Our Story
More Than Horse Riding
It's about growth, belonging, and possibility.
For over 40 years, RDA Carine has helped people of all abilities experience the life-changing connection between horse and human.
Through inclusive, horse-based programs, we support children, teens, and adults to build confidence, improve wellbeing, and find community.
Every movement, every session, every smile is made possible by our dedicated team of coaches, volunteers, horses, and supporters who share one belief: everyone deserves the chance to grow.
Our Programs
Programs that grow confidence, connection, and community.
RDA Carine offers a diverse range of programs that combine movement, learning, and social connection.
Each one is guided by accredited coaches and supported by trained volunteers.
Our core programs include:
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Rider Program – inclusive sessions tailored to individual goals and abilities
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Vaulting Program – movement and creativity through gymnastics-style activities on horseback
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Simulator Program – confidence and balance training using our mechanical horse
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Corporate Programs – team building and volunteering experiences for organisations
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School Holiday Program – fun, hands-on equine experiences for kids and teens
Each program builds confidence, communication, and connection — while promoting inclusion and wellbeing through horses.
Community Impact
Building ability, enriching lives.
Every year, RDA Carine supports hundreds of participants and their families through equine-assisted programs.
Our impact reaches far beyond the arena, improving physical ability, emotional wellbeing, and community inclusion.
Our work is made possible by the generosity of donors, sponsors, and volunteers who share our belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive.
What people are saying
See it in action
Meet Our Team
Management & Administration
Coaching
Management Committee
Our Horses
Our partners in every success story.
Our horses are specially chosen for their calm, kind, and responsive nature.
Each one is trained to work with riders of all abilities and plays a vital role in helping participants build trust, confidence, and independence.
They are supported by a dedicated horse-care team who ensure their health, happiness, and wellbeing.
Meet our Herd
Jester
Thoroughbred
Blue
Australian Riding Pony
Jay Jay
Clydesdale x Paint
Phoenix
Mini x Shetland Pony
Dust
Percheron x Thoroughbred
Kiwi
Standardbred
Annie
Clydesdale x Quarter Horse
Flash
Welsh Pony
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Kansas or Laz
Proudly supported by
Standardbred
Jack
Clydesdale / Percheron
Splash
Anglo Arab
Pablo
Clydesdale x Thoroughbred
Shadow
Clydesdale /
Percy
Australian Riding Pony
Whiskey
Clydesdale /
Horse Care
Horse Selection
The horses of RDA Carine are carefully chosen for their calm temperament, balanced movement, and willingness to connect with people.
Before joining the program, each horse completes a comprehensive assessment to ensure they can adapt to the varied needs of our participants and the busy, social environment of our centre.
Only horses who demonstrate patience, responsiveness, and a gentle nature are welcomed into the herd.
Training & Accreditation
Every horse undergoes extensive initial training before being introduced to participants. This process focuses on building trust, desensitisation to movement and sound, and responsiveness to a variety of handlers and equipment.
Our coaches continue to train and assess each horse throughout their working life, with regular accreditation and skill reviews to ensure ongoing suitability.
Training is designed not only to maintain physical fitness but also to support each horse’s mental wellbeing; keeping them confident, relaxed, and happy in their role.
Adaptability & Accessibility
Each horse at RDA Carine is trained to work safely with adaptive equipment and a range of mounting methods; from the ground, a ramp, or a hoist.
This flexibility allows riders to participate in ways that best support their balance, coordination, and confidence.
Our horses can switch seamlessly between different activities, from mounted sessions to groundwork and unmounted programs, always guided by accredited coaches and supported by volunteers.
Care & Welfare
We strive to provide the highest standard of care for every horse in our herd.
Our team works closely with veterinarians, dentists, and farriers to maintain each horse’s physical health, comfort, and wellbeing.
Every aspect of their care, from feed to exercise routines, is tailored to meet individual needs.
We monitor workload carefully to ensure no horse is overburdened, allowing them to thrive and enjoy their role.
Horse-Rider Matching
Matching the right horse with each participant is an essential part of our program.
When making pairings, our coaches consider factors such as rider weight, balance, posture, muscle tone, and required support equipment.
These factors influence how a horse moves and help us plan riding schedules that maintain their comfort and wellbeing.
RDA Carine coaches continually review each pairing to ensure safety and success. If a horse or participant’s needs change, we may transition the rider to our simulator or unmounted program to continue progress while protecting the welfare of both.
