Informative Visit to RDA Carine 2025
The Riding for the Disabled Association of Western Australia – Carine Group combines the transformative power and therapeutic effects of horse riding. This is achieved by the provision of equestrian activities that expand horizons, develop abilities, and enrich the lives of individuals with disabilities and special needs. This not-for-profit organisation has been in operation for 40 years, providing meaningful and therapeutic riding experience with horses for children, teens and adults with a wide range of disabilities and mental health conditions.
The Rotary Club of Karrinyup has been privileged to support RDA Carine for over twenty years. Recently, Karrinyup Rotary members Jenni Wilke, Ross Daniel, Paul Callery, Florence Bone, Jane Wake, Murray Jorgensen, Ray Richards, Merveen Cross, John Thraves, Sandra McGuire and Eddy Giacomel, together with Rotary Youth Exchange student Feli were given an eye-opening tour of the facilities.
An outstanding feature of the RDA facilities is the large steel roof over the arena, which replaces the fragile shadecloth shelter previously installed. Led by builder Ross Daniel, together with engineer Stuart Stone, the club was integral in providing the leadership, advice, consultancy and technical expertise to convert RDA's need for an all-weather facility into a proposal that could be submitted for both approval and funding. This facility was opened in 2019.
The Rotarians also toured the stables, tack room, arena, paddocks, training rooms and riding simulator. This was an opportunity to see firsthand how RDA’s supportive environment, involving mounted and unmounted sessions, build balance, confidence and connection for the participants in RDA’s programs.
Another feature of the facilities is a state-of-the-art mechanical horse, which introduces riders to the sensations of riding a horse through motion control features and feedback sensors. This mechanical horse or riding simulator (affectionately known as Liquorice) is one of only a handful in Australia and was imported from England at a cost of well over $100,000. The simulator was an eye-opener as to what modern technology can achieve in assisting users with a range of requirements.
Members described this as an excellent visit, saying it was good to go back to an organisation that we have supported for so long and see what has been achieved. They were particularly impressed with the enthusiasm and plans being developed by the new Executive Officer, Andrew Findlay.
Karrinyup Rotary is proud to support this unique organisation where more than a hundred volunteers contribute their time each week. A project team from the club is currently working with the City of Stirling Council to see how we can assist in developing an inclusive playground in the area adjacent to the centre.
