Overview

Samford Riding for the Disabled (RDA) is a voluntary and not-for-profit organisation, which provides both therapeutic and recreational horse riding and horsemanship programs for children and adults with disabilities. The centre provides riding and other horse-related activities that will benefit people with disabilities including intellectual, specific learning disorders, injuries from accidents, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, visual and hearing impairments, autism and many more. The therapeutic benefits gained from horse riding are many and varied. They affect our riders’ lives in many ways including: improving core strength and stability, developing co-ordination and balance, enhancing speech and communication skills, building confidence and enabling social interaction. In addition, horse riding provides a fun outdoor activity for people who may find it difficult to participate in mainstream sports. We operate from our purpose built, covered arena, The Jenny O’Malley Arena in a leased area on the Samford Showgrounds, Showgrounds Drive, Highvale. We have 11 special horses in our herd who are our most valuable asset.