The general strategic direction for RDA is defined in the current strategic plan. The most important specific objectives for 2009/10 are as follows. These are also in line with some of the objectives of the British Equestrian Federation (and via the BEF, Sport England, Sport Scotland and UK Sport).

• To continue to provide support for Member Group trustees through the "governance roadshow".
• To increase the number of new Groups.
• To continue to improve contact between RDA National and Groups and for all National Office staff to visit Member Groups.
• To develop closer links with County Sports Partnerships.
• To develop plans for linking RDA with equestrian establishments where people with disabilities are riding, but which are not RDA Groups.
• To work closely with external organisations to improve and develop the supply of suitable horses and ponies.
• To redesign the RDA Membership manual, bringing it up to date and making it more “user-friendly”.
• To increase our fundraising to match the needs of the organisation and ensure a break even budget in 2010/2011.

• To further expand the volunteer development plan, improving the ability of Groups to recruit/retain volunteers.
• To expand the "Certificate in Community Volunteering" awards to 100 volunteers.
• To further improve the representation of riders/drivers on key RDA committees.
• To increase the number of people taking the RDA proficiency tests.
• To develop a plan for increasing the contribution of young people to volunteering and involvement within RDA
• To improve the system of succession planning for key Regional volunteers
• To design and commission research into the therapeutic effect of our activities – especially on people with learning disabilities
• To hold 5 “supra-regional” conferences

• To continue the training of RDA Coaches in the UKCC and to qualify 96 coaches in level 2.
• To launch the UKCC courses for level 3 and qualify 12 coaches
• To expand the educational award scheme to 350 participants
• To launch the Carriage Driving Development plan, bringing the support and training systems more in line with those in riding and to be in line with the development of the UKCC.
• To continue to improve and increase the size of the National Championships
• To hold at least 2 dressage training days in each Region

• To introduce a stronger commitment to communications, in line with the report carried out in 2008, which outlined how we can improve both internal and external communication to increase the knowledge and profile of RDA.
• To continue to work with Regions to define coherent Regional plans, allowing a more comprehensive reserves policy to take into account the needs of Regions.
• To launch the Support Co-ordinators pilot scheme in the North of England - if funding can be achieved.
• To continue to build links with a targeted number of corporate supporters and other organisations with similar interests.
• To maintain a strong representation at major events.
• To complete a pilot project into Equine Facilitated Learning and consider how this works within the RDA context.