Meet The Team
Riding and interaction with horses benefits both adults and children with a wide range of special needs. RDA horses are specially selected for their type and temperament – they must be physically sound and healthy as well as willing, steady and sensitive to the needs of their rider. Interaction with a horse and the effects of its movement on the human body has significant therapeutic benefits. As our four-legged therapists, RDA horses help their riders to develop, increase and improve:
PHYSICAL ABILITIES – muscle tone, balance, coordination, muscle strength, flexibility, fitness, posture, gait, respiration, circulation, metabolism, sensory perception and integration, independence, self-care and mobility.
PSYCHOLOGICAL ABILITIES – concentration, problem-solving and decision making, insight, motivation, self-esteem, confidence and learning/practicing concepts.
SOCIAL ABILITIES – communication and social skills, learning appropriate behaviour and manners, interaction with peers, human/animal contact and bonding, building relationships, consideration for others and taking on responsibility.
RECREATIONAL/SPORT/VOCATIONAL ABILITIES – equestrian skills and horse management, develop interests, broaden experiences, challenge and success in competition with self and others, stimulation and/or relaxation, integration and community participation.
The bond that an RDA horse forms with his/her rider is life-changing.
