RDA Kendall - About Us

About Us

Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) uses the connection between people and horses to support people with disability through equine-assisted activities.

RDA Kendall is proud to be part of the RDA NSW network, bringing these opportunities to the Camden Haven and surrounding communities.

Guided by Purpose
We proudly share the mission of RDA Australia: “To provide equine assisted activities for people with disabilities to develop and enhance abilities.” This reflects our focus on ability, inclusion, and personal growth. The name RDA is most often known as Riding for the Disabled Association, but it can also be understood as Riding Develops Abilities — a phrase that highlights achievement, progress, and growth.

Our Commitment
We believe in the power of horses to enrich lives. Our vision is a community where people with disability can grow in confidence, connection, and ability — supported through meaningful horse-based experiences.

This vision drives every program we deliver, every volunteer who gives their time, and every partnership we build. It is about more than riding — it is about belonging, achievement, and inclusion.

Who We Are ⬇️

RDA Kendall was established more than 30 years ago and continues today with the purpose that has guided Riding for the Disabled from the beginning — providing opportunities for people with disability to experience the benefits, enjoyment and connection that come from working with horses.

RDA Kendall is a registered charity, run entirely by volunteers and supported by participants’ families, sponsors and the wider community.

Mission, Vision &Values ⬇️

Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) NSW operates as a registered charity supported by volunteers, providing therapeutic, recreational and sporting programs for individuals with disabilities.

Our Mission: To provide horse-related activities that enrich the lives of people with disabilities.

Our Vision: To be the equestrian organisation of choice for people with disabilities in NSW, acknowledged as the benchmark in service delivery and standards by its stakeholders.

Our Values

Person-centered — Inclusive — Enriching — Enabling — Respectful — Fun — Valued

What We Do ⬇️

We support people with disabilities to build confidence, skills, connection and enjoyment through interaction with horses.

What we do is not simply about riding lessons. It is about helping participants build confidence, develop skills, experience connection and enjoy the benefits that can come from spending time with horses.

Activities may include mounted and unmounted horse-related activities, horse care, communication activities and other experiences with horses.

Each activity is adapted to suit the participant’s individual needs, abilities and confidence level.

Sessions are supported by trained coaches and volunteers, who work together to guide and assist participants in a safe, calm and welcoming environment, encouraging each participant to progress at their own pace and valuing every achievement — large or small.

Why It Matters ⬇️

We believe in the quiet strength of horses and the powerful bond that forms between horse and participant.

Each session is an opportunity for growth — whether it is a first smile in the saddle, balance regained through practice, confidence built around a horse, or a goal achieved through persistence.

Every participant matters. Together, we help create a place where people can feel supported, included and encouraged to achieve in their own way.

How We Operate ⬇️

Behind every ride, every smile and every achievement is a team of volunteers, supporters and community members helping make it possible.

RDA Kendall is a volunteer-run, self-funded Centre. We receive no regular government funding and rely on donations, sponsorship, fundraising, grants and local community support to keep the Centre operating.

Volunteers contribute across every area, from coaching, horse handling and horse care to administration, fundraising, maintenance and behind-the-scenes support.

RDA Australia History ⬇️

Riding for the Disabled began in the United Kingdom, where the benefits of horse riding for people with disabilities were recognised and developed through organised programs.

In Australia, the movement began in 1964, when Peter and June McIntyre established the first riding classes for people with disabilities on their property near Brisbane, Queensland.

The idea grew from a simple but powerful belief that horses could help people with disability build confidence, strength, coordination, independence and enjoyment.

RDA programs soon spread across Australia. In New South Wales, Pearl Batchelor OAM played an important role in establishing Riding for the Disabled NSW in 1972.

Today, that same belief continues through RDA Centres across New South Wales and Australia, where local volunteers, trained coaches and carefully chosen horses carry the work forward in their own communities.

RDA Kendall History⬇️

RDA Kendall has been part of the Camden Haven community for more than 30 years. From humble beginnings in 1994, the Centre began with riding classes in at Summerland in the Batar Creek area. Over the years, RDA Kendall operated from several locations as the Centre continued to grow and develop. In 2016, the Centre moved to Kendall Showground.

In 2020, it was required to leave the Showground and remove its facilities, resulting in a 2 year hiatis with the seven RDA horses being placed in temporary homes until new premises were found.

Due to the generosity of a local farmer a new 10-acre home was subsequently established at Old Coach Road, Batar Creek.

After considerable work by volunteers and supporters, riding classes recommenced in May 2022.

Today, RDA Kendall continues its long tradition of bringing together people, horses and volunteers in a supportive and inclusive environment.

RDA Moving to Batar Creek