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THE BASIC AIMS OF RDA

The primary objective of Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) is to provide most 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 an 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.