The Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) has appointed Michael Bishop as its new chief executive. Michael joins from Historic England and will start the role on 8 April 2024.

Currently, director of corporate strategy and business improvement at Historic England, Michael's career has spanned private, voluntary, and public sectors. He brings experience in strategy and organisation development, major project delivery, and income generation.

Michael's passion for horses started at an early age when helping at the local stables. He now competes as a keen amateur event rider.

Michael said: "I do not come from an equestrian family background but from an early visit to the local riding school I was hooked. I gained so much confidence and learned so much about what I was capable of, beyond the classroom, through those early experiences with horses, sports, and being outdoors. That connection with a horse is the most powerful therapy I have experienced.

"Opening up that experience to more people, particularly those with less opportunity and diverse needs, is paramount to me. And that is why I am so excited about this role. RDA's 'can do' ethos, and the incredible network of volunteers, local groups, and staff make a profound impact by providing disabled people with the opportunity to take part and experience the social, physical, and mental benefits of spending time with horses."

Michael is also a trustee of the British Racing School, which provides training and qualifications for careers in Horse Racing and a trustee of London Youth, a charity which improves the lives of young people in the capital.

Helena Vega-Lozano, RDA UK chair of trustees, commented: "This is an exciting appointment for RDA as we continue to evolve and develop for the future. Michael brings a unique set of skills and experience, as well as a love of horses and a personal passion for RDA and supporting disadvantaged people. I am delighted to welcome him as our new CEO, and I am confident that he will be able to lead us into the next stage of our RDA journey and shine a spotlight on the incredible impact we make for all our participants throughout the UK network."

Here in Gloucestershire Cotswold RDA is one of the charity's largest groups in the country, with indoor and outdoor arenas, 10 stables and grazing, located at Cheltenham Racecourse.