Riding

RDA(NSW) Ryde Centre provides therapeutic riding programs to develop and enhance the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial functioning of children and adults with disability.

The benefits of therapeutic equine activities include the improvement of balance and posture, promotion of body awareness, increased planning and decision making, improvement in gross and fine motor skills, sensory stimulation through activity and surroundings, development of eye-hand-coordination. 

The activities are designed by our Coaches for each rider to improve their health and well-being in many ways.

For more information: Benefits of RidingDownload
Relationships
and
Communication
Movement
and
Posture
Well-being
and
Quality of Life

Our therapeutic horse riding classes are run by qualified RDA(NSW) volunteer Coaches, who are certified in First Aid, and assisted by our volunteers.

When: Classes run between 9am-12pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays & Saturday during the school term.

Where: Classes are held in our undercover arena at Ryde Centre, Marsfield, NSW.

How: Our herd is made up of horses and ponies of different shapes, sizes and temperaments. Our horses are generally led by an experienced volunteer who may be assisted by one or two side walkers as required.

Who: Placement of riders in our programs is determined by the Coaches on a case-by-case basis. Our Coaches must take into consideration a number of factors including our current rider weight limit (max. approx. 60kg) and a minimum age requirement of 3 years. These limits and considerations are in place to ensure the well-being of our horses and the safety of our volunteers & riders.

Fees: 2025 Fees are $600 for around 16 weekly classes. Fees include an annual Rider Registration / Insurance Fee.
Note: The fees must be paid before the program commences. For riders on a self managed NDIS plan, we can provide a paid invoice and document supporting how RDA benefits the rider so you can claim against your package.

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Rider Expression of Interest Form

If you would like to be added to our waiting list, please provide details to the questions below.  These questions help the Coaches to match a rider to a horse when it becomes available.
Positions offered will depend on the availability of the preferred day(s) you select, and the class time will be determined by the availability of a suitable horse. 

Our Coaches are working hard to place our waiting applicants into classes or other programs so we can decrease the waiting times for these sessions.

Please note our current rider weight limit is 60kg. These limits are in place to ensure the well-being of our horses and the safety of our volunteers & riders.

Please include general descriptions and information below to assist our Coaches to ascertain what assistance is required. Examples: level of ASD, can sit up on own, limited speech, limited use left side, has ridden before, loves interacting with animals.

Please include any other information that may be of use. Examples: home schooled, mainstream, special unit, special school, mobility aids

Please select any days suitable. Please consider school requirements before applying for weekday classes as these classes are run 9am-12pm.

Select Preferred Day/s(required)

About Us

Founded: 1972 by Pearl Batchelor OAM
Patrons: Her Excellency The Honourable Margaret Beazley AO QC Governor of NSW and Mr Dennis Wilson

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Get In Touch

ryde.rda@gmail.com

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Drop By

RDA(NSW) Ryde Centre
118-120 Culloden Rd,
MARSFIELD,
NSW 2122

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ABN 95 512 471 818 • CFN 12295 Charitable Fundraising Act 1991 All donations over $2 are tax deductible
RDA (NSW) is a volunteer organisation providing equine assisted activities for people with disabilities to develop and enhance abilities
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Custodians, the Wallumattagal Clan of the Darug Nation, of the lands on which we live and work and pay our respect to Elders past and present.
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