Equestrian Australia and Riding for the Disabled Continue Partnership

Equestrian Australia (EA) is pleased to announce that it has renewed its partnership with the Riding for Disabled Association of Australia (RDA).

Under this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), EA and the RDA will join forces to assist riders with a disability to maximise opportunities available to them in Equestrian sport nationally.

EA and the RDA will explore and develop opportunities for co-operation between the two organisations, particularly in relation to the development and delivery of education resources, as well as the education of their members and the general public in all aspects of Equestrian sport, horse management and the Para classification of riders.

The partnership also represents other opportunities for collaboration including sharing of skills and knowledge associated with the development of Equestrian sport.

Comprehensive plans will be established to formalise pathways for Equestrian athletes with disabilities across all ages. Promotion of safe horse practices and rider, coach and official opportunities will also be a major focus for both organisations.

Equestrian Australia CEO Paula Ward said; “We look forward to continuing this important partnership with RDA and to building on initiatives that will benefit Equestrian sport as a whole and make it more inclusive for riders of all abilities.”

“RDA’s charter is to develop ability and enrich lives through specialised programs and relationships with horses and we strongly support their endeavours and will assist in every way we can,” said Ward.

Para Equestrian is currently a major component of EA’s High Performance strategy and program and the partnership with RDA will help provide riders with pathways that could lead to potential podium success in the long term.

In signing the MOU RDA Executive Officer Karen Aspery said; “Para equestrian dressage was first included in the Paralympics at the 1996 Atlanta Paralympics and it was with great joy that Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) sent the first Australian team of five riders.  Since that time, RDA has proudly supported the development of riders with disabilities in whatever their competition dreams may be. From 2009, Equestrian Australia took up the mantle of high performance for all equestrians and we are pleased today to acknowledge our support of EA’s strategies for building inclusive competition pathways for Para-equestrians. Education of coaches is an important foundation in the development of high performance athletes and this MOU also recognises where coaching practices can be aligned between equestrian organisations to promote safe horse practices and inclusive coaching methodology.  The partnership between RDA and EA, through this MOU, encourages co-operation and collaboration and can only enhance positive outcomes for riders with disabilities.”