Affiliations

Riding for the Disabled Associatin of Western Australia (RDAWA)

The Riding for the Disabled Association of Western Australia is a voluntary, not for profit organsiation which provides therapeutic and recreational benefits through participation in equestrian activities to people with disabilities.

RDAWA is continuing to grow and now has 20 centres state wide, from Geraldton in the North to Albany in the South with now over 850 enthusiastic members.  Supported by over 1000 dedicated volunteers and nationally accredited coaches, RDAWA provides our riders and their families enjoyment, physical, mental and emotional stimulation and challenges through specially designed programs such as horse riding, vaulting, hippotherapy, carriage driving and dressage during each weekly session.

RDAWA is part of a worldwide movement and is affiliated with Riding for the Disabled Association of Australia Ltd (RDAA)

Riding for the Disabled Association Australia (RDAA)

The Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) is a worldwide organisation represented internationally by the Federation of Riding for the Disabled International (FRDI), nationally by Riding for the Disabled Association of Australia Limited (RDAA) and within Australia by State and Territory bodies.

The Riding for the Disabled Association is a voluntary, not for profit, organisation which provides horse riding instruction, carriage driving and related equestrian activities for people with disabilities.

Horse riding therapy and healthy recreation enables people with disabilities to develop skills through progressive instruction programs delivered by caring, committed and trained volunteers.

RDA has a commitment to organisations overseas that offer therapeutic riding activities for people with disabilities.

AFFILITATIONS

There are eight state and territory Associations which are affiliated with RDA Australia. They are:

RDA Pegasus ACT
RDA Equestrian Athletes with Disabilities (NSW)
RDA Northern Territory
RDA Queensland
RDA South Australia
RDA Tasmania
RDA Victoria
RDA Western Australia

RDA Australia is in turn affiliated with:

The Federation Riding for the Disabled International (FRDI): www.frdi.net
FRDI is actively involved in establishing international standards of safety and competency in instruction, and in encouraging high standards of protection and training of horses for therapeutic purposes. The organization serves in liaison with the International Paralympic Equestrian Committee (IPEC) for the promotion of equestrian sport for riders with disabilities.

RDA Australia is a full member of the Federation RDI and a current member of the FRDI Executive. Full Membership is only open to National organisations practising therapeutic equestrian activities. Full members have the right to nominate one of their body to become members of the International Council if elected within their own country as one of the National representatives. They also have the right to nominate one of their body to stand for election as one of the Officers of the Federation RDI or to the Executive Board. Officers and Board members must look to the benefit of the Federation RDI and not only to their own organisation's interests.

Australian Sports Commission: www.ausport.gov.au
The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) is the principal sponsor of RDAA. The ASC is a statutory authority of the Australian Government and is Australia’s primary national sports administration and advisory agency, and the cornerstone of a wide-ranging sports system. Its mission is ‘to enrich the lives of all Australians through sport’.

Australian Paralympic Committee: www.paralympic.com.au
The Australian Paralympic Committee (APC) is the peak national body responsible for Australia’s elite athletes with a disability. Its vision is "to enable Paralympic athletes to achieve sporting excellence and inspire and excite the world".

Pony Club Australia: www.ponyclubaustralia.com.au
Pony Club Australia works closely with the Australian Sports Commission to develop pony / horse riding from community participation to high performance. Pony Club Australia and Riding for the Disabled Association Australia have formed an alliance under the Project CONNECT banner to develop pathways and provide opportunities for riders with disabilities within both organizations. This will allow riders to participate in activities best suited to their needs.