Since 1986, RDA Gunnedah has been continuously running.

Due to struggles finding volunteers, the group made the hard decision to go into recess for 2026 late last year.

Member of RDA Gunnedah, Renee Hooke, said that it is distressing that the program will not run this year.

“It’s the rapport that the kids have with the horses,” Renee said.

“If you have a child who is disabled, and verbally disabled, they just connect to the horse and the horse connects to them and it’s just beautiful to see.

“And that’s what breaks our hearts.”

An article released by Riding for the Disabled Association Incorporating Carriage Driving UK in September 2025 said that drastic improvements were witnessed in participants after just 12 weeks.

Seventy-four per cent of participants demonstrated physical improvement, 77 per cent experienced increased confidence and 75 per cent reported increased enjoyment.

Sixty-five per cent displayed a greater willingness and ability to communicate, 72 per cent showed improved relationship building skills and 78 per cent showed clear improvements to horsemanship skills.

Equine (Horse) therapy has long been regarded as a successful therapeutic remedy, especially for those who are neurodiverse or have diverse needs.

Renee said that feedback from schools, such as G S Kidd Memorial School, have shown that students respond well to the program.

“They’re just more relaxed and they’re happy and they love coming,” she said.

“They love coming, and they love the courses.”

The biggest issue that RDA Gunnedah is currently facing is finding volunteers, especially younger volunteers.

The program requires at least three volunteers to assist with one rider and horse.

With one leading, two either side of the horse and someone needing to saddle the horse.

Currently, RDA Gunnedah has 10 full time volunteers, but Renee says it just isn’t enough.

Anyone can volunteer, with the only requirement being to have a valid Working with Children Check.

“It’s mainly volunteers we really need,” Renee said.

“We’re desperate for younger volunteers because we’re all older, and some of the founding members are still on the committee, and it’s just too much for them now to be looking after and walking horses.

“It’s handy if you know horses, but it’s not a requirement, volunteers just need to have their Working with Children Check.

“They receive training from RDA Australia, based in Sydney, before the first riding day, then it just sort of goes from there.

“And if anybody shows great interest, well, then we train them up more, and they become horse carriers.”

RDA Gunnedah typically would run every second Friday during school hours from 8:00am to 12:00pm.

While the club is not currently in need of horses, if people wish to donate or loan a horse, they are welcome to.

“If anybody can loan us a horse, yes, that would be fantastic for next year,” Renee said.

“They have to be ultra quiet. No vices, like kicking, biting, or bucking.

“Very, very quiet and calm. And ideally … about 14 to 15 hands and very very quiet and calm.”

If interested in joining RDA Gunnedah as a volunteer or member, you contact Renee Hooke.

“We’d really just like to gee up some enthusiasm in the community for RDA to continue.”

RDA will hold its next AGM on Friday, March 6.