Riding for the Disabled Association Top End
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RDA Top End needs horses

Horse requirements RDA Top End - Printable
Size  
  • Pony – preferably solid build 
  • 13 – 13.3hh – preferably solid build 
  • 14 – 14.3hh – preferably solid build 
  • 15 – 15.3hh – preferably solid build  
Conformation  
  • Weight carriers preferred - conformation like Welsh/Gypsy Cob, Quarter horse, stock horse, brumbies. 
  • Medium to solidly built preferred.  ​
Age  
  • Ideal age between 7 - 12 years old 
  • No older than 14 if being purchased.  
  • Older horses on loan ok if owner happy to have back when time for retirement. 
  • Horses under 5 years of age can’t be considered.  ​
​
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  
  • 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.  
Contact Details  
Natasha Screpante, Horse Manager
​Email: see attached document


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  • Home
  • About Us
  • Lessons
  • Volunteering
  • Our Sponsors
  • Become a sponsor
  • Contact
  • Horses wanted