RDA Programs

The visible elation of any person standing on a horse for the first time speaks for itself.  They experience the joy of having climbed higher than ever before.   

RDA is an international not-for-profit organisation that provides horse riding and associated activities for people with disabilities.  RDA promotes the well being of people with disabilities through their contact with horses and the aim is to enable people with disabilities the opportunity to participate in community equestrian programes and become as independent as possible in their chosen horse-related activities.  Activities can include Riding Lessons, Hippotherapy, Vaulting, Carriage Driving and Dressage. Click here for RDA Brochure

Riding Lessons

Horse riding lessons can be conducted for an individual or in a group depending on the needs of the client. The emphasis is on fun, freedom and fitness while the added benefits are physical, intellectual and psychological development. 

Hippotherapy

Hippotherapy is a treatment strategy by specially trained physiotherapists and occupational therapists utilizing equine movement. In Hippotherapy, the horse influences the client rather than the client influencing the horse. The client is positioned on, and actively responds to the movement of the therapy horse. The therapist directs the movement of the horse, analyses the clients responses and adjusts the treatment accordingly.

A therapist/coach team is essential to ensure safe and effective therapy and the horse used for Hippotherapy is carefully selected and trained to behave in a consistently calm manner and to produce quality movement.  Click here to access a brochure.

Vaulting

Vaulting allows riders to experience a new type of interaction with the horse. They learn that it is okay to move around on the horse and consequently show significant
improvement in confidence, balance, coordination and general riding skills.

Those with sporting interests can work towards competitive vaulting, be it at a local, state or national level. However it is not necessary to be a gymnast to vault. It is
easily adaptable for all sorts of participants and has proved a useful, therapeutic and fun alternative within typical RDA riding programmes.

Carriage Driving

Carriage Driving otherwise known as Equestrian Driving is an alternative activity for people with disabilities. It provides an opportunity for people who may not physically be able to mount a horse to still experience the added advantage of the animal/people bond as the driver learns to drive and  care for the horse.   

Dressage

The object of riding dressage is to improve balance, control, mobility, general fitness, memory and freedom. Riding the movements required for a dressage test and maintaining good rhythm will fulfill these objectives.  The objective for the dressage horse is to develop physique and ability harmoniously, making the horse calm, supple, loose and flexible, but also confident and attentive, thus achieving perfect understanding with the rider.

What Next

RDA provides competition opportunities for equestrian athletes with disabilities to achieve their personal best performance in their chosen discipline.

Wills & Bequests Program information

A bequest to Riding for Disabled will make a lasting difference in the life of a child with disability   Click here to download bequest