RDA Riders Information                      Equestrian Athletes with Disabilities

Recipe for RDA – Take Riders and Volunteers, mix in Horses and the result is……….Magic!

Riders are accepted from all disability groups, cultural and religious backgrounds and are assessed prior to commencing riding so that a suitable individual programme can be developed for each rider. Some riders with more severe disabilities are assisted initially by up to two trained helpers and a leader however, many graduate to riding independently and some to competition level.

With the help of RDA, many can enjoy riding that provides a significant aid in treatment and rehabilitation. Riders must have a doctor’s certificate before being accepted into the program and this will need to be updated on a regular basis.

Disabilities are varied and we prefer to focus on ability, not disability. Riders may come in groups from  schools, hospitals and  hostels or as individuals.

There are strict safety standards in RDA and riders are required to wear AS/NZS 3838:2006: helmets for horse riding and horse-related activities and correct footwear, which is often provided by the centres. Special equipment is occasionally used however RDA attempts to keep conditions as close to natural as possible to encourage the riders to achieve a good position through the use of their own body.

SOME OF THE BENEFITS OUR RIDERS CAN ENJOY ARE:

• Improved balance and posture
• Promotion of body awareness
• Promotes decision making and thinking ahead
• Develops gross and fine motor skills
• Motivation and learning, encourages reading and speech through games
• Develops eye-hand co-ordination
• Sequencing of actions can be taught
• Sensory stimulation through activity and surroundings
• Overcoming phobias such as heights and animals
• Riding is a natural Reflex Inhibiting Position
• Builds self-confidence and self-esteem and facilitates social integration
• Memory improvement and concentration
• New mobility and access to new areas
• Language and communication skills develop
• Learning the value of rules eg: Safety and discipline
• Personal Challenge leading to achievement
• Learning a skill that many able-bodied people don’t have
• Contact with animals and learning about the need for welfare
• Participation and opportunity of competition
• Gives the right to take controlled risk

• Promotes general feeling of well-being

Some of our participants may need to wear attire according to religious beliefs or for cultural reasons. Whilst we respect that fact, the safety and welfare of all our participants, horses, and people are paramount and therefore participation in a RDA program will also require the use of certain mandatory safety attire or equipment.

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