RDA Top End Needs Horses

We’re always on the lookout for the right horses to support our equine-assisted programs. If you have a horse that fits the criteria below, we’d love to hear from you.

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Size

We’re looking for ponies and horses of solid build in the following height ranges:

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Pony – preferably solid build

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13 – 13.3hh – preferably solid build

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14 – 14.3hh – preferably solid build

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15 – 15.3hh – preferably solid build

Weight carriers are preferred. Ideal breeds or types include:

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Welsh / Gypsy Cob

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Quarter Horse

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Stock Horse

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Brumbies

Conformation

We prefer medium to solidly built horses.

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Ideal age: 7–12 years old

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Horses older than 14 will not be purchased

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Older horses may be considered on loan if the owner is happy to take them back upon retirement

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Horses under 5 cannot be considered

Age

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Must be 100% sound – RDA riders are often unbalanced, so horses need to compensate

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Horses with arthritis will only be considered on loan, and only if the arthritis doesn’t affect soundness

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Must have good, forward, and free movement

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Must walk, trot and canter at an even, steady, and controlled pace

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Should respond well to aids, but not be overly sensitive

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No pacers – the gait is unsuitable for RDA activities, including dressage and pole-work

Soundness & Movement

Temperament

We’re looking for horses with excellent temperaments. They should be:

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Easy-going and quiet-natured

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Unflappable and not easily spooked

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Friendly with people and other horses

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Comfortable around traffic, noise, sudden movement, and wildlife

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Safe and steady on-lead and off-lead with beginner riders

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Well-behaved with:

  • Floating
  • Injections
  • Grooming and tacking up
  • Hoof trimming
  • Leading and general handling
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Not suitable:

  • Horses that rear, buck, kick, or bite
  • Horses that are a bit girthy, bossy around food, or dislike worming may still be considered

Education

We prefer horses that are well-educated and experienced in various environments:

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Pony club, competitions, games, trail riding, etc.

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“Been-there-done-that” horses are ideal

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Schoolmasters or horses trained in English riding are preferred

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Trail riding or other disciplines also considered

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Green or uneducated horses may be accepted depending on temperament and trainability

All horses—whether purchased or donated—will receive a vet check before joining the program.


A 30-day trial period is preferred to assess suitability.



Horses at RDA Top End are cared for daily by our experienced Horse Manager and receive:

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Paddocks with companions or adjacent neighbours

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Large water troughs and appropriate shelter

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Daily hay and hard feed as needed

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Regular hoof trimming, worming, dental care, and vaccinations

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Veiling when required

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Annual professional saddle fitting

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Former owners will be contacted when a horse is retired or withdrawn from the program

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Veterinary care when needed

Care for Your Horse at RDA

We prefer medium to solidly built horses.

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We accept horses on lease or by purchase

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Horses from anywhere in the Top End are welcome

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Horses on lease will be covered by a signed agreement with annual reviews

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Long-term lease arrangements are preferred for consistency in our program

Lease or Purchase Options

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