FIFTY people, aged from five to sixty, experience enjoyment on the back of a horse on Friday mornings thanks to Ballarat\u2019s Riding for the Disabled Association.<\/p>\n
RDA, a volunteer run organisation, enables people with disabilities to participate in therapeutic, sporting, recreational and educational equestrian activities at the Mt Rowan Equestrian Centre.<\/p>\n
The program has been operating for over 40 years in Ballarat.<\/p>\n
Marnie Muir, RDA Ballarat volunteer riding coach, said the riders may have physical and intellectual disabilities or may be vision and hearing impaired or suffer from anxiety.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are fortunate that we can run the program on a year-round basis in this terrific indoor facility,\u201d Ms Muir said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is especially beneficial in the winter months as it allows our riders to continue working on and developing skills during school terms.\u201d<\/p>\n
Coaches develop lesson plans around a theme each term to foster riding and life skills, improve quality of life and attain personal goals.<\/p>\n
Dressage and Show jumping are being taught during term three, with the goal of riding in a modified competition day at the Ballarat Show early in term four.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are privileged to have assistance from the wider Equestrian community around Ballarat who visit, teach and demonstrate skills and techniques to our riders,\u201d Ms Muir said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
FIFTY people, aged from five to sixty, experience enjoyment on the back of a horse on Friday mornings thanks to Ballarat\u2019s Riding for the Disabled Association. RDA, a volunteer run organisation, enables people with disabilities to participate in therapeutic, sporting, recreational and educational equestrian activities at the Mt Rowan Equestrian Centre. The program has been […]<\/p>\n