RURAL communities throughout the Western District are renowned for their volunteer spirit, and the boost this provides to the wellbeing of people who take the time to give back is well known.

And while the Covid disruptions of the past two years have put a spanner in the works for many local groups, one leading volunteer group plans to kick off again in the coming months.

Hamilton’s Riding for the Disabled (RDA) will recommence riding in term two, providing opportunities for local children and adults to enjoy the unique benefits RDA activities offer.

But to continue to run the best programs possible, and ease the burden on existing volunteers, the Hamilton RDA is warmly welcoming any member of the community with an interest in volunteering to get in touch. Volunteers with or without experience with horses are encouraged to get involved.

Coach Gesine Milne said the organisation provided unique opportunities for individuals with disabilities to enjoy horses in a safe and enjoyable manner.

“The benefits don’t end there though,” she said.

“The learning and development aspect is firmly embedded into our program.

“Our riders all have specific goals which they strive to achieve - overcoming difficulties and developing skills is much easier when you are having fun while you do it.”

Gesine said horse riding was an activity that was not easily accessible to everyone, and even less so for individuals with disabilities.

“Our volunteers are not only meticulously select the right horses for our activities, but they also work closely with our program participants on riding days and take care of the administrative tasks of our Centre,” she said.

It was not only participating riders who benefitted from the programs, but also the volunteers, who shared in the successes of the participants, she said.

Volunteers are provided with regular training and support, and simply require a Working with Children Check, with pathways laid out to enable coaching education for those interested in becoming a qualified RDA coach.

Another local person who has given their time to RDA is Gritjurk woolgrower and businessman Peter Small.

Marking a significant milestone, Peter will hang up his boots in our upcoming AGM, after two decades of holding the presidential reins of the community organisation.

“In over 20 years as president of RDA Hamilton, I have seen my principle task as to ensure the coaches and the volunteers are supported and well-resourced so that the most effective riding program possible is provided to young people with disabilities,” Peter said.

“The rewards to all RDA volunteers is seeing the joy in young riders and their families as the riders gain confidence and self-esteem.”

Also outgoing this year is secretary Carol Linke, following many years of dedicated service in the key role.

RDA’s annual general meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 16 at 7pm at the RDA Shed, at The Hamilton and Alexander College Equestrian Centre on North Boundary Rd.

The meeting will cover annual reports and the annual elections of officer bears, including president and secretary, with any interested members of the public encouraged to attend.

Emailed inquiries can be sent to secretary Carol Linke at carollinke10@gmail.com

For one Hamilton RDA family, the opportunities provided thanks - to the efforts of volunteers and the horses who make it all happen - for their son Johan have proved a welcome source of celebration and achievement.

Sam and Tara Modra started Johan on the RDA path back in 2014 when he began attending what is now the Hamilton Parklands School.

“We were immediately impressed with the caring and professional attitude of all the volunteers, and the obvious sheer amount of work that went on behind the scenes to make it all happen,” Tara said.

While she said the horses were all beautifully behaved and provided a wonderful physical and sensory experience for the participants, it was the changes in Johan himself that the experience provided that impressed the Modras most.

“As Johan grew and progressed, we saw his core and leg strength increase dramatically, with the volunteers and horses adapting to the changes,” Tara said.

“This included having to think outside of the box at times!

“Every milestone – such as like holding the reins independently or being able to hoist himself up onto the horse instead of being lifted on - was celebrated by all.”

Tara said this atmosphere and sense of achievement gave riders, volunteers and families a deep sense of satisfaction.

“RDA is a wonderful organisation and we can't wait for the Hamilton branch to be operational again.”