Riding
Our horse riding programs operate each Monday and Tuesday for people of all ages and diverse abilities.
Click on the link below for more information.
Carriage Driving
Carriage driving enables people to experience horse assisted mobility from our specially designed carriage.
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Hippotherapy
The term hippotherapy is taken from "Hippos" - the Greek word for horse - and is a form of physical therapy aided by the movement of a horse.
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Saturday Saddle Club
The Sunshine Coast RDA Saddle Club is a group of independent riders who meet on a Saturday.
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THE BASIC AIMS OF RDA
The primary objective of Riding for the Disabled Centres is to provide most people who have a disability the opportunity to ride and enjoy all the activities connected with horse riding. For people with a disability, riding is both therapeutic and recreational. RDA is in fact one of the few organisations that cater for people with a wide range of disabilities.
THE HISTORY OF RDA
The philosophy of using horses for people with a disability 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 with disabilities.
Last 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 Helsinki Olympic Games, Madame Liz Hartel, a Dane who had contracted polio and 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 centres began springing up in countries throughout the western world. The first Australian centre 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 the New South Wales branch was founded. Western Australia, Canberra and Tasmania all started in the following years.
Equine Assisted Learning
This program is a one on one non riding program where we use the horse to reflect the emotional and physical responses to a persons actions and attitude. It is very helpful for awareness development and anger management.
For more information please click here.
Contact Ali 0400833431
After School Private Riding Lessons
Ph Vicki 0400407171 Anita 0422653397 Julie 075442887
Private Dressage Lessons
Matty 0754470450 or 0429 870870
Sunshine Coast RDA is currently taking bookings for 2012
