Joanna Tucker, Yorke Peninsula Country Times

Riding for the Disabled’s Yorke Peninsula centre is on the comeback trail after last year being near the brink of collapse.

The RDA’s Kadina base was in danger of closing due to a lack of volunteers after the Covid-19 pandemic.

But, after a period in recess, the team has secured a $10,000 Federal Government grant via non-profit organisation the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal to support the re-establishment of the group.

Some funds from the grant will initially enable horses to be transported from other areas to the site just outside of Kadina each fortnight.

RDA executive officer Linda Taylor said the grant had been crucial for the group to restart.

“Our horses are the centre of what we do, and we are so thrilled to have financial support,” Ms Taylor said.

“We need to start slowly, which involves bringing horses and a coach into the Yorke Peninsula centre from our other locations — this comes at a cost.”

RDA operations manager Amber Pyle said, during the school holidays, horses would be brought to the centre to readapt to the surroundings.

“There are a lot of moving parts that we’ve been working through, and we’re now in those final weeks of preparation,” Ms Pyle said.

“Initially, we’ll be starting with a small team of horses and volunteers so it’s manageable.

“With support from the local community, we’re hoping that we can then move towards building back to a larger program.”

RDA staff are in the process of contacting previous riders to organise their return, as well as taking new inquiries from people with a disability who are interesting in joining the program.

The group is also still searching for a dedicated coach for the centre.

The program, which is completely run by volunteers, had been operating on the Copper Coast for 19 years before the recent recess.

There is a wide range of activities that willing volunteers can do, and Ms Pyle welcomes anyone interesting in joining.

To volunteer, contact the YP centre’s Facebook page.

How you can help

The RDA offers various fundraising programs that allow people to get involved with the centre and support activities for people with disabilities.

The Our Horse Sponsorship Program allows businesses and community organisations to help look after a horse for $250 a month. Sponsorship goes towards essential costs such as feed and vet care. Donors are invited to the centres, recognised on social media, and provided with personalised information and photos of their horse.

Donations are also welcomed at rdasa.org.au/donations-2.

This article appeared in the Yorke Peninsula Country Times, 9 July 2024.