Cover image courtesy of Riding for the Disabled Australia
Riding for the Disabled Australia (RDA) is a charity which delivered 52,940 lessons in 2023/24 and these lessons are run by 3850 volunteers. The charity has 195 accredited coaches who look after 516 horses, and the whole organisation is run on donations. Learning to ride improves balance and coordination, increases joint mobility, and helps with fitness and motor skills.
“RDA has gone through a period of change recently,” said Executive Officer Steve Gatt when referring to the management changes at the organisation.
“We are working hard to support our members and volunteers by enhancing the access to training and development through making this available online, and introducing technology to reduce the administrative burden on volunteers whilst continuing to operate a safe environment for our riders.”
Steve Gatt | Image courtesy of Paralympics Australia
History of the organisation
Established in Queensland in 1964 by Peter and June McIntyre, RDA expanded to South Australia and Victoria in 1971 and by 1975 were running classes across all of Australia. In 1984, HRH Princess Anne accepted an appointment as the Patron of RDA Australia, and made a special visit in 1987.
After sending teams to several international dressage competitions over the years, the RDA were thrilled in 1996 when five riders competed at the 1996 Atlanta Paralympics in dressage. At the 2000 Sydney games, RDA supported riders were part of the Australian Team who won 2 gold and 2 bronze medals at the Sydney Paralympics.
Riding for the Disabled Australia History | Image courtesy of RDA
RDA sponsorship
“A loss of a major sponsor has created a financial shortfall so we need to inspire new financial partners, with us to enable RDA to continue the work it has started,” said Gatt.
“This money will help us in reducing wait times at centres and allow us to increase the number of accredited coaches across Australia.”
“This money will help us in reducing wait times at centres and allow us to increase the number of accredited coaches across Australia.” - Steve Gatt
One of the major issues is the wait time for lessons, with some centres having over 200 people on their wait lists.
“We are moving our annual accreditation process for volunteers, centres and coaches to online systems to improve the access and efficiency for the RDA community. By improving the accessibility and reducing the administration, we hope to increase the volunteers and coaches available at each centre which will reduce the waiting lists by increasing the number of rides.”
What about the horses?
RDA horses are chosen for their calm nature and come in a variety of breeds and sizes. Each horse needs to be fit for purpose with a gentle nature, and an ability to work with people with disabilities. The RDA has a horse welfare policy which is reviewed annually and administered by the Australian Horse Industry Council.
At the end of their RDA working life, RDA horses and ponies, wherever possible, are returned to previous owners, or are retired to pasture at good homes.
Riding for the Disabled Australia Horses | Image courtesy of Riding for the Disabled Australia
Become a volunteer
People with horse skills can become an accredited RDA coach with a qualification through the RDA National Coach Training Program, recognised by Sport Australia. Coaches have skills in horse management, safety, medical conditions, first aid, teaching and selection and training of horses.
If you are interested in becoming an accredited RDA Coach, or becoming a sponsor to help RDA continue their good work, please contact Steve at: eo@rda.org.au
