RIDING FOR THE DISABLED: A COMMUNITY OF CARE AND SUPPORT Riding Joy FOR
By Tanya Twaits & Celia Purdey
R iding for the Disabled Association of Victoria (RDAV), founded in 1970, has been a community-driven not-for-profit organisation for over 50 years. It works tirelessly to bring the therapy, sense of achievement, and fun of horses to as many people with disabilities as possible. RDAV is an inclusive and diverse organisation, welcoming participants aged 3 to 65 with a wide range of disabilities, including physical and intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism, and degenerative conditions, each with unique needs and goals. This year, across its 34 centres in Victoria, 1000 incredible volunteers and 255 horses and ponies will help more than 500 participants experience the joy of interacting with these beautiful animals. The programs, which include riding, carriage driving, and groundwork, are designed to be inclusive and cater to the needs of diverse participants. Horses are the cornerstone of RDAV, with horse welfare and safety as primary focuses. Each centre requires a variety of horses and ponies of different sizes to carefully match the riders’ needs and abilities. If a suitable horse is not available, the rider cannot join the program. The horses are carefully selected for their temperament, obedience, and calmness to handle the unique challenges posed by their riders, such as unbalanced riders, loud noises, and wheelchairs.
10
Made with FlippingBook Digital Publishing Software