Our Team

Our Coaches

RDA riding coaches are qualified under the National Coaching Accreditation Scheme. They have skills in horsemastership, safety, medical knowledge, first aid, teaching, selection, and training of horses.

Many are also highly qualified and experienced in other professions including special education, physiotherapy, and other para-medical fields. Each week our coaches assist children and adults with disabilities, to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of horse related activities.

RDA is always seeking to increase the number of trained coaches. RDA provides training to its coaches through an accredited training system in 3 progressive stages: Orientation to Coaching (OTC), Level 1, Level 2

If you are interested in becoming an accredited RDA Coach please contact our Centre.

Our Volunteers

Our volunteers are part of a dynamic team working together to deliver the best possible service to as many clients as possible.

Volunteers share their time and talents to support RDAASW, and in return RDAASW provides its volunteer team with a wide range of interesting opportunities and experiences.

* You could be supporting a client during a riding session as a horse leader or side walker.

* Caring for our horses before and after the rides.

* RDAASW need volunteers help with ground maintenance and to take on administration duties in the office.

* We need talented fundraisers and board members to ensure we continue to practice good governance.

* RDAASW also needs the help of people with skills specific to horses: farriers, vets, horse husbandry, carers during the holidays.

Get Involved and Make a Difference

If you are interested in learning more about becoming a volunteer with RDAASW then complete the Registration of Interest Form or contact our centre, we currently operate Tuesday and Wednesday mornings during school term times only.

Do you have an hour to spare?

If you are a physi otherapist, occupational therapist, riding coach or can see any way you can help RDAASW’s clients with an hour or two to spare, give us a call or send us an email – we’d love to hear from you.

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Meet Our Horses

Special Horses for Special People

RDA horses and ponies come from a variety of backgrounds and pathways. They can be ex-pony club, horse club or riding school horses. Even retired high performance dressage horses.

RDA gives these lucky ponies and horses a new lease on life and career opportunities. They, in return, offer total unconditional love. It’s a win-win situation for all!

The ideal RDA horse is between 11hh and 16hh (a hand is equal to 10cm), between 8 and 18 years old and well-mannered, experienced horses with good temperaments. They can be wide or narrow, but should be sound. Typically, horses used in the program are owned (purchased or donated), loaned/leased or sponsored and are trialled for suitability before they are integrated into the RDA program. If you have a horse, you think maybe suitable for our programs, please contact our centre.

Horses undergo regular training and exercise to keep them fit and strong and in good mental health.

At the end of their RDA working life our horses and ponies are returned to their previous owners or retired to pasture.

We are always on the lookout for reliable, stable, “bomb proof” horses and ponies, whether to buy, free lease or accept as a donation to join our amazing herd.

Teago

Our gentleman giant Teago is our tallest horse and probably our quietest. Not a lot will phase this fella, he is steady and reliable. Brilliant for nervous or fidgety riders, he is Mr Slow and Steady, with no sign of the speed required during his early years on the track.

Sponsor Teago
Bubbles

Bubbles has a walk with a lot of movement, making her a great horse for riders with attention deficits. Each year with us, she gets better and better. Not ideal for trotting as she prefers to pace, her long, fast strides when walking more than make up for that. A sweet girl who tries hard to please.

Sponsor Bubbles
Jazzy
Sponsor Jazzy
Peter Pan

Peter is another one of our independent riding horses. He has been trained specifically for RDA since arriving as a youngster. He is an Australian Stock Horse and enjoys both mental and physical work challenges. He is known to work better when you tell him how great he is.

Sponsor Peter Pan
Aria

Aria joined our program in 2022 and, in the future we hope to have her join the Hippotherapy Team.

Sponsor Aria
Mia

Lovely Mia is another one of our VIP’s and as sweet as can be. A brilliant pony in our hippotherapy program, she is responsive, patient and kind. She is also fantastic in our recreational program and loves to please.

Sponsor Mia
Amber
Sponsor Amber
Mr Chips

Cheeky Chips is Mr Personality and will make sure you are paying attention. He loves a good chest scratch and cuddles. He has a very dainty trot and is a great all-rounder, even in his current semi-retirement.

Sponsor Mr Chips
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