RDAWA Disciplines

State Hippotherapy Sub-Committee

Hippotherapy

Hippotherapy (from the Greek 'hippos', meaning horse) literally means treatment with the horse. The use of the moving horse as a therapy tool utilises the rhythmic, three-dimensional movement of the walking horse. A client appropriately positioned on the horse experiences significant sensory input. This positions them ideally to develop postural control, equilibrium reactions, balance, co-ordination and spatial orientation. There are also psychological, speech, language and cognitive benefits. Hippotherapy is a treatment carried out by, or under the direction of, a specially trained Physiotherapist or Occupational Therapist.

If you would like to see Hippotherapy in action or become involved in hippotherapy as a treatment activity, opportunities exist at the South West Centre or at the Swan Valley centre.

Contact info@rdawa.org.au for more information.

From the therapist  Horse riding is a fantastic activity for children and adults who have special needs to participate in; however, the individual differences and needs of people who have disabilities are considerably diverse.  Therapists have specialist knowledge of disability and of ways to adapt activities both to suit the individual’s ability to participate and to increase their abilities through horse riding.

Nicky Bushell – Physiotherapist and Jessie Anderson - Physiotherapist

Physiotherapists are concerned with the way the body moves.  We look at creation of posture.

Can they move in and out of a posture?

How stable are they?

Isolated movement or is it mostly a mass pattern?

Jane Liddiard – Occupational Therapist

Occupational therapists assist people to participate in normal healthy activities, and use activities as a way to help people to become healthy.  

Equipment, skills and physical abilities

School and work

Home life

Social and recreation

To find out more about the Hippotherapy program "How therapeutic is my riding?" 

click on "How therapeutic is my riding?" 

State Vaulting Sub-Committee

Carol Brice, Jennie Kelliher, Kylie Holmes, Paula Patricelli, Sabine Jamieson, Kay Fowler,Jess Kneale, Monique Wachtel, Jessica Gammon

Vaulting is gymnastic exercises performed on a moving horse by vaulters individually, in pairs or in teams.  It aims to develop and improve the vaulter’s balance, confidence and co-ordination and promotes co-operation and team spirit.  Vaulters aspire to perform the optimum quality of exercise in absolute harmony with the horse.

Lessons usually cover a two hour period and involve warm up activities and exercises followed by vaulting on barrels.   Vaulting on horseback is performed once the vaulter has accomplished the exercise or routine on a barrel.

Integrated vaulting programs are offered at RDA(WA) centres at Carine, Collie, Nannup, Bullsbrook (Horse Heaven), Swan Valley, and Stoneville (Ripplebrook).

A DVD “Coaching Vaulting in RDAA Centres” is available from the State Office or Vaulting Sub Committee.

The RDA(WA) State Vaulting Championships are held each year and Vaulting Rules and Guidelines for competition are accessible here RDAWA Vaulting Rules final 2011.pdf

State Dressage Sub-Committee

Dressage

Dressage is a great opportunity for those who have aspirations of one day representing Australia at the Paralympics. Our State Dressage sub-committee is very active and provides a variety of opportunities for riders to learn new skills and develop those already obtained in order to achieve their dreams.