine vets Valentina and Beth, along with large animal receptionist Mel, from Ardene House Equine Vets, joined us during one of our Aberdeen RDA sessions to see firsthand the magic that happens during an RDA session. Their visit wasn’t purely social or educational. Ardene House equine team had collectively chosen Aberdeen RDA as one of the 2 charities to receive £500 from the IVC Community Grant. The full £1,000 grant was split between two local charities — Aberdeen RDA and Blaikiewell Animal Sanctuary — both organisations that rely heavily on donations to keep their doors open and their missions thriving.
And that choice says everything. Ardene House didn’t just pick names from a hat. They chose charities that make a real, tangible difference in the local community and where every pound donated stretches far. Their decision reflects their understanding of what these 2 charities stand for. During their visit, the Ardene team saw exactly why Aberdeen RDA matters. They watched participants discover a sense of freedom and independence through riding. They saw volunteers assisting at the session with patience and expertise. They saw horses offering calmness, confidence, and connection in ways only horses can. They saw the joy and sense of achievement that fills the arena every single week.
And that’s what their donation helps sustain. The £500 donation will support our horses and our volunteers, without whom the sessions can’t run. It helps us maintain equipment, care for our equine partners, and continue offering accessible riding opportunities for disabled children and adults free of charge. The team from Ardene House also recognise something else: Aberdeen RDA runs on volunteers. Our sessions depend on people who give their time, energy, and heart. Whether it’s leading horses, side‑walking, helping with tacking up, supporting fundraising events, or simply being an extra pair of hands, volunteers are the backbone of our organisation. Ardene House didn’t just donate — they also encourage others to step forward too. Their message was clear: if you can spare time, Aberdeen RDA would love to have you. Whether you’re horse‑savvy or brand new to the equestrian world, there’s a place for you here. Every volunteer helps make a difference.
If you would like to learn more, please get in touch through our website: www.aberdeenrda.co.uk
And if you’d like to join Ardene House in supporting our work, donations can be made at: aberdeenrda.co.uk/get-involved/#donate
We’re deeply grateful to Ardene House Equine Vets, the IVC Community Grant, and everyone who voted to support Aberdeen RDA. Their generosity strengthens our mission, supports our participants, and keeps our horses doing what they do best — changing lives, one session at a time.
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