RDA Cowra, which has been conducting its valuable program in the local community for over 25 years, currently has nearly 40 special needs riders registered.

Run entirely by volunteers, the program provides instruction in horse riding and associated equine skills on Wednesdays during school terms, as most of its participants are drawn from four local schools.

The program, which was introduced to Australia in 1972 from Europe where it originated in the 1950s, provides both therapeutic and recreational benefits to its participants from pre-school age right through to adults.

At the start of this financial year, RDA Cowra offered local businesses and organisations the opportunity to support the centre by sponsoring the wonderful horses and ponies used in the program.

RDA Cowra currently has eight horses which it owns or leases, as well as an additional four horses which are provided by their owners for use in the Wednesday sessions.

As you can imagine, for use by these special riders, the horses must be quiet and dependable and they all have to go through special training and assessment before they can be used in the RDA program.

RDA Cowra would like to express its sincere thanks and appreciation to the following businesses which have supported the horse sponsorship program for this financial year: Allan Gray & Co Pty Ltd; Balance Accountants & Advisers; Cowra Plaster Works; Garden & Montgomerie Solicitors; Geoff Day Optometrist; John Woods Motors; Jamiesons Joinery & Building Centre; Lachlan Fertilisers Rural (Delta Agribusiness); Marks Pumps; Ray White Real Estate Cowra; Railway Hotel Cowra and TJM Engines, Mechanical & Marine.

Some of the RDA Cowra riders are eagerly preparing for their participation in riding events at the Cowra Show and later in the year, the centre will hold an Open Day where parents, sponsors and members of the public will be invited to come along to see some of the activities, games and programs provided for our riders and help celebrate their achievements.