An intensive RDAA Level O and Level 1 Coach Training Workshop, supported by the ANZ Trustees
through the Dyson Bequest was held in Bendigo, VIC 14-15 Aug 2010 and was attended by 13 participants from 2 different states.

As a result of this Combined Level O/Level 1 Intensive Workshop RDA coaches were able to complete and fast track their qualifications to the next level:

• 4 RDA coaches completed their OTC Level
• 8 RDA coaches completed their Level 1
• 1 senior RDA coach approved as a National Carriage Driving Assessor (NCDA)

In addition:

• 3 new RDA venues were accredited
• 3 carriages were assessed and approved
• 4 horses accredited for the RDA Carriage Driving Program

Many thanks go to Andrea and Laurie Stringer for the use of their property to host the workshop and to The Dyson Bequest Fund (through the ANZ Trustees) for funding the course.

RDA Volunteers and office staff enjoyed catching up with current and past members of RDA who visited the RDA Stand during Equitana and entered the "Name the Horse" Competition.  A life sized, fibrecast model of a horse was painted by artist Barbel Georgi.  Over the four days of Equitana, 18 - 21 November, Barbel depicted the six equestrian disciplines reflecting Equitana.  Thanks to the wonderful sponsorship of Hy Gain and Alltech, daily prizes were awarded to contestants with the final prize draw to be held in December to choose a name for the horse.  The masterpiece will be auctioned by Inglis Bloodstock on 18 March 2011 at Oaklands Junction.  All proceeds will be donated to RDA.  Visit http://www.equitana.com.au for event information.

To find out more visit the RDAA Partners page

RDA Australia is mourning the loss of a very special friend and supporter of the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA). Barbara had been battling a rare and aggressive lymphoma for the past 18 months.

Her positive attitude, courage and good humour in coping with her illness was an inspiration to all at RDA. Barbara’s unique contribution, enthusiasm and generous spirit will be sorely missed. Click here for more information.

RDAA is delighted to announce the election of Pauline Perry as the new President of FRDI (Federation of Riding for the Disabled International) at the FRDI XIII International Congress in Munster 12-15 August, 2009.

Pauline is a valued member of RDA Australia and was awarded an honorary Life Membership of RDA in 2008. She will serve as FRDI President from 2009-2012. We wish her every success in her latest appointment. Read the full story here.

RDA Australia is delighted to announce that it has been awarded a grant of 100,000 from the Ian Potter Foundation towards its National Coach Development Program. This grant will provide the maximum benefit to all RDA Australia’s members by helping to:

address the chronic shortage of trained, accredited RDA coaches
increase the number of clients able to participate in RDA programs
improve children’s outcomes through early intervention programs
reduce client waiting lists

Riding for the Disabled Association Australia (RDAA) will receive $100,000 from Myer Family Philanthropy in an unprecedented philanthropic gesture to help alleviate poverty and disadvantage and strengthen the nonprofit sector in our community.

The unsolicited grant will be awarded to 37 Australian non-profit organisations to celebrate 75 years of the Sidney Myer Fund and 50 years of The Myer Foundation. Celebrating Our Partners: Philanthropic investment for strong community organisations is a key project of Myer Family Philanthropy’s $36 million 2009 Commemorative Grants Program, which marks these significant milestones. The grant recognises the invaluable work of Riding for the Disabled Association and imposes few constraints on how the funds are to be used. 'This grant will strengthen the work and support that the national office provides to the organisation across Australia, helping the national peak body improve the quality and depth of assistance to states and territories.' - John Harte, Chairman RDAA