5 minute read
RIDING FOR THE DISABLED: Bringing connectivity to participants, volunteers and horses
Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) is one of Australia’s 81 sporting bodies who has signed on to the National Integrity Framework. Operating since the early 1970s, their centres, like many sporting clubs across the country, are great places for people to gather and be connected to community.
Their focus is delivering equestrian sports to bring connectivity between participants, volunteers and horses.
“There is an incredible bond between the horse and our riders and that special bond brings amazing outcomes,” says Justin Dent, Executive Officer, Riding for the Disabled.
“First words, previously unseen reactions or a sudden willingness to try something that was determined ‘impossible’ are all reactions and outcomes that we’ve routinely seen across Australia in our programs, for many people, across many years.”
Justin explains that for many of their riders the horse can take them to places they couldn’t go themselves in a way that encourages learning, engagement and the courage to take on new challenges.
“RDA centres bring outcomes to our riders that sometimes they or their family didn’t think were possible,” he says. “The fact those outcomes are possible in RDA means they could be possible in other parts of life too.”
We believe in the principles of the Framework that govern sport and we wish to advocate for best practice in our sport and all sports.
We chat to Justin about his role, why RDA signed up to the National Integrity Framework and how a national approach such as this is helping them to keep their sport safe.
Tell us a little bit about yourself, your role at Riding for the Disabled and what has attracted you to that sport.
I took on the role of Executive Officer in January 2023, having previously spent seven years in the same role at our South Australian state office. Prior to RDA, I spent almost 12 years in Australian Rules Football, in both development and administrative roles across elite and community football. I spent some time working in the disability sector, managing partnerships and relationships at a large provider, and gained a far deeper understanding of how community partnerships and individuals can work with, and can significantly benefit the lives of, people living with disability.
Having a good understanding of the impact that sporting clubs have in establishing connections and leading community and an understanding of the benefits of a more inclusive society, I was drawn to RDA as I saw this as the blending of two halves of my previous experience. My passion is for RDA to be welcoming and driven to provide as much service to our communities as our resources can handle.
Why did Riding for the Disabled sign on to the National Integrity Framework?
RDA is a firm believer in the principles of the National Integrity Framework. Our organisation has always been driven to be inclusive and safe and we believe that all sporting communities should be the same. There are parts of the Framework that are not as relevant to us on a day-to-day basis, as our sport is generally not delivered in a competitive environment and our focus is not necessarily on elite pathways, however we believe in the principles of the Framework that govern sport and we wish to advocate for best practice in our sport and all sports.
How had your sport handled integrity related issues previously?
Integrity matters in RDA have in part been handled centrally. We’ve had a National Members Protection Policy that has covered some of these matters in a structured and coordinated way, but not to the depth that the National Integrity Framework provides. Safeguarding matters have always been a high priority for us, but these have generally been driven and resourced at state member level. The National Integrity Framework allows us to streamline and nationalise our processes.
Do you have a dedicated integrity employee/resource?
We don’t have a dedicated resource but as a member of the Australian Sporting Alliance for People with Disability (ASAPD) we have recently been funded for a joint resource. This is an exciting step forward for us and all members of ASAPD and we look forward to making good steps forward in this space in the next 12 months.
What is your current integrity focus at Riding for the Disabled?
Our major integrity focus is, and will continue to be, safeguarding, both for children and all vulnerable people that we support and engage in our communities.
For more information about the National Integrity Framework go to the Sport Integrity Australia website. www.sportintegrity.gov.au/what-we-do/national-integrity-framework
ANGEL’S JOURNEY
In Justin’s role he is lucky to meet some truly amazing and inspirational people from across Australia. He recently met Angel and his family who are about to embark on 3,500km journey down the east coast of Australia to raise awareness and funds for RDA.
Supported by his parents, Angel and his horse Pippin will be riding the National Track to motivate other young people to get out and do the things that they love to do and inspire people with disability to do something adventurous and challenging.
“Angel was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at birth and given very little chance of living, let alone given a chance to live a full and engaged life,” Justin says.
“His mum was determined and sought a range of therapy options when he was young, doing whatever she could to support Angel and upon the recommendation of a specialist she started him doing horse riding to help build up his core strength.
“She says it has been one of the most beneficial therapies he’s undertaken to help him physically but also its significantly helped his emotional wellbeing and given him exposure to experiences and challenges that he’s thrived on.
“Angel has chosen to partner with RDA so that through funds raised and awareness of our cause, we can then help lots of people with a disability across Australia to experience horse riding and learn to love it like he does.”
