Working with animals is a great way to improve your mood and your physical and mental well-being. Whether it’s the sense of calm you get from stroking a cat. The joy of playing with a dog. Or the sensibility of interacting with a horse. We here at Capalaba Produce want to tell you about RDA (Riding for the Disabled) and how they are helping PwD (People with Disability) improve their mental wellbeing, social skills, and physical abilities through interaction with horses.

Horse Riding for the Disabled – Who are they and how does it work?

The RDA focus on enriching the lives of PwD through specialized programs and interaction with horses. This involves activities such as horse-riding classes, mounted games, and hippotherapy.
Each PwD will be working closely with trained RDA volunteers, to ensure they are safe, supported, and are enjoying their time.
Their goal is to help PwD to improve their quality of life, develop valuable life skills and attain their personal goals. They are inclusive, respectful, and innovative, and want to help people through their passion for working with horses.
The activities chosen for each PwD will be personalised to meet their specific needs, goals, and health requirements.
RDA is available in every state in Australia, including rural areas, so you shouldn’t have to travel too far to access this incredible opportunity. Check out their website below, to find your closest centre.

Horse Riding for the Disabled – Benefits of horse riding

Horse riding has many fantastic benefits that can improve any person’s life. PwD will gain social and communicational development, as well as attain physical and therapeutic benefits.
Some of the benefits gained:
Physical – Improved balance, strengthening muscles, reflexes & coordination, and sensory stimuli.
Social – Interaction, conversation, friendship, emotional control, teamwork.
Psychological – Improved mental wellbeing, self-confidence, self-value.
Educational – Remedial reading, remedial math, hand/eye coordination, perception.

Horse Riding for the Disabled – Who can it help?

Always check with your doctor beforehand to see if this is an option for you, but PwD with the following conditions may benefit from the RSA program:

• Autism spectrum disorder
• Cerebral palsy
• Down Syndrome
• Spina bifida
• Movement dysfunction.

Equine Therapy is also a fantastic option for people suffering from mental health difficulties. Check out our blog to find out more about how equine therapy can assist people suffering from depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, trauma, eating disorders, addiction, Alzheimer’s and even dementia – Therapy with Horses – Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy.