Year of commencement 2008
Many years ago Wayne Sharpe, our Centre’s President, began to ride with Robin Cameron. In 1996 this was formalised into RDA lessons and Wayne and Robin attended many region, state and national RDA competitions until 2003.
In 2008 the first general meeting was held to re-form RDA New England Centre which is now based monthly at the local community Kennedy St Equestrian Centre and open to all members from around our region.
Year of commencement 1985
Our Motto is “Reach for the Stars”
Founded in 1985 by Mrs Norma Roberts who still coaches at Coona.
From our inaugural meeting on Nov 4th 1985, we have soldiered on through wet seasons, droughts, recession, shortage of volunteers and sometimes even resorting to horseless lessons!
After many years of being homeless, and working from various venues including private farmland and the Coona Showgrounds, we have finally found a home on the edge of the local racecourse.
Thanks to the kind donation from Coonabarabran Rifle Club we have a fabulous refurbished clubhouse and an amenities block gained mostly through the Working for the Dole program.
A Riding arena and 12 horse stable block was also gained from WFD program under the watchful eye of our intrepid building supervisor Mr Frans Talle BEM. Many local volunteers including Rotarians and Apexians have also augmented all these improvements.
Year of commencement 1986
Year of commencement 1993
As with all RDA NSW Centres, we are always looking for willing volunteers.
Working with RDA does not mean that you have to work with horses. There are many non-horse contact jobs to do.
Please contact us if you have the time and energy to help.
Year of commencement 1982
The Riding for the Disabled Association NSW Tamworth Centre is situated at 43 Marius Street Tamworth and has been in operation for over 40 years at 3 different locations before finally settling at our present site where we have been for the last 25 years.
Our 9 faithful horses are kept on the grounds and are cared for by volunteers. During the long breaks they go out to some of our volunteers’ farms.
Our Centre operates on Thursdays during school terms and is run by our hard-working committee and our wonderful volunteers.
Our participants are aged from 5 years up to late adulthood. They all have very individual needs with the majority of them participating in horse riding whilst some of the adults groom the horses. We also have a cart and sulky for harness rides.
The Centre has a sand arena approx. 24 x 9 metres. Some of our clients are given individual lessons in the arena and are progressing well. Riders undertake activities according to their individual ability.
There are three accredited coaches and two whips (for harness driving) who supervise all these activities at the Centre.
Morning tea and lunch are provided each Thursday by our wonderful catering ladies in a building located on the grounds, called ‘The Lodge’.
The Tamworth Centre provides great enjoyment to all our participants who always look forward to their weekly visits.