The Rotary Club of Karrinyup has been privileged to support Riding for the Disabled Association of Western Australia – Carine Group Inc. for the past 18 years.
RDA Carine combines the transformative power and therapeutic effects of horse riding. This is achieved by the provision of equestrian activities that expand the horizons, develop the abilities, and enrich the lives of individuals with disabilities and special needs.
RDA Carine has been working in the community for more than 45 years, supporting children and adults living with disabilities. They provide Equine Therapy and Hippotherapy (an ancient Greek term that literally means ‘treatment with horse’) assisted activities that help people with disabilities and special needs achieve goals that develop their abilities and enrich their lives.
The organisation is volunteer based, with 153 registered volunteers on its database. In addition, there are more than 160 clients registered at the centre. Riders’ ages range from four to 70, with a wide range of disabilities which include spina bifida, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy multiple sclerosis, vision impairments, intellectual disabilities, Down Syndrome and Autism.
Led by Rotary Club of Karrinyup members Ross Daniel and Stuart Stone, the club was integral in providing the leadership, advice, consultancy and technical expertise to convert RDA’s need for an all-weather facility into a proposal that could be submitted for approval and funding of the facility, which opened in 2019, and is now beautifully decorated by local Indigenous artists.
“There is no question that this arena provides an incredibly important place within the community and certainly in the life of our family. It has provided a safe covered space to utilise in winter and summer. For us this is particularly significant as James also has a lung defect and is on continuous prophylactic antibiotics.”
At the recent renaming ceremony to Dandjoo Koorliny, led by the RDA Committee and Wadjak Northside Community Centre elders Len Yarran and Oriole Green OAM, the Sinclair family told how the arena has provided an incredibly important place within the community and especially for their family.
“There is no question that this arena provides an incredibly important place within the community and certainly in the life of our family,” Fiona & Andrew Sinclair said.
“As you’re aware, our son James has been involved for nearly three years and the progress he has made has been unmistakable. He started RDA as a little boy who was severely traumatised by heart surgery, subsequent life-support – two times with emergency interventions – and so many other medical complications. When he first sat on a horse, he was terrified. Now, it’s the absolute joy of his week!
“The confidence it has given him is remarkable, but the physical therapy aspect has led to greater gross and fine motor skills, resulting in the ability to write his name just this past month. This is such a huge achievement. The smile on his face in this photo (below) says it all and he now happily sits, backwards, sideways, waves to me with both arms and can use reins.
“The arena has provided a safe covered space to utilise in winter and summer. For us this is particularly significant as James also has a lung defect and is on continuous prophylactic antibiotics. Being immune deficient and knowing that he is protected from the elements in winter has been a necessary and vital element to him riding. Words cannot begin to describe the difference Carine RDA has made to James and therefore, our lives also – thank you.
“And to now have our older son, Josh, involved in Horse Vaulting is just fabulous. He is thriving and has his sights set on the 2032 Olympics already! To have this available within our own community and be affordable, is such a privilege and an extraordinary gift.
“We realise this is only a small part of everything you do. Rotary truly does impact and change lives forever.”