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.

The Special Olympics Australia IX National Games, the sporting competition for athletes with an intellectual disability, will take place in Adelaide, South Australia in April 2010.

Riding for the Disabled SA is pleased to present the demonstration sport for the Special Olympics Australia IX 2010 National Games. RDA will have 26 athletes from QLD, WA, NSW, VIC and SA competing in four equestrian events:

English Equitation Prix Caprilli (Dressage over poles) Texas Barre Working Trails

Equestrian events will take place over three days and athletes will participate in Opening and Closing Ceremonies and special event dinners. Tickets for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Special Olympics must be purchased before 11 January 2010. You will not be able to buy tickets on the day.

To buy tickets go to the Special Olympics website http://www.specialolympics.com.au and download the Families, Friends & Supporters Guide which includes a booking form for tickets.

For further information on this wonderful event click on:
Special Olympics Fact Sheet and Special Olympics Timetable

For further information on Special Olympics visit RDA’s dedicated page at: http://http://www.rda.org.au/special-needs-games.aspx

The PETstock/RDAA Young Coach Development Program was held on 12-15 Nov 2009, VIC., attended by 13 young RDA Coaches from RDA Centres across Australia.

As a result of this intensive 4 day program young coaches were able to complete and fast track their qualifications to the next level:

• 3 young coaches completed their OTC Level
• 8 young coaches completed their Level 1
• 2 young coaches working on their Level 2

RDAA would like to thank the PETstock Foundation for its generous sponsorship and support of this exciting new pilot program.

Horse Talk TV is Australia's ONLY show on free-to-air TV dedicated to horses and is hosted by horse trainer Katie Hickson. Horse Talk TV, launched on 14 Oct 2009 airs nationally on TVS Sydney, C31 Melbourne, QCTV Brisbane, C31 Adelaide and WTV Perth.

The show is an entertaining mix of interviews, horse stories, product reviews, and info segments such as "Tip of the Week". The TV show is supported by an interactive web site with video pod casts, viewer competitions like "Make My Horse a Star" and a free members' video page. Visit http://www.horsetalktv.com.au

Horse Talk TV - Station & Times Air Time

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.

Every three years FRDI (International Federation for Riding for the Disabled) holds an International Congress for Therapeutic Riding, which features the latest research and development results. The congress is a unique opportunity which brings the world together to spearhead and promote equine-assisted activities. It is also a unique opportunity to meet and network with people across the world and find out what’s happening in other countries.

At this year’s 2009 Congress, RDAA presented an Expression of Interest (EOI) for Australia to host the 2015 FRDI International Congress of Therapeutic Riding.

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

RDA Australia is appalled at the tragic loss of lives, property and animals that have occurred as a result of the bush fires in Victoria and offers its deepest condolences to those that have suffered losses.

To accommodate horses displaced by the fires, RDA Australia has made available the property, Dover Park, at Diggers Rest, Victoria for temporary agistments. For further information please contact:

RDAA National Office
T: 03 9731 7388
F: 03 9731 7379
E: admin@rda.org.au

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