The Hungarian Riding for the Disabled Federation (HRDF) was established in 1997, with the support of the International Children’s Safety Service. The aim of the Federation is to unite institutions and persons involved in complex equine-assisted therapy, health and educational prevention, habilitation and rehabilitation at a national level, and to protect their interests. The Federation is open to the public, and currently has around 40 institutions and nearly 300 individuals as members.

The main activities of the Hungarian Riding for the Disabled Federation include the training of professionals in the field of equine-assisted therapy, development work in the field of equine-assisted therapy, and the association and representation of the interests of civil organisations involved in equine-assisted therapy. The Hungarian Riding for the Disabled Federation acts as an umbrella organisation in Hungary, maintaining close contact with its member organisations and with organisations abroad. The Hungarian Riding for the Disabled Federation participates in the drafting of legislation and regulations to ensure the appropriate legal framework and level of professionalism. Hungarian Riding for the Disabled Federation organises annual conferences for national and international experts and organisations, where, in addition to presenting current scientific research, networking is also an important part of the programme.

The Hungarian Riding for the Disabled Federation, under the patronage and with the support of the International Children’s Safety Service, organises the annual Dressage Competition and Therapeutic Riding Competition, where many Hungarian NGOs are represented. One of our main goals is to promote equine-assisted therapy and equestrian para-sport through the Federation, so every year we try to provide means for disabled or disabled riders to compete. The competition has becoming more successful year by year. Every year, we award a cash prize of HUF 4 million to NGOs involved in equine-assisted therapy and competing for children and young people with disabilities, which they can use for their own activities.

The Hungarian Riding for the Disabled Federation and the International Children’s Safety Service are working together to make equine-assisted therapy become an approved therapy by the National Health Insurance Fund of Hungary. The inclusion of the National Health Insurance Fund of Hungary would contribute to the promotion of equine-assisted therapy, which is expected to have a major impact on the professional NGO sector.