The Riding for the Disabled Association SA (Port Pirie) is a sports club located in Port Pirie, South Australia. They offer a range of services and programmes for individuals with disabilities, allowing them to participate in horse-related activities in a safe and inclusive environment for recreational, sporting, and therapeutic purposes.
The Port Pirie Centre has been running for 13 years and has supported 150 clients in enjoying the recreational sport of horse riding. They are continuously seeking new volunteers to join their team. Volunteers are needed not only in the programme but also in maintenance, horse care, gardening, publicity, and fundraising. Those who wish to expand their responsibilities may have the opportunity to become a coach, and interested individuals can contact Joan for more information.
The centre's coaches are highly experienced, with Joan being a Level 2 Riding Coach & Assessor. She has been coaching with RDA for 32 years and was involved in founding the Whyalla Centre in conjunction with the Special School in 1991. Joan has also travelled around Australia for 10 years, visiting various RDA centres and assisting in the establishment and reestablishment of multiple centres.
The Port Pirie Centre has a policy regarding extreme weather conditions to ensure the safety of participants and volunteers. They also have several supporters who contribute to their cause, including Bonnetts SaddleWorld, Variety, Adtrans Group, Survey Hero, Pet Stock, and Kohnkes Own.
Riding for the Disabled SA is part of a larger worldwide movement represented by the Federation of Horses in Education and Therapy International (HETI). In Australia, the national body is the Riding for the Disabled Association of Australia Ltd. (RDAA), and within the country, each state has its own RDA body. The South Australian branch was first incorporated in 1972.
The club offers a variety of programmes for pleasure and competition, catering to individuals with disabilities aged 3 up to 85. They provide opportunities for people to participate in horse-related activities and enjoy the benefits of the sport. They also have a newsletter highlighting news and updates, and they have a video testimonial showcasing the positive impact of their programmes.
Individuals can contribute to the Riding for the Disabled Association SA (Port Pirie) by becoming a volunteer, coach, or member. They can also make a donation or contact the club for more information. The club has been described as providing a new lease on life for participants, allowing them to engage in a sport like their able-bodied siblings and empowering them to participate independently.