RDA Top End needs horses
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Age
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Soundness & movement
- Horse needs to be 100% sound – RDA riders are often unbalanced, and horses need to be able to compensate for that.
- Older horses with arthritis may not be suitable for RDA, it will depend on the severity of the arthritis and the effect on the horse. A horse with arthritis will only be considered if offered on loan. Not as a sale or donation.
- Good, forward movement is important, so our riders can progress on it. Slow moving and often stopping horses are frustrating for our riders and they will stop trying.
- Free movement and responsive to aids, but preferably not too sensitive to aids.
- Ability to walk, trot and canter at an even, steady, controlled speed and not rushing or taking off.
- No pacers, this movement is not beneficial for RDA riders and limits the ability to perform a dressage test or do pole-work.
Temperament
- Nice temperament is essential.
- Easy going.
- Quiet nature – unflappable and not easily spooked.
- Good with people.
- Good with other horses.
- Good with traffic.
- Good with noise.
- Good with unexpected movement around them.
- Good with wildlife.
- Good on-lead and off-lead with beginner riders.
- Good with floating.
- Good with injections
- If spooked, a small shy only and quick recovery important, not freaking out for long and/or jumping sideways large or taking off.
- Well-mannered on the ground with handling, grooming, tacking up, leading, riding, etc
- No horses that have reared, buck, kick, or bite.
- Horses that are a bit girthy, are a bit bossy whilst eating, don’t like to be wormed, etc will still be considered.
- Reasonably good with floating and hoof trimming.
Education
- Preference to a well-educated horse with a lot of experience in different areas: pony club, games, competition, trail rides, etc – a ‘been-there-done-that-attitude’ is ideal.
- School master and/or educated in English riding school preferred.
- Trail ride or other discipline horse considered.
- Green or uneducated horses may not be considered, depending on their temperament, suitability and trainability for the RDA program.
Care for your horse at RDA
- All horses, purchased or donated, will be vet checked prior.
- Preference to have horse on a 30 days trial as only during a trial period will it be more evident if suitable for the RDA program.
- Horses are being looked after by the experienced RDA Horse Manager.
- Horses are either paddocked with others or on their own in paddocks adjacent to each other.
- All paddocks have large drinking troughs. Horses are cared for daily and will receive hay and hard food, depending on their needs.
- Horses are veiled when required.
- Horses receive regular hoof care and worming.
- Horses receive annual dental care.
- Horses receive regular vaccinations.
- Horses receive annual professional saddle fitting/checking.
- Horses will receive veterinary care when required.
- Previous owners will be contacted when the horse will be retired or otherwise terminated from the RDA program.
Other
Natasha Screpante, Horse Manager
Email: see attached document
- We consider purchase or horses on loan.
- We consider horses everywhere in the Top End.
- Agreement to be signed for horses on loan, with annual review in place.
- Horses on long loan preferred due to consistency offered to our riders.
Natasha Screpante, Horse Manager
Email: see attached document