Riding for the Disabled Association (NSW) Tweed Valley Centre is a nonprofit organization located in New South Wales, Australia, dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with disabilities through therapeutic horse riding and equestrian activities. Operating under the larger umbrella of Riding for the Disabled Association of NSW (RDA NSW), this centre provides tailored riding programs that help individuals with physical, mental, or psychological disabilities improve their balance, coordination, confidence, and overall quality of life through equine therapy.

History and Background

The Riding for the Disabled Association movement began in the United Kingdom in 1969 and expanded to Australia in 1964, when the first Australian group was founded by Mr. and Mrs. Peter McIntyre and volunteers who started offering riding therapy to people with disabilities. Since then, RDA NSW has grown with multiple centres, including the Tweed Valley Centre, which continues the mission of supporting people living with disabilities via therapeutic and recreational riding activities[2][3].

Mission and Vision

The mission of RDA NSW, including the Tweed Valley Centre, is to enable people living with disabilities or additional support needs to experience enjoyment, challenge, and a sense of achievement through equestrian activities. These activities are designed not only to be therapeutic but also to foster personal growth and development of life skills. The vision is to be Australia's foremost authority and advocate for equestrian activities for people with disabilities, supporting their wellbeing and inclusion in the community[3].

Programs and Services

RDA NSW Tweed Valley Centre offers riding lessons and equine-assisted activities that are customized to each rider’s unique needs and abilities. These programs aim to improve physical aspects such as balance and coordination, as well as psychological benefits like confidence, social interaction, and emotional wellbeing. The programs create a safe, inclusive environment where participants receive support from trained volunteers and coaches, helping them develop both riding skills and life skills in a holistic manner[1][4].

Organizational Structure and Support

RDA Australia, the national body, provides leadership, governance, training, and standards to support the member states and centres including RDA NSW and its Tweed Valley Centre. RDA is recognized by the Australian Sports Commission as the national sporting organization for equestrian sports for people with disabilities, emphasizing its role in fostering excellence and inclusion in the sport[3].

Impact

The Tweed Valley Centre, as part of RDA NSW, contributes significantly to improving the quality of life for people with disabilities in its region. Through its volunteer-run programs, the centre promotes therapeutic benefits of horse riding that can lead to better physical health, enhanced emotional wellbeing, and increased social participation among participants, demonstrating the powerful impact of equine therapy as a form of rehabilitation and recreation[1][4].

This organization is registered under ABN 55396404228RR0001 and is part of the broader Riding for the Disabled Association network dedicated to expanding access to equestrian therapy across Australia.

[1] https://historymatters.sydney.edu.au/2024/10/riding-develops-abilities/ [2] https://rdansw.org.au/about-us/ [3] https://www.rda.org.au/about-us/ [4] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/5ba63e5e-38af-e811-a963-000d3ad24077/documents/b8ced122-50c8-e811-a963-000d3ad24a0d [5] https://historymatters.sydney.edu.au/2024/12/preserving-the-past-inspiring-the-future-a-history-of-riding-for-the-disabled-ryde/