GAIN Equine Nutrition continues support for horse riding charity RDA Ireland
(Left to right) Joanne Hurley, head of Equine, Pet and Value Add Programmes at GAIN Equine Nutrition; Bill Carroll, Tirlán board member; Seán Molloy, Tirlán chief executive officer, and Mary Walsh, RDA Ireland chairperson at the announcement.
The therapeutic horse riding charity will continue to receive support from Gain Equine Nutrition.
Riding for the Disabled Ireland (RDAI), which provides therapeutic horse riding and carriage driving sessions for children and adults with disabilities across Ireland, will continue to receive support from GAIN Equine Nutrition and its parent, Tirlán Co-op.
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The continued support through GAIN Equine Nutrition and Tirlán is through their Living Proof Sustainability strategy and shared commitment to supporting farm families, volunteers and rural communities while promoting inclusive wellbeing initiatives that help deliver meaningful social impact.
Established over 50 years ago, RDA Ireland operates through over 32 local groups nationwide, supported by more than 400 volunteers, and provides weekly sessions to over 400 children and adults with disabilities.
These sessions help build confidence, develop physical and social skills, and foster greater independence through connection with horses.
The partnership supports volunteer training and development, organisational costs, and the delivery of sessions nationwide. It also promotes volunteering within rural and equestrian communities, helping to expand the organisation’s reach and impact.
The board of RDA Ireland said: "The ongoing support of sponsors like Tirlán allows the organisation to continue delivering safe, inclusive and life-enhancing equine activities, with clear benefits for participants, their families and the volunteers involved."
Head of Equine, Pet and Value Add Programmes at GAIN Equine Nutrition, Joanne Hurley, said: "The partnership reflects Tirlán’s long-standing connection to the equine sector and its belief in the positive role horses play in wellbeing, confidence and independence."
Maureen Ní Chonchobhair, who has been with RDAI for three years working with a group in Carlow, describes it as “an incredibly meaningful experience — reconnecting with horses while working alongside a wonderful team, amazing ponies and inspiring children.”
The impact is just as strong for families.
April, whose daughter Anna attends RDA Ireland sessions, said: "Since my daughter started riding with RDA Ireland, we’ve seen changes that have touched our whole family.
"Horse riding is the highlight of her week — she knows exactly when it’s her turn and gets so excited. The support behind RDA Ireland means families like ours can experience moments that are genuinely life-changing."
RDA Ireland welcomes any new volunteers. If you are comfortable around horses and interested in joining the team, visit the RDAI website.
