RDA was nominated for a Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning diversity and inclusion award, which celebrates the importance of equality, diversity and inclusion in creating a more liveable Victoria.
RDA helps children with disabilities ride horses with the aim of improving self-esteem, concentration skills, listening abilities and encouraging risk taking,
The group of dedicated volunteers have developed a policy of always finding a way. No matter what the disability — physical or cerebral — the dedicated volunteers will always find a way to make a difference.
‘‘In partnership with our very special pony co-workers and our amazing volunteer cohort, we have a wonderful capacity to change lives,’’ Seymour RDA’s Gay Lewis said.
‘‘We have 20 young riders benefiting from this initiative. We have no limits on who we can help. If we could, we would take on the world.’’
Ms Lewis said building self-esteem was one of the biggest parts of the RDA program.
‘‘Without self-esteem, no-one can accomplish a worthy life. With self-esteem, riders can become worthy community contributors,’’ she said.
‘‘We will never do anything for a rider they can do for themselves. The smallest achievements are celebrated and the rider becomes so proud, which leads to continuous development.
‘‘At the beginning of the year, no child was capable of leading or riding by themselves. At the end of term two, five can now ride independently, all can mount by themselves, 80 per cent can stop and start and 75 per cent can steer with help.
‘‘The ramifications of these tangible improvements are evident in improved behaviour in classrooms and really proud parents.’’
RDA works closely with the community, keeping it informed about its work and accomplishments.
‘‘The community have been wonderful supporters through the years. People understand the value of the work we do and are always keen to help,’’ Ms Lewis said.
‘‘But like all country people, we are battling the effects of the drought, so we have had to close for term three to find homes for the horses to give our paddocks a rest.
‘‘We could achieve even more if we had more volunteers. Each rider usually requires three helpers when they first start, so we are constantly trying to recruit new people.’’
For more information or to volunteer, phone the Seymour RDA on 0412075774.