INSteP is targeted funding for Children from two to fourteen years of age.
Instep program activities
INSTEP sessions run on a QLD School term basis and provides an all-encompassing range of equestrian activities, these include both riding and non-riding activities. We schedule or term-based program with themed based weekly or fortnightly activities and during at least 3 session over the term we support the participants in non-riding sessions, these sessions are enormously important for physical, social, and emotional development and give a different understanding of their mount from the ridden experience. We also provide sessions that include supported riding sessions, trail riding, arena games, and riding skill development. All our activities provide benefits including core strength, gross and fine motor skills, empathy, experiential learning, problem solving and the opportunity to understand and predict horse behaviour from their own body language in and out of the saddle. We provide a fun safe environment that supports each participant to engage with our horses and achieve their goals and aspirations.
Entry process and forms
On initial contact we ask that all new or returning participants complete an APRDA New / Returning Participant Enquiry Form, 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 are currently experiencing an influx of enquiries and the wait period for entry into our RDA Participant Program can exceed 9 months. We appreciate everyone’s understanding when it comes to our wait times for our riding programs. Our capacity to provide continuous support is limited by our horses workloads, capabilities, and their physical and emotional wellbeing.
All participants wishing to participate in the RDA Participant Program must not exceed a riding weight limit of 75 kg. If this limit excludes a potential riding participant, we can offer a Horsemanship development / Carriage or ASDAN Programs these programs will support a participant to engage in other equestrian non-riding related activities..
Assessment process
If and when a suitable 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 offfered. 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 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 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. Our program schedule provides themed based weekly or fortnightly activities and during at least 3 sessions over the term we support the participants in non-riding sessions.