RDA is the national governing body of equestrian for the disabled, and the deal will help them to promote health, wellbeing and social inclusion.

More than 30,000 riders are currently part of the RDA, which has 500 member groups, with more than half of these are people with learning disabilities.

Special Olympics GB for their part have 136 riders, and their equestrian programme has been successful in competition to date.

At last summer's Special Olympics World Games in Athens, Britain's five riders claimed four gold medals and four silver.

Special Olympics GB chief executive Karen Wallin (pictured third from right) said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for us to expand our equestrian programme and align ourselves with the RDA.

"Both organisations cater to all ability levels and encourage and empower individuals with disabilities to be the best that they can be."

RDA chief executive Ed Bracher (pictured first left) added: "Special Olympics fits brilliantly into our current strategic plan to ensure that we offer the greatest possible number of opportunities to our participants to compete against other riders at all levels.

"This dynamic partnership will help to create a far-reaching pathway for our riders to compete in international competitions.

"It makes good horse sense."

Also included in the understanding is a pledge to increase opportunities in the sport, set a framework which includes coaching standards, as well as the promotion of equestrian within the international Special Olympics Movement.

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