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RDA would not exist without - the horse!
To be an RDA horse requires many qualities:
Patience  Tolerance Kindness Willingness Soundness Health
RDA Horses - there are 800+ RDA horses in Australia - all have a story to tell. Pete's story epitomises what RDA can do for a horse & horses can do for us!
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Penzance (aka Pete) is a 16.3 part thoroughbred /Holstein gelding. At 23, he's reasonably fit, well & still enjoys a trail ride. Pete competed successfully in dressage competitions but after developing signs of navicular disease was unable to continue his dressage career. His owner wanted to find a home for Pete where he would:
- be looked after
- be used within his capabilities
- not just be turned out & become bored
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1996 New Beginnings
- Pomona RDA was established in Queensland by Nadia & Paul Bellarby from the Endeavour Foundation
- Endeavour provides care & employment of adults with an intellectual disability
- Required horses capable of carrying adults
- Pete was donated to RDA in 1996 to begin his 2nd career
- One that was to continue until 2003 when he retired at 21
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Pete’s RDA Career - Pete displayed all the qualities that one looks for in an RDA horse. He would stand patiently at the ramp while riders were lifted on or off; walk willingly when led around the arena; never take advantage of riders off the lead rein; and happily steer through bending poles, activities far removed from his days as a dressage horse.
2000 Pete the Potential Paralympian
- selected as a possibility for the Sydney Paralympic Team
- assessed to see if he could compete as a Grade One horse
- passed with flying honours but rejected through old injuries
- Pete's moment of glory was not to be!
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2001 RDA State Champion
In 2001, Pete achieved fame and was awarded the 'best horse' prize at the RDA QLD State Championships ridden by Dylan Cruikshanks
2006 Retirement
- Kick-starts his retirement by completing the Great Kilkivan Horse Ride, 30km over rugged terrain & finishes without any sign of discomfort or distress
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- Spends last 2 years living at RDAA President Philip Walliker's property
- Is ridden once or twice a week & enjoys his outings
- Bosses all the other 3 horses he lives with
- 2008 - Still going strong at 26!
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