Today we are meeting people involved in the Alice Springs branch of Riding for the Disabled (RDA). This community organisation was started over thirty years ago. It is based at the Alice Springs Show grounds near the dog club, at the foot of the West MacDonnell Ranges.
RDA provides riding therapy for people with disabilities and for children who experience a range of disadvantages. The aim of RDA is to improve the quality of people’s lives, improve physical skills, and help build people’s independence and confidence, through riding and through the trust they develop with the therapy horses.
From left – Karen, Mary, Steele and Lia
We hear from RDA manager Karen Eva Stirk, Lia Oliver who is studying to be a coach, and international Paraequestrian coach Mary Longden, who regularly visits the centre. They share some of the stories of riders involved in the program, including Karen’s daughter, Rebecca. We also hear from the horses and ponies that work for RDA, along the way!
Broadcasts: Tuesday 5 November 2013 at 5.30pm on 8CCC Community Radio 102.1FM (NT time) and streaming live on 8ccc.com.au/live
Repeated: Following Friday at 9am and Sunday at 5.00pm
Producer: Joy Taylor
More information:
Dirty Three with “Horse”
Bundy