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Riding for the Disabled Association of Victoria (RDAV) was founded in 1970 and, for over 50 years, we have been a community-driven not-for-profit that works with a wide range of disabilities to help build a special and meaningful bond with a horse.
Michael Field, who had read about and heard of Riding for the Disabled (RDA) when he lived in England, approached several individuals about the establishment of RDA in Victoria.
Public meetings were held during the year to gauge the depth of feelings. The first active group with a few riders was established in October at The Basin, known as the Wicks Group, at Woks Reserve. The founding members were Jeanette Erickson, Colin Williams and Michael Field.
The first official RDAV meeting was held in October at Marathon House, Toorak, chaired by Michael Field. That same month a public meeting was attended by 25 interested people where it was decided to form the Northern Metropolitan RDAV under Wendy Maplestone and Betty Wood’s guidance. Plans were made to start five riders in November, and for Yooralla Special School Balwyn children to commence in February 1973 at Betty Wood’s place at Templestowe.
Plans were made to start five riders in November, and for Yooralla Special School Balwyn children to commence in February 1973 at Betty Wood’s place at Templestowe.
Southern Metropolitan Group was started at Keysborough with 12 children from the Black Rock Autistic Centre.
The Adult Group, started by Jan Dobell-Brown at the Mounted Police Barracks in South Melbourne, rode every Wednesday.
By 1978 there were 16 groups established throughout Victoria with over 300 riders. Jan Dobell-Brown, the Honorary Secretary, was appointed as the first administrative officer to handle the increased workload and to enable ‘meaningful growth’ in the movement. Rent-free space was offered at Rattray House in Malvern.
The Instructor Qualification Scheme was initiated in Victoria. Jane Jones drew up a Proficiency Certificate for use at Benalla and it was on these documents that the later National Proficiency Certificates were based.
By 1979 there were 19 affiliated groups catering for 500 riders.
By 1978 there were 16 groups established throughout Victoria with over 300 riders. Jan Dobell-Brown, the Honorary Secretary, was appointed as the first administrative officer to handle the increased workload and to enable ‘meaningful growth’ in the movement. Rent-free space was offered at Rattray House in Malvern.
The Instructor Qualification Scheme was initiated in Victoria. Jane Jones drew up a Proficiency Certificate for use at Benalla and it was on these documents that the later National Proficiency Certificates were based.
By 1979 there were 19 affiliated groups catering for 500 riders.
RDAV revised its Constitution and became Incorporated.
By 1988 92 groups were riding at 37 locations throughout the state, with 779 regular riders and 557 volunteers.
By 1988 92 groups were riding at 37 locations throughout the state, with 779 regular riders and 557 volunteers.
The RDAV office in Camberwell was open five mornings a week, with an Executive Officer and part-time assistant.
The training of instructors and checking of group standards were supervised by Chief Instructor Mary Longden and two assistant instructors Sue Haydon and Sally Francies, who worked part-time. There were now 111 qualified coaches in Victoria.
By 1990 Victoria had 837 riders and 535 volunteers. The state office moved in September to the Show Grounds at Ascot Vale. A new integration program was established and funded by Vic Health.
By 1990 Victoria had 837 riders and 535 volunteers. The state office moved in September to the Show Grounds at Ascot Vale. A new integration program was established and funded by Vic Health.
The position of Executive Director was created. By this time there were 956 riders, 671 volunteers and 156 coaches, 43 centres, and 250 horses. There was a waiting list of 179. Requests for riding places increased by 39% due to heightened public awareness.
In 2001 there is 37 branches and 1200 riders. Events included State Games Day Meltong and State Camp Barnsdall. This was the year that RDAV celebrated its 30th anniversary. Hours of service by RDAV Volunteers grew to 137,000 per year.
A mobile unit operates with a brand new 4-horse truck at Caulfield Race Course. South Melbourne now uses a Mobile unit due to the retirement of police horses.
In 2003 there were 1,100 riders at 38 branches. Hippotherapy, Carriage Driving and Vaulting continue to run successful programs. RDAV’s office is now located at Moorabbin.
In 2003 there were 1,100 riders at 38 branches. Hippotherapy, Carriage Driving and Vaulting continue to run successful programs. RDAV’s office is now located at Moorabbin.
