Riding for the Disabled Tasmania left without funds due to COVID-19

Long running charity group Riding for the Disabled Association has been hit hard by the COVID-19 restrictions, now a call has gone out for Tasmanians to help with donations to feed and care for the organisation’s very special horses.

Riding for the Disabled Association of Tasmania coach and assessor Pauline Perry with Delhi at Grove. Picture Chris Kidd

Volunteer organisation Riding for the Disabled Association has been helping Tasmanians for decades but the COVID-19 restrictions means the group has been left struggling for funds.

The cost of caring for the organisation’s 15 horses is normally covered by tuition and riding fees along with fundraising efforts by its members.

Due to the current restrictions however, the group has been unable to operate and unfortunately it does not meet the criteria for Government assistance.

So a call has now gone out for people who may be able to help by donating money, horse feed or other much needed supplies.

RDA Tasmania executive officer and coach Claudia Nevah said the organisation has between 60-80 clients it helps on a regular basis.

For people with physical disabilities, Ms Nevah said riding can be an excellent form of physical therapy because it exercises the core muscles and can improve balance.

People with mental health issues also benefit from interacting with horses and Ms Nevah said the reaction from some people who normally struggle with verbal communication can be amazing.

While a number of RDA clients attend for therapy reasons, Ms Nevah said others are also keen to learn how to ride.

The horses for RDA are very carefully selected for their temperaments and they are often mature and experienced horses who can cope with the different reactions from their riders.

Because of this however Ms Nevah said it means they often need a little bit more feed than younger horses.

RDA currently operates from centres at Glenorchy and St Helens however Ms Nevah said there is huge demand in both the north and north west where they would also love to establish new centres.

To help raise funds to support the organisation a Need For Feed campaign has been launched on the RDA website.

Ms Nevah sad as well as cash donations, other things they require include horse feed, wormers, and winter rugs.

To find out more or donate go to www.rdatas.org.au