AN EXCITING NEW CHAPTER IN THE HISTORY OF RIDING FOR THE DISABLED ASSOCIATION (NSW)

On January 1st 2006, RDA NSW commenced operating as a stand alone organisation.

On 8th July 2005, a resolution to accept the then draft constitution of Riding For The Disabled Association of Australia (RDAA) was unanimously lost. We have consulted with all NSW centres (our members) throughout the transition.

We have developed a new and exciting coaching and accreditation system under the auspices of the Coaching and Safety Panel. The feedback from new and existing coaches is that this has simplified and streamlined the process under which we previously operated.

The RDA NSW Administration Manual (RAM), which has been in place since 2001, remains an important tool in the management of our programs and our centres around RDA NSW.

As in previous years RDA NSW operates under an Australia wide insurance specifically designed for equestrian activities to cover all the eventualities needed.

People have already come to us with a view to commencing new centres in NSW. New centres are currently under development in a number of areas.

We continue to look forward to a happy, safe and exciting new chapter in our history.

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

RDANSW is a volunteer organisation providing equine assisted activities for people with disabilities to develop and enhance abilities.

RIDING TO DEVELOP ABILITIES

The primary objective of Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) is to provide people with a disability, the opportunity to ride and enjoy all the activities connected with horse riding. Riding for people with a disability is both therapeutic and recreational and RDA is in fact one of the few organisations who offer a multi-diagnostic service, catering for people with a wide range of disabilities.

The objectives of RDA (NSW) are to encourage, support and assist Centres to provide riding therapy, sport, recreation, training and safety programs for people with disabilities. RDA (NSW) programs in horse riding, carriage driving, vaulting and dressage cater for people with all kinds of disability including intellectual disabilities, specific learning disorders, injuries resulting from accidents, cerebral palsy, psychiatric disorders, spinal bifida, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, thalidomide, visual and hearing impairments, autism and amputees.

Horse riding is a unique form of exercise and rehabilitation. The complex movement of the horse helps to improve coordination, balance, muscular development and fitness. Horse riding and horse related activities assist greatly and often dramatically in the development and restoration of personal confidence, self esteem, communication skills, leadership and trust. For people with challenging behaviour for example horses offer a powerful medium for restoring a sense of personal control, which significantly improves behaviour towards family teachers and friends.

EQUESTRIAN ATHLETES WITH DISABILITIES

"The members of RDA (NSW) send CONGRATULATIONS to our New South Wales Elite Riders, for after many months of uncertainty; they now can continue to have access to National, International and Paralympic levels of competition.

For this to be achieved, RDAA requested that the elite riders form a new Association in New South Wales. The Association is called the "Equestrian Athletes with Disabilities (E.A.D)" This will allow our riders to once again represent their country as they have so adeptly done in the past.

Special congratulations to Jan Pike who, also after many months of uncertainty, has now been formally accepted onto the PPP Squad in preparation for the 2008 Beijing Paralympics Jan is a wonderful Ambassador for Australia and we were so proud of her achievements at the 2004 Paralympics as she was the only Australian rider to bring back medals, winning 1 Silver and 1 Bronze. This time Jan is going for GOLD!!

All members in RDA (NSW) wish our Elite Riders every success representing Australia in their 2006 forthcoming competitions being held in England, Vancouver and Belgium. As always, they have our utmost support and know they will do us proud.

The President of the newly formed E.A.D., Jaci Armstrong will be known to many members, as she has been involved with RDA (NSW) for several years at our Ryde RDA Centre as a member, rider and a Coach. Jaci is a member of the NSW Dressage Committee and also involved with many other community organisations.

Contact Jaci Armstrong, President Equestrian Athletes with Disabilities NSW.

Ph 0414 224 417 or e-mail ead@rdansw.org.au