Joining the Program

RDA Barwon provides riding lessons for children with a diverse range of disabilities. While the focus is on equestrian skills; core strength, muscle tone, balance, cognitive and speech development and social interaction are all part of the experience.

A lesson usually involves riding challenges, basic dressage, grooming, horseback games and sometimes concludes with a short trail ride.

Barwon accepts children only aged 5-18.

Recognising those that support RDA Barwon.

• Uniform Group,
• Bendigo Bank,
• Geelong Connected Communities,
• Anthony Costa Foundation,
• Geelong Community Foundation,
• Vera Moore Foundation,
• Wallington Equestrian Centre,
• Barwon Heads Hotel,
• All Saints Anglican Op Shop,
• The Men’s Shed Clifton Springs and Queenscliff,
• Rotary Ocean Grove,
• DOVE
• and many private supporters.

Waiting List: Enquires Welcome.

• Lesson Fees: $0 (Fully subsidised by generous donors)
• Length of Lesson: 1 hour
• Operating times 
  Thursday morning 
  Friday morning
  During school terms
• Weight Restrictions: 60 kg
• Waiting List: 1-2 years
  
  

Volunteering

RDA Barwon has forty plus volunteers who come to help out. As lessons are volunteer intensive, RDA Barwon is always on the lookout for more volunteers. A training day is held each February for all volunteers, as well as continued training throughout the year. RDA Barwon prides itself on being a friendly and inclusive group. There are coffee mornings, an end-of-year celebration for our riders, and a  Christmas break-up for the volunteers.