Riding for the Disabled

The Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) is a voluntary, non-profit organisation which provides therapeutic riding instruction, carriage driving and horse management skills for people with disabilities. The RDA Raymond Terrace & Lower Hunter Centre enables people with disabilities throughout the Hunter Region to experience enjoyment, challenge and a sense of achievement through participation in horse riding activities that result in the development of life skills, improved quality of life and the attainment of personal goals.

The Raymond Terrace and Lower Hunter Centre focuses on our riders abilities. We constantly strive to encourage our riders to achieve and progress physically, socially, psychologically and educationally through our unique programs. We do this by challenging our riders on an individual basis, as each rider possesses a variety of abilities which we draw upon to expand their skill base, in both horse management and essential life activities. These essential skills include developing gross and fine motor skills, improving balance and muscle strength, improved confidence and a sense of independence, and a positive self concept. These opportunities do not exist outside the confines of RDA for the majority of our riders.

The Raymond Terrace and Lower Hunter Centre is one of 37 active centres under state administration (RDA NSW). We service Port Stephens, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock, Maitland, Dungog and Great Lakes shires.

We are located approximately 5 kms north of Raymond Terrace, on 30 acres of land leased from Hunter Water Corporation and Boral Pty Ltd.

There is a purpose built multi-function amenities block for people with disabilities, and an indoor riding arena for all weather riding.