RDA Achievers

Quotes from letters written by parents, riders, teachers and carers.

Send in your quotable quotes to add to the list!

In 2007, RDA Victoria received a grant to research measurable benefits of horse riding for children with cerebral palsy. The study was interrupted by the outbreak of Equine Influenza, and findings were inconclusive.

Nevertheless, the documentary, narrated by Sigrid Thornton, is an excellent outcome in its own right.  The late Barb Heine features as coach and therapist.

Click on the link below to view the documentary, which runs for 27 minutes. www.theage.com.au/tv/show/more-than-horseplay/more-than-horseplay-20111207-1oi60.html

31 January 2012

The South Australian Farriers and Blacksmiths Association would like to thank you [RDA Blackwood] for your help with our National Championships at the Royal Adelaide Show [2011].

Thank you for your well presented horses. SAFBA.

Dear Sue, thank you for helping me learn to ride a horse. I feel like I'm learning a lot and I like riding Gypsy because he is big.
You are a wonderful lady who has helped me to ride a horse and you have volunteered so much of your valuable time to help many others.

Thank you for coming to see us compete at the State Mounted Games at the Metro Showgrounds. I know you were not feeling well but it was nice to see you cheering us on.

Dear John, Thank you for helping me to ride a horse. My favourite horse is Freddy because he's nice and I like his colouring.
My favourite part of horseriding is when we do trotting because the horse is fast and I feel good when I'm on the horse.
You are a very special person because you're friendly, you can ride a horse and you are caring.
Thank you for helping us.

"I am currently a School Support Officer ... and work with a student who has low attendance and suffers from low self esteem.

"Since becoming a volunteer Krystal show show major improvements in many areas, her confidence has improved and she is now focusing on goal setting and future options..."

"[RDA has] given her boundaries and a safe haven to come and be herself and to be a productive member of the community.

"Although RDA is a valuable and important service for clients ... it is also very valuable for the volunteers."

"...I am currently enrolled at ... school. I am a volunteer at riding for the disabled...

"I am writing this letter to let you know how much I enjoy riding for the disabled its good fun for the kids and parents and it's also very good for me.

"It's even got me back into my horses riding every day or just working with them it's made me realise how much I enjoy working with kids with disabilities.

"It's helped me focus on my future goals and directions and I would like to have a career working in this field...

"Thankyou for taking the time to read my letter."

"Paris is learning steering, halting, walk on, etc as well as talking on the telephone which she enjoys immensely...

"[Paris' brother] Wes started the first few weeks meeting Little Black with Mary and Jodie's help. He began by patting Little Black but would not open his hand.

"Eventually we had him on board behind Paris for a few seconds, and then by himself for a few seconds. He would reach for his mum, so I had Little Black walk forward a few steps. That made him sit up!

"... Wes seemed to enjoy [Little Black walking in a small circle], also forgetting his mum was there.

"We ... walked around about 8 small circles... Wes actually smiled...  with a lot more work I hope to improve his muscle tone...

"Unfortunately Wes and Paris have been away the last 2 weeks due to the heat and illness."

"Because the students have disabilities, many find the physical contact with the horses - the body warmth, the texture of their coats and the actual rocking motion with which they move - to be very soothing. For some, the ability to sit on the back of a horse is an aid to balance. Others simply enjoy the experience of being so high.

"Relationships are established between the students and horses and between students and the wonderful RDA volunteers...

"We can only express our immense admiration and gratitude for all the RDA organisers and their dedicated band of volunteers...

"For our students this is a special time in their week and for all their time at school."

"As a grandmother of Jessica ... I would like to thank you and the coaches and volunteers for the help she has received at RDA...

"The help she has received has been very encouraging for her, especially gaining confidence, self-esteem, she now has no fear of horses and is learning how to ride her horse in a confident manner...

"... being part of RDA has a calming effect. Keep up the 'Good Work'."

"Gage does not have the strength to hold his head up with a riding helmet, so RDA started him riding by laying a blanket over the horse, laying Gage on his tummy facing backwards. They had onve volunteer either side on 'catch duty', the trainer leading the horse and another to hold an umbrella over his head... it was a sight to see but with the dedication of RDA volunteers we began his RDA journey.

"Gage absolutely lvoes being on a horse. He squeals with delight and in his own way lets everyone there know how much he is enjoying himself. We can tell that he loves the feel, smell and texture of the horse and enjoys the movement and warmth of the horse under him.

"He rubs his face agains the horse and uses his fingers to feel the texture of the horse hair.

"Since those early beginnings he has progressed to being able to sit in a saddle, facing forwards... so he sits up just like all the other kids in his class. Gage's increased trunk strength has increased his enjoyment of horse riding so much that we even take him for private riding lessons to supplement the great work RDA do...

"RDA provides an opportunity for everyone to be part of life, to get out there and have a go and that anything can be achieved when people take the time to help others join in."

"Maggie has Asperger syndrome and her only interest in life is horses.

"We moved in July and this change has been most traumatic to Maggie. The High School and RDA have been really helpful in trying to help Maggie accept the change [Maggie previously rode at another RDA centre].

"RDA has been the main thrust of keeping Maggie motivated to cope with attending school..."