Mudgee Riding For the Disabled culminated its fourth year of riding activities and equine therapy for disabled children and adults last week.
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In ideal riding weather, Mudgee Showground’s large arena was again a perfect venue.
Parents, carers and visitors watched riders from local schools and the community taking part in lesson activities, and each group’s Riding Show.
The riders were judged on their seat or riding posture, riding skill and the rider’s engagement with their mount.
The RDA Shows were organised by Volunteer Melissa Kay and judged by Mr Ross Hull of Mudgee.
At the completion of each Show, riders were awarded a certificate of participation, a blue ribbon and a medallion.
The RDA volunteers, parents and carers were rewarded by the student’s obvious delight and beaming smiles.
The group thanked the show supporters - Mr Dykes Trophies, Mudgee Show Society and Print Storm.
Since 2012, RDA has provided equestrian activities for children and adults with disabilities in Mudgee.
The group now runs four sessions each Wednesday at the Mudgee Showground, with three children’s sessions attended by students from Mudgee High School, Mudgee Public School and Cudgegong Valley Public School, and an adult session.
Riding for the Disabled is funded by donations and is run by trained volunteers using specially selected horses.
RDA has shown that it provides physical and psychological benefits to riders through the stimulation and enjoyment they get from participation.