The philosophy of using horses for the disabled
is not new. The Greeks used horses for rehabilitating wounded soldiers
in the fifth century BC and indeed throughout history, riding has
been prescribed as a means of improving the mental and physical well-being
of people of disabilities.
In this century, therapeutic riding was recognised by Dame Agnes
Hunt, who established the first orthopaedic hospital in the United
Kingdom. Dame Agnes Hunt understood the real need for laughter and
companionship in the recovery of health, and the importance of horses
and riding for her patients. Her work was followed up with soldiers
who had been disabled during both world wars and many hospitals
deliberately encouraged riding as a means of therapy.
At the 1952 Helinski Olympic Games, Madame Liz Hartel, a Danish
polio victim who was normally confined to a wheelchair, left her
chair for her horse's back and then proceeded to win a silver medal
in the dressage event. This achievement naturally received worldwide
attention, focusing on the fact that "It is ability that counts,
not disability". Her courage and achievement gave encouragement
to many people.
Following the Games, Riding for the Disabled groups began springing
up in countries throughout the western world. The first Australian
group was started in 1964 by Mr and Mrs Peter McIntyre, who with
the help of a few friends, started to give riding therapy to people
with disabilities by inviting them to their property just outside
Brisbane. South Australia commenced operation in 1970 and was followed
by Victoria in 1971. In 1972 Mrs Pearl Batchelor, a riding school
instructor and Mrs Nan Everingham, a physiotherapist founded the
New South Wales branch. Western Australia, Canberra and Tasmania
all started in the following years.
Riding for the Disabled Association (NSW) was formed after Pearl
Batchelor AOM visited Riding for the Disabled Association in England
in the early 1970s. With the combined interest and commitment of
Pearl Batchelor and the late Nan Everingham the inaugural meeting
was held on 23 October 1972. Lessons were held at Pearl Batchelor's
property Tall Timbers at West Pennant Hills. Riders from Northcott
School Parramatta and Crowle Home were the first to participate.
In 1975 at Expo 75 the Australian Council for RDA was formed and
RDA (NSW) hosted the first ACRDA conference with Michael Field the
co-ordinator and administrator. Following this Daphne Pagnamenta
from RDA UK accredited centres Tall Timbers, Throsby Park, Samurai
Park and Hunters Riding Lodge.
RDA (NSW) now comprises of 38 RDA Centres. RDA (NSW) is a not for
profit organisation run predominantly by volunteers. RDA (NSW)became
an incorporated body in 1981. At present the 38 centres are the
members of this body. Each centre pays an annual affiliation fee
of $110.00 to RDA (NSW).
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© RDA NSW 2002