Valley Riding Develops Abilities

A huge thank you to ABC Gold Coast Morning presenter Nicole Dyer for giving us the opportunity to share our story with the local community.

We were able to put the call out for new remedial riding horses, riders, volunteers and sponsors, with enquiries already coming through. It’s a wonderful reminder of the power of community and the support behind Valley Riding Develops Abilities. If you’d like to support our mission, you can donate through our GoFundMe, linked at the top of our Instagram page.

Again Thank you, Nicole and ABC Radio National, for helping us spread the word.

Happy Selfie Day and Social Media Day!

We asked our horses to strike a pose, and we think they nailed it.

Behind every selfie is a very special horse helping children and young adults with disabilities experience the joy of riding. Our horses do so much more than carry riders. They help change lives, one ride at a time.

Meet Victor, one of the gentle legends of Valley RDA.

Gifted to our centre 18 years ago, Victor has spent decades helping riders build confidence, balance and independence. Known for his calm nature and cheeky habit of sticking his tongue out when he’s relaxed, Victor has been a trusted partner to so many riders over the years.

Formerly known as Maltese Loveable on the racetrack, Victor now spends his days doing something even more special, changing lives one ride at a time.

At RDA, time with the horse is just the start of the benefits riders gain.

Our programs can help riders improve balance, strengthen muscles, increase coordination and range of motion, support respiration and build sensory integration skills - all while having fun with horses.

To learn more about riding with RDA head to:
https://www.rda.org.au/ride-with-rda/

RIDER PROFILE | Meet Xander. For the past 8 years, Fridays have meant one thing for Xander, horse riding. And if he’s paired with Nugget, even better. Riding helps strengthen Xander’s core, improve flexibility through his hips and legs, and build confidence, but most importantly, it makes him happy.

From sword games and ring challenges to his favourite, What’s the Time Mr Wolf?, Xander loves every moment in the saddle, especially when he gets to zoom away on Nugget before he gets caught. We’re so proud of the progress Xander has made and love seeing the joy riding brings him each week.

We’re celebrating Nature Photography Day this week by sharing a collection of stunning images captured by our volunteers, showcasing the local wildlife that peacefully shares the paddocks with our horses. It is a quiet reminder of how closely connected life is in this space and how much beauty surrounds us every day.

RIDER PROFILE | Lloyd has been riding with us for 12 years, first joining at just 4 years old, and has grown alongside the horses, volunteers, and community that support him each week. Riding is a highlight for Lloyd not only for the connection with the horses and volunteers, but also as an important form of therapy that supports his hips and core strength.

He especially loves his favourite horse Nugget, along with games like What’s the Time Mr Wolfie, bean bag, dice, and sword activities, and he always enjoys riding alongside his favourite volunteers Luiz and Gail.

Celebrating an incredible milestone, 11 years of riding with us for Lucas.

When Lucas first started at Valley Riding Develops Abilities, he couldn’t sit upright for an entire lesson and would often rest on his horse’s neck. Today, he rides confidently throughout his sessions and even trots on his favourite horse, Sir Victor, who has been by his side for the entire journey.

To mark the occasion, Lucas enjoyed a horseshoe cake, one final ride on the horse that started it all, and a special farewell surrounded by his family, friends and the RDA community. A wonderful celebration of determination, growth and the bond between horse and rider.