Coming together with RDA Victoria for VRC Community Race Day

As an inclusive and diverse organisation, RDA Victoria enables people with disabilities of all types and ages to experience enjoyment, personal enrichment and a sense of achievement through equine assisted activities.

Connected by a shared love for horses, the VRC partnered with RDA as its Pin & Win partner in 1999 and 2000. More recently, the VRC provided the funds and materials for the all-weather Subzero Arena at RDA Pakenham, which was officially launched in May 2023.

Community Race Day will see eight races named in honour of RDA centres, coaches and volunteers across Victoria, shining a spotlight on the tireless work that goes into providing this lifechanging activity.

Racegoers will be able to contribute by donating via Ticketmaster or collection tins on-course, while the VRC will donate $1 from the sale of every serving of hot chips on the race day as part of a new ‘Chips for Charity’ initiative.

VRC Chief Executive Officer Steve Rosich said the club is delighted to continue its relationship with RDA Victoria.

“RDA Victoria provides an extremely valuable service for people living with disabilities, with their weekly riding session being the highlight for many participants,” Mr Rosich said.

“This incredible community organisation has proven enduringly popular for more than fifty years, providing people with disability an opportunity to extend abilities, improve balance, strengthen their core, improve posture, and develop co-ordination.

“More than 500 riders every year benefit from horse-based activities at one of the 34 RDA centres in Victoria, and we hope that our support will help even more people to find their freedom through engagement with horses.

“RDA Victoria provides a vital community connection for many people with disabilities who feel disconnected from society, and the VRC is extremely proud to dedicate this year’s Community Race Day to such a wonderful organisation.”

RDA Victoria President Tanya Twaits said that the race day provides the perfect platform to recognise long-serving volunteers.

“We have the most incredible group of volunteers, some of whom have volunteered at their local RDA Victoria centres from Horsham to Moorabbin for upwards of 25 and 45 years. We will have nearly 60 volunteers attending on Saturday to celebrate RDA Victoria and its volunteers who are truly honoured to have a race named after them,” said Ms Twaits.

“In addition to giving our volunteers the moment in the sun they deserve, we feel so privileged to partner with the VRC on this Community Race Day to raise awareness of our programs and much-needed funds to continue providing the resources to our centres to allow them to thrive,” concluded RDA Victoria President Tanya Twaits.

RDA Victoria's activities provide therapeutic benefits, fitness, life skills development, opportunities for achievement and are supported by qualified coaches and volunteers across 34 Centres throughout metropolitan and regional Victoria.

About RDAV: The Riding for the Disabled Association of Victoria (RDA Victoria) is a not-for-profit organization that provides equine-assisted activities to individuals with disabilities. Founded in 1970, RDA Victoria has been dedicated to improving the lives of its participants by promoting health, well-being, and community inclusion through therapeutic horse riding and related activities.