Every second Tuesday during school terms, a quiet paddock on the outskirts of Shepparton springs to life as horses, riders and volunteers come together for three Riding for the Disabled sessions.
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The local branch of the volunteer-run program has been operating for 47 years and now welcomes nearly 40 participants from across the Goulburn Valley.
Support worker Therese Nicholson brings clients from Shepparton Access as part of its life skills program.
“All of our girls have NDIS plans and personal goals,” she said.
“This is one of their dreams: to ride a horse.
“In everyday life, they wouldn’t have this opportunity.”
For many riders, the sessions, held at held at 9.30am, 11am and 1pm, are more than just an activity — they’re a highlight of the week.
“It’s just fun,” participant Jessica Bentley said.
“I look forward to Tuesdays.”
Erin Mohi, who has been riding for a couple of years, said she had always wanted to ride horses.
“I was never scared — I like them,” she said.
“(We play) a lot of games.
“Prince is my favourite horse.”
Lana Ingram, who started riding at 15, now also volunteers with the group.
“It’s my favourite moment of the week,” she said.
“Ernie is my favourite horse.
“I enjoy volunteering as well.
“Riding with RDA helps me meet my NDIS goals.”
Sessions are tailored to each participant’s ability and goals, with a focus on balance, strength and co-ordination. Trained volunteers and coaches support all riders, and every horse is carefully selected for its calm character.
Behind the scenes, around 25 volunteers, with a combined 342 years of experience between them, keep the operation running. In recognition of their long-standing service, the team was recently named Greater Shepparton’s 2025 Volunteer Team of the Year.
Alby De Simone said his wife, Roslyn, became the coach after the previous one retired.
“Without a coach, there’s no RDA,” he said.
“So Ros took over, and a year or two later, I joined the fray.
“At the moment, we’re the only two coaches, but we now have two in training.”
Treasurer Karen Fletcher, who has been with the club for 13 years, said each rider initially had a leader and sometimes a side walker to assist with balance.
“We find that after three or four sessions, the side walker doesn’t have to do anything,” she said.
“They’re already starting to develop core strength.
“The joy of the kids, and to see their progress … from somebody who doesn’t want to go near the horse to somebody who runs in enthusiastically and hops on, that’s the highlight.”
The property covers eight hectares, all maintained by volunteers. From mowing paddocks and running the canteen to organising appointments with vets and farriers, the team keeps everything running with minimal government funding.
“Our annual running costs are $25,000,” Karen said.
“That includes hay, maintenance, farrier visits, vet costs — and it all comes from donations and fundraising.”
Amid the ongoing drought, RDA is calling for hay donations to help feed its horses.
The club also continues to call for new volunteers; not just those with horse experience, but anyone willing to lend a hand.
“We have some volunteers who came in with absolutely no horse experience, and now they’re out there enjoying the game,” Karen said.
To learn more or get involved, visit RDA Victoria’s website or contact club secretary Cathy Hamilton at rdashepparton@gmail.com