RDA Carine

This National Volunteer Week, we celebrate the heart of RDA Carine — our amazing volunteers 💙🐴

Thank you for the time, care, energy, and compassion you give so generously every week. Whether you’re leading horses, supporting riders, helping behind the scenes, or simply offering encouragement and smiles, your contribution makes a lasting impact on our entire community.

Because of you, our riders grow in confidence, independence, and joy. Your dedication helps create a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.

We are incredibly grateful for each and every one of you. Thank you for making a difference and for being such an important part of the RDA Carine family 🌟

This visit from Basil Zempilas and Liam Staltari MLA concluded with a demonstration of our Simulator Gateway Program which is an important and growing part of what we offer at RDA Carine.

Proudly supported by Telethon7 Perth, the simulator provides a safe, controlled environment for participants to experience equine movement. It plays a key role as a gateway into our broader programs, particularly for those who may not yet be ready for mounted sessions.

It also allows us to maintain continuity and expand access, ensuring more people can benefit from the outcomes our programs deliver.

And yes, Liam gave it a try, highlighting how the simulator provides a safe and supportive starting point for many of our participants.

Donate: https://www.rdacarine.org.au/get-involved
Volunteer: https://www.rdacarine.org.au/volunteers
Ride: https://www.rdacarine.org.au/our-programs

OWN A HORSE FOR THE DAY SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAM

If you have ever wondered what owning a horse is like, this is the perfect opportunity to spend time with one of our herd under the supervision of RDA Carine Coaches and volunteers.

Learn all about horse behaviour, leading, grooming, tacking and feeding your horse. Learn basic groundwork and build a connection.

Be prepared for a day full of adventure and walking.

Dates: Wednesday 8th July and Wednesday 15th July

Time: 9am to 3pm

Cost: $147.00

Register here: https://ridingforthedisabledassociationaustralia.snapforms.com.au/form/day-camp-application—july-2026

A key part of visits like this is the opportunity to hear directly from the people who make RDA Carine what it is, our families and volunteers.

Parents shared not only the value they receive from the program, but also some of the challenges they face supporting a person living with disability or navigating mental health needs. These conversations are important and help shape how we continue to improve and adapt our programs.

We also have the chance to highlight the role of our volunteers. Their consistency, care, and commitment are at the heart of every session, helping to create an environment where participants feel safe, supported, and connected.

RDA Carine is built on this community.

Donate: https://www.rdacarine.org.au/get-involved
Volunteer: https://www.rdacarine.org.au/volunteers
Ride: https://www.rdacarine.org.au/our-programs

Last week’s visit gave us the opportunity to showcase our programs in action and the work that takes place each week at RDA Carine.

From mounted sessions through to groundwork and tailored supports, our programs are designed to meet participants where they are, supporting the development of strength, coordination, confidence, and independence over time.

What’s often not seen is the level of planning, care, and consistency behind every session. Our coaches and volunteers work together to create a safe and supportive environment where participants can build skills at their own pace.

At its core, our work is about building capacity, helping individuals grow in confidence, connection, and ability.

Donate: https://www.rdacarine.org.au/get-involved
Volunteer: https://www.rdacarine.org.au/volunteers
Ride: https://www.rdacarine.org.au/our-programs

Last week, we had the pleasure of welcoming Basil Zempilas and Liam Staltari MLA to RDA Carine.

The visit provided an opportunity to see our programs in action and experience first-hand the impact of our work within the community. Across the morning, they were able to observe sessions, connect with our volunteers, and hear directly from parents and riders.

These conversations offered valuable insight, not only into the outcomes our programs deliver, but also into the realities faced by families supporting a person living with disability or navigating mental health challenges. The perspectives shared reinforced the importance of accessible, community-based programs that build capacity, connection, and confidence.

We play a vital role in this space, and it was important to showcase both the impact of our work and the broader context in which our families live.

The visit concluded with a demonstration of our state-of-the-art simulator, proudly supported by Telethon7 Perth. Liam also took the opportunity to jump on and give it a try, gaining an even greater appreciation for how this program integrates with our mission to build capacity, connection, and confidence.

Thank you to Basil, Liam, and all those who took the time to engage so openly throughout the visit.

Donate: https://www.rdacarine.org.au/get-involved
Volunteer: https://www.rdacarine.org.au/volunteers
Ride: https://www.rdacarine.org.au/our-programs

Last week, Executive Officer Andrew and Head Coach Sarah were invited to attend the 52nd birthday celebration of the Rotary Club of Karrinyup.

The evening was filled with reflection, community spirit, and a celebration of over five decades of impact.

We are incredibly proud of Sarah, who was recognised as a local hero for her outstanding service to the community. She was awarded the Michael Chin Award and appointed as a Paul Harris Fellow, recognitions that speak to her dedication, leadership, and the difference she makes through her work at RDA Carine.

While this recognition is awarded to Sarah, it also reflects the strength of the volunteer community that surrounds her. At RDA Carine, we are fortunate to have a team of volunteers who consistently go above and beyond to support our riders, families, and programs each week.

Sarah’s recognition is a testament not only to her individual contribution, but to the culture of commitment, care, and community that defines RDA Carine.

Stronger together!

For this week’s , we’re celebrating the wonderful collaboration across our RDA community.

Recently, RDA WA coaches took part in a two-day professional development program hosted by RDA Capricorn, with RDA BrookValley Farm, RDA Brigadoon and Riding for the Disabled Assoc of Western Australia - Carine Group Inc. among the centres attending.

The program included collaborative learning, riding sessions so coaches could experience the client perspective, and the sharing of creative ideas for lesson activities and obstacle courses.

Well done to everyone involved! 🐎🤍

Wishing all our riders, families, volunteers, and supporters a joyful and peaceful Easter.

This special time of year reminds us of kindness, connection, and the joy of spending time with those around us—values that are at the heart of everything we do at RDA Carine. We are incredibly grateful for the dedication, generosity, and spirit that each of you brings to our centre.

May your Easter be filled with happiness, laughter, and a little bit of chocolate too!

Thank you for being part of our journey. 💛🐴

Happy Easter from everyone at RDA Carine