RDA Programs and Special Disciplines

Some facts about disabilities in WA

Australian Bureau of Statistics reports 1 in 5 Australians (20% of total population) report a disability, this represents 4 million people.  There are 319,900 children aged under 15 years (8%) report a disability, figures reported in 2004.

Cerebral Palsy (Cerebral Palsy Australia) reports a child is born with cerebral palsy in Australia every 18 hours. There are 33,000 people with cerebral palsy in Australia. 

Degenerative Muscular Disorder (Australian Institute of Health & Welfare) reports 1: 1000 (30,000+) Australians are affected by neuromuscular diseases. 

Multiple Sclerosis (MS Australia) reports 15,000 Australians suffer from Multiple Sclerosis.

Acquired Brain Injury (National Health Survey) reports 1 in 50 people suffered an acquired brain injury, thats 432,700 Australians (2.2%) according to Australian Bureau of Statistics. 

Spinal Cord Injury (Spinal Cord Australia) reports at least 300 new cases of spinal cord injury in Australia each year.

Autism (Autism Spectrum Australia - Aspect) reports 1 in 600 (120,000) people suffer from Autism in Australia.

Who we help

People with all types and levels of disability are welcomed into our RDA programs, including those with:

• Spina Bifida
• Cerebral Palsy
• Muscular Dystrophy
• Down Syndrome
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Amputees
• Austism
• Visual and hearing impairments
• Intellectual disabilities

How we help

Carriage Driving

Carriage Driving gives those who are unable to mount the horse the opportunity to experience the fun and enjoyment of equestrian activities. All RDA Driving sessions are conducted under the supervision of a nationally accredited Whip.

Driving allows participants a feeling of independence which can increase their levels of self esteem and confidence.

Carriage Driving is currently only offered at our Murray Mandurah and South Coast Carriage Driving centres, with a new centre in Darkan commencing in the near future.

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.

 "How therapeutic is my riding?"

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

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.

Vaulting

Vaulting is an area of equestrian activity that involves riders performing gymnastic exercises on barrels before progressing to a moving horse while on a lunge rein. The main purpose of vaulting is to introduce and train young riders from the age of 5 or 6 on how to treat and trust horses and secondly as a form of competitive sport. In RDA it is used to help develop riders skills and overcome any rider problems such as fear or difficulty balancing.

Vaulting is an integrated activity within RDA, with able bodied riders learning to work with those with disabilities and special needs and support them throughout their sessions together. This is a great activity for teaching children to understand the needs of others within their team. It also helps riders to overcome problems with personal space.

Vaulting sessions are currently only run at our South West, Swan Valley and Collie centers.

RDAWA Vaulting Rules final 2011.pdf