Horsemanship Development Program

APRDA’s horsemanship development program  provides participants a weekly session of ground skills initiatives, this can be an extension of skills development with a current rider or to provide a program for those that fall outside of the criteria for the riding program. We have volunteers that have accessed this program to refresh skills or develop new skills. The program has been very beneficial to those that require support in their community involvement and wish to participate in an equestrian activity without having to ride.

Horsemanship development  

Developing horsemanship skills  is a great opportunity to increase the participants ’s confidence around the horses and provides both physical and emotional therapy. During the sessions, participants get to to know each horse’s personality. understanding how to read a horse’s body language and encourage them to bond with the horses. This unique interaction, working with an animal that is both large and powerful, gives participants the chance to gain confidence.

An example of the activities that participant will participate in throughout the term;

• Safety around horses in the stables and in the paddock,
• How Horses communicate
• Catching horses from the paddock or yard, leading horses in different environments
• Grooming and caring for a horse
• Feeding / Meals vs Snacks
• Horse first aid

Entry process and forms

On initial contact we ask that all new or returning participants complete an APRDA New / Returning Participant Enquiry Form,  you can find a printable version of this form at the bottom of this page. Once this form is completed and returned to our office, we will enter the details on to our waitlist register. Our Staff regularly refer to the waitlist to match participants with available openings in our program schedule.

Please note sessions that run after school and Saturdays generally have a longer waitlist than sessions that run during school hours. We appreciate everyone’s understanding when it comes to our wait times for our  programs. Our capacity to provide continuous support is limited by our horses workloads,  capabilities, and their physical and emotional wellbeing.

Assessment process

When a suitable place in the Horsemanship development  program becomes available the participant will be notified and sent additional forms (Application for Membership & RDA Medical consent Form) these forms will be provided for completion prior to an assessment being offered. Once these forms are returned an appointment  will be arranged for an Individual Needs Assessment, this  initial assessment will occur prior to starting any program or session. Throughout out this process  we consider how to best match the participant’s needs, abilities, skills and interests.

Participation process 

If the participants assessment allows for participation and a suitable place is available, with an appropriate  horse, a session/class day and time is  offered to the Participant.   When the Participant engages in regular sessions for 1 – 3 months the primary supporting Coach/Program facilitator  in conjunction with the parent/carer and participant complete an Individual Personalised Plan Form (IPP), this will capture the participants goals and strategies for support, this is completed annually.  coach will use the information gathered from the IPP to create a  Participants Goal Plan, this will set goals for one semester and as sessions are provided progress notes are recorded.

Sessions / Classes

All sessions are allocated weekly as a term booking (based on Queensland School Terms) this is a commitment from us to provide the participant with a qualified facilitator / coach and suitable horse for a weekly  session. This requires rostering of staff, horses, volunteers, equipment and safety measures to ensure that sessions can occur.  We require the same courtesy of our participants by attending lessons regularly.