THE construction of more than a kilometre of fencing in its grounds will be a big boost for Bathurst Riding for the Disabled (RDA).
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The project received funding of $9000 from the NSW Government Community Building Partnership, which awards grants for community infrastructure projects.
Member for Bathurst Paul Toole said he is a great believer in the work the RDA does to enhance the quality of life for those who have a disability.
He took time recently to visit the Bathurst RDA headquarters behind Carenne School to see the difference the completed project would make to its operations.
RDA president Kevin Stapleton said the fencing had enabled them to create several new paddocks and laneways to make moving the horses around easier and safer.
“It just allowed us to make better use of the 25 or so hectares of land we have here,” he said.
“We have six horses, a goat, a deer and even a donkey and they all play an important part in the lives of the 50 RDA riders we have on our books.
“They are mainly young people with a disability and that special bond between man and animal is something that creates special moments for everyone involved.
“RDA also conducts Pets as Therapy here and that’s important because there are kids who won’t, or can’t, ride a horse.
“There’s also Dogs for Diggers who use our facilities here as well.
“Because we are a totally volunteer-based group, funding from sources such as the NSW Government, through its Community Building Partnership, is vital for us to be able to continue to do what we do.”
Mr Toole said the RDA is a much-loved community group which has been a quiet achiever in the Bathurst community for many decades.
“It was originally located in the grounds of Macquarie Care at Gormans Hill, but in 2009 it moved to this new location near the Carenne School,” he said.
“The facility has come a long way since that move.
“The new fencing means there’s now two extra paddocks for the horses and projects like this are what the Community Building Partnership fund is all about.”
Vicki Wilson from Town and Country Rural Supplies is also a supporter of RDA Bathurst.
She said her business is proud to supply RDA with feed and other rural merchandise.
“It’s our way of helping the RDA do what they do best for the children,” Ms Wilson said.
“Our association with Red River Rural products also enabled Carenne School to purchase a new vet crush and yards to help make running their small cattle stud safer and easier.”
