We’ve seen our share of inspiring sights across the Peninsula, but there’s a property in Balnarring called ‘Tarragarra’ where the stunning landscape is more than matched for inspiration by the display of warm humanity and community spirit we witnessed there.

It is an innovative program that finds new purpose in the centuries-old camaraderie between human and horse.

Tarragarra is home to the Riding Develops Abilities (RDA) Peninsula Centre, one of 38 such centres across Victoria working with people with disabilities – primarily children – where horse-riding and other horse-related activities are used as an effective and enjoyable way to develop skills and confidence.

The program focuses on riding skills and even a little horsing around via structured games, but the benefits go well beyond equestrian capability.

It is an innovative program that finds new purpose in the centuries-old camaraderie between human and horse.

The previous owner of Tarragarra, who had a child with a disability, established the RDA Peninsula over 30 years ago. When the land was later sold, the new owners generously continued to offer their property to run the program.

Part of the non-profit organisation Riding for the Disabled Association of Australia, RDA Peninsula run sessions five days a week during school terms. With an abundance of specialised equipment, they cater to the needs of people with various disabilities including Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Spina Bifida, intellectual disabilities, Multiple Sclerosis, acquired brain injuries, visual and hearing impairments, Muscular Dystrophy and amputees.

President of the Centre and Level 1 Coach, Jenny Stidston, sees the impact RDA activities have in building capacity as children develop strength, motivation and self-esteem, and some even start talking for the first time. Jenny has been with the RDA for 25 years.

The program focuses on riding skills and even a little horsing around via structured games, but the benefits go well beyond equestrian capability.

The program not only teaches kids basic riding skills but they also play games which improve coordination and posture.

They have a lot of volunteers but always need more – you don’t need experience with horses, the only requirement is a working with children check.

Volunteer activities include un-rugging horses, brushing them, feeding them, and of course leading them when the children are riding.

Physically, the activities improve co-ordination, posture, balance, muscle development and fitness; the flow on from this and the relationship with horses and others involved, can be greater self-esteem, confidence, communication skills, leadership and sense of personal control.

The program is very safety conscious.

The organisation, uses programs tailored by accredited coaches in consultation with therapists. The registration fee paid by participants mainly covers insurance, with all costs for maintenance and horse health covered by donations.

President of the Centre and Level 1 Coach, Jenny Stidston, sees the impact RDA activities have in building capacity as children develop strength, motivation and self-esteem, and some even start talking for the first time. For her, the volunteering is anything but ‘giving up some time’ to help. As with most of the volunteers, time spent at Tarragarra is thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding.

“When you see the children, you understand,” she says.

Sue from Green Olive at Red Hill talks about the pleasure in seeing the development in the kids throughout the program. It’s not just about learning how to ride. Seeing a smile on their face is just amazing. Sue grew up around horses, has a nursing background and has always been interested in community volunteering and helping people.

Jenny is thrilled to have the opportunity to share their journey and soak up their enthusiasm, as well as spend time with a group of selfless, community-minded people and noble animals. It offers a unique experience and perspective for all involved.

“It’s just beautiful,’ she says, “people are really here, really present.”

While RDA Peninsula have plans for a larger facility and would like to put on additional classes, that requires more volunteers.

As kids from Peninsula Specialist College arrive, it is clear that love is shared. Their excitement is palpable.

“Hey Jenny!” one calls out affectionately while others are share their joy about seeing the horses again.

All costs for farriers, dentists and vets are covered by donations. Some equipment is donated.

The horses themselves are a somewhat diverse bunch. There’s ‘Spike’ who came across from the now closed Willow Lodge riding school; ‘Silver’, an Arabian former endurance horse; former event pony ‘Moon’; a placid Waler (an Australian breed of riding horse that were used widely in early twentieth century wars) named ‘Jasper’; and ‘Jo Jo’, an RDA pony from Hong Kong who is winding down working life in Australia.

Green Olive’s Sue O’Donoghue is one of the RDA volunteers and talks of the pleasure she gets seeing the kids’ development as they learn to ride, and the smiles on their faces.

Program participants are selected by Special Developmental Schools in consultation with RDA Coaches or via RDA Assessment and a waiting list. While RDA Peninsula plans to further upgrade their facilities and would like to put on additional classes, that requires more volunteers.

No programs are currently run in the school holidays, the horses get a much needed break – some horses may go to other properties to be looked after.

Indeed, new volunteers are always welcome, and experience with horses is not a pre-requisite. Depending on the rider’s ability up to three volunteers can be required per rider, other tasks including unrugging horses, brushing and feeding them, and leading them while children ride.

Green Olive’s Sue O’Donoghue is one of the RDA volunteers and talks of the pleasure she gets seeing the kids’ development as they learn to ride, and the smiles on their faces.

It’s evident that the sessions run by RDA Peninsula out at Tarragarra are therapeutic; invigorating participants and volunteers alike; a place where people from around the Peninsula come together on a picturesque property for a bit of fun and to share an experience that enriches the lives of all involved.

For further information, visit the website