Community
19 June, 2025
Volunteers help students saddle up
ANOTHER season of smiles has come to an end for the students taking part in Riding for the Disabled Association Victoria (RDA).
RDA Terang head coach Sally Watson said students at Hampden P-12 last week completed the first season for the year.
The program seeks to promote physical, social, psychological and education benefits for participants through equine therapy, with a team of dedicated volunteers taking the riders through an obstacle course – with coaching and support every step of the way.
“This season has gone really well,” Mrs Watson said.
“We were able to split the groups into two this year because we had 26 riders in all.
“We’ve had 12 riders for this group, and starting next week we’ll have 14 riders coming.
“They all get 10 rides each learning steering and all sorts of riding skills and concepts.
“They’ve all been really enjoying it.”
Mrs Watson said there was always a need for volunteers who could come along each Thursday morning to visit the Equestrian Centre at Glenormiston College and support the students through the program, particularly if they could bring along a horse.
“We’re always on the lookout for volunteers,” she said.
“Anyone who has some time on a Thursday morning, from about 9.30am to 12.30pm.
“They don’t have to have horse or disability knowledge, they’re training on the spot, and anybody is welcome.
“We always have a community lunch to share, and we like to try and have a good chat afterwards because it becomes a bit of a social event too.”
Anyone interested in learning more about volunteering can contact Mrs Watson directly on 0419 593 914 or via email at rdaterang@gmail.com.
Read More: Terang