Riding For the Disabled
Riding for the Disabled (RDA) Richmond Centre
Riding for the Disabled Association NSW Richmond Centre was
established in May 2014 on land within the University of Western Sydney
Hawkesbury campus. Its grounds lie within the ‘Secret Garden’ Community
space operated by North West Disability Services.
The land, formerly home to Hawkesbury Stud is approximately 15 acres
and consists of numerous paddocks, yards and stables, a round yard and
sand indoor arena. RDA Richmond is currently taking new, individual and
group bookings by appointment.
ABOUT 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, 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.
Volunteering at RDA Richmond Centre
Volunteering at RDA Richmond is a rewarding experience. You'll have
fun, learn new skills and meet a great bunch of people all while giving
back to your community.
There are plenty of different roles on offer - Become a coach, rider
assistant, horse handler, maintenance worker or fundraiser. There are a
range of non-horse related jobs too including catering, assisting riders
to prepare for class and helping with games.
You don't need any prior knowledge of horses, we provide full on the
job training. And we are flexible with how much time you can give. Whatever time you can spare and whatever your talents may be, we would be happy to have you
Volunteer training days are held Saturdays once per month.
Download these documents below for more information...
Volunteer Training Day Flyer
Participant Consent & Medical Information Form