RDA Swan Hill in Swan Hill, Victoria | Sport & recreation

RDA Swan Hill

Locality: Swan Hill, Victoria

Phone: +61 438 329 867

Address: Tyntynder South Road 3585 Swan Hill, VIC, Australia

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• Sport & recreation
• Non-profit organisation

25.01.2022 Thanks for sharing, Edwina Stratford

24.01.2022 2 RDA Swan Hill horses, Mickey and Bella returned to their duties on Thursday 22 ably supervised by coaches Cathy Darby and De Frame. New volunteers working with Echuca Discovery riders enjoyed a timetabled exploration of our Sensory Trail.

24.01.2022 For our riders

24.01.2022 Before you go riding, spend time on your groundwork. Your rides will be safer and a lot more fun (for you and your horse) Groundwork doesn’t have to be b...oring. Some things you can teach your horse include Follow your movements/dance with you. Fetch objects (eg pick your hat up off the ground) Fancy dressage movements (eg, Spanish Walk) Strengthening and stretching exercises (gets your horse physically ready for riding) All these types of exercises improve communication between you and your horse Never go out for a ride if you are worried that your horse may not do what you ask. You need to be sure that you and your horse have an excellent connection before you head out to places where you are likely to meet new things and situations You want your horse to really listen to you and to be expecting cues from you telling them what to do. Groundwork is a perfect way to build this type of connection. There is nothing wrong with staying at home and spending time with your horse doing simple, fun, groundwork exercises. These will do wonders for your relationship, and your rides will be safer and a lot more enjoyable! --- Do you want more ideas for fun and interesting groundwork activities? We have lots of them in the Horse Tricks Academy! Come join us here... https://www.horsetricks101.com/join-academy The Horse Tricks Academy is a fun and different online training program that will take you and your horse step-by-step from simple tricks to doing wonderful things together! Join now and you will also receive the following bonuses (worth over $40!)... Bonus #1 - Happy Horse Club Membership Bonus #2 - Training Skills Games Bonus #3 - Horse Happiness Lifebook

23.01.2022 Good Morning Starting your day with King & Mickey

22.01.2022 We are taking care of the horses and running Zoom sessions in horsemanship. There will be a place for you when there can be a safe return to Riding sessions

22.01.2022 ONLINE LESSON 17 July 10, 2020 STRAIGHTNESS, PART 1: THERE WAS A CROOKED RIDER Susan E. Harris There was a crooked rider who rode a crooked horsehe rode a v...ery crooked dressage test, of course! Sad to say, that could be any of us. Humans are not symmetrical; we’re not made by machines. (If you ever meet someone who’s perfectly symmetrical, it’s an alien!) We all have a dominant eye, hand and leg, usually not all on the same side. Over our lifetime we acquire unconscious habits of how we use ourselves. Try this test: Clasp your hands together and notice which thumb’s on top. Then unclasp and repeat, with the other thumb on top. Does that feel wrong? I bet you didn’t know you had that habit! Try folding your arms, then repeating with the other arm on top. Or step off in a walkthen try stepping off first with the opposite foot. Or brush your teeth with the wrong hand. If you have two identical bathroom scales, stand with one foot on each scale. Most people will not have equal weight on each foot. We all walk, stand, sit or pick up an object in the way we’re used to, usually using one side of the body more strongly than the other. Our crookedness feels normal and natural to us, and we usually don’t notice it. But when we ride a horse, the horse notices and reacts to our unevenness. Horses have their own natural asymmetry, too. If horse and rider happen to be asymmetrical in opposite ways (your tight side is the right and his is the left), we even each other up to some extent. But if we’re both tight on the same side, we make each other worse. Addressing the horse’s natural crookedness is one of the long-term goals of training, but we’ll discuss that in another lesson. In this lesson we’ll focus on the rider’s crookedness and what we can do about that. What makes a rider crooked? Often it’s tighter muscles on one side of the torso. Tight muscles are shorter; they pull that shoulder down and that hip up. Often the elbow, knee and foot stick out more on the shorter, tighter and stronger side. The opposite side, especially the leg, is longer and looser. Many riders adjust their stirrups to their crookedness, with the stirrup slightly higher on the tight, short side and longer on the long, loose side. The saddle tends to slide sideways toward the longer leg. The rider may collapse in his torso toward the short side, and may carry his head toward the other side to compensate. Some riders have a twist in their body, which can be hard to see. They may habitually carry one shoulder more forward and/or one hip backward. Sally Swift had severe scoliosis (the bones of her spine were twisted); learning to live, work and ride with her disability gave her the insight into human bodies that led her to develop Centered Riding. Many people have a milder scoliosis or other physical condition that makes them asymmetricalsometimes it’s left over after an old injury. The two sides of the pelvis can be un-level or one hip bone rotated forward or backward. (I knew a good rider whose horse bucked every time she asked for a right lead canter. Her doctor told her that one of her hip bones was tilted forward and the other backward. After treatment and physical therapy, her pelvis became more equal and she could canter on either lead without upsetting her horse.) Horses have a problems with crooked riders. Even when the rider is unaware, the horse can feel unequal weight on his back and must compensate for it. He’ll find it harder to bend and turn to one side, take one canter lead, or move in balance in one direction. A crooked rider tends to slip toward the long side, and often the saddle slides sideways. To arrest this slipping, they unconsciously grab onto the horse’s side with the other legthis is called a hook leg because it hooks on to hold the rider. They also have trouble turning one way and often unconsciously hold, grip or pull harder with one hand. Over time, uneven riding can make a horse stiff, sore, or even lame. A recent study showed that with asymmetrical riders (made crooked by raising one stirrup 2 holes shorter than the other), the rider’s hips shifted one way and upper body shifted the other. In the horses, while the load increased on the legs opposite to the shortened stirrup and the back motion was altered. [1Dr Russell MacKechnie-Guire, Journal of Veterinary Science.] How can we address rider crookedness? First, become aware of your asymmetryyou can’t change what you’re not aware of. It can help to look at yourself in a mirror or have someone video you from front and back. An instructor can assess you from the back and the front. Here are some steps to get straighter in the saddle: Check your saddle to see that it’s straight over the horse’s spine. Measure your stirrups with a yardstickoften the holes are uneven. Sit on your horse (he should be standing square) with your feet out of the stirrups. Are you sitting in the center? If not, adjust your seat so your seat bones are centered and your pelvis is balanced. Do you have equal weight on each seat bone, and in each stirrup? If you were a giant Beanie Baby rider with 1000 beans in your body, do you feel as if you have exactly 500 beans on each side? If one side is heavier (too many beans), imagine that as you inhale you can lift 5 to 10 beans up from the heavy side up to chest level. Let them cross over, then exhale and let them drop down inside the other side. Are you equal now? If not, shift another 5 or 10 beansbut only a few at a time, not a hundred! This gives you an internal shift of weight, better than leaning or sitting heavier on one side to compensate. Can you identify your shorter, tighter, stiffer side? Run the hand on that side up the center of your body, fingers pointing upwardpast your chin, straight up over your head, palm inward, thumb backward. Exhale and let everything from your armpit down release and lengthen. This can be very comfortable and effective when you ride at a walk (or later even in a trot or canter) with one arm up, allowing the horse’s movement to loosen the tight muscles. Have your helper check you from behind and take some video! When your arm gets tired, bring it back down and allow your shoulders to float evenly above your hips. Next, try the diagonal method. Run the arm opposite to your tight side up the center and straight up over your head. Now imagine a long rubber band running diagonally from the raised hand to your opposite seat bone. As you exhale, let it lengthen. Try riding with the opposite arm up, and see which one makes you straighter. As you bring your arm down, imagine a large X from your right shoulder to your left foot (and left seat bone) and left shoulder to right foot (and seat bone.) Your center will be in the center of the X. This method works especially well for riders who have a twist in their body or scoliosis. Ride at posting trot in steady rhythm, changing diagonals every 5 or 6 strides (every 5 or 6 up-downs.) Then, keeping the rhythm (counting, humming or singing to keep breathing!), change diagonals every 4 strides, then every 3 strides. You may get so good that you can change every other stride! In the beginning, usually one diagonal feels good and the other feels awkward. After this exercise, both diagonals may feel equally good. The hind leg you post with has to work harder to lift you, so when you change diagonals frequently, you’re making your horse work harder with one hind leg, then the other. This makes him as straight and equal as he can be that day, and also makes you ride more equallya win-win situation! There are many other exercises to help a rider become straighter and more symmetrical. However, if you have trouble getting straighter or you experience pain, it’s wise to see a sports physician, chiropractor, or expert bodyworker who can assess you and help you with any deep imbalances. There is more about straightening the crooked rider in Horse Gaits, Balance and Movement, Revised, page 248. Ride straightand enjoy the ride! Susan Harris

21.01.2022 This week has been Deaf Australia’s National Week of Deaf people 2020. 4 years, ago, RDA Australia partnered with VIC Deaf to develop specific signs for equestrian activities! You can purchase our Sign Language DVD and set of Flashcards on our website https://secure.dmsw.com.au/rda/shop

21.01.2022 Ashlea had a school PE challenge to complete - a Level Up Challenge. Of course we chose the RDA horses that live on Verna’s place. (Ashlea is her grand daughter and lives on the same property). The horses performed well and were paid in carrots and pats.

21.01.2022 Helping your horse stretch well...

20.01.2022 Morning mists...Phoenix, Mickey and King at breakfast

19.01.2022 Morning feed of lucerne hay for the RDA horses

19.01.2022 How bright can you make your day? :D

19.01.2022 Funds raised will be divided amongst participating charities and funds to RDA Vic will be used for horse welfare.

17.01.2022 Assisting our riders...

17.01.2022 Doing a test run for our video link up tomorrow on parts of the horse. King doesn’t seem to mind the stick notes plastered all over him (we are only part way thru) and Mickey is watching close by.

16.01.2022 Thank you to all of our incredible volunteers who continue to look after and care for our wonderful horses. As of 11.59pm Wednesday 22 July 2020 if you live wit...hin metropolitan Melbourne or Mitchell Shire, you must wear a face covering whenever you leave your home, unless an exception applies. A face covering needs to cover both your nose and mouth. It could be a face mask or shield. If you live in other parts of Victoria it is recommended you wear a face covering when you leave home and are in situations where it is difficult to maintain physical distance of 1.5 metres between yourself and others. https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/face-coverings-1159pm-wednesday * If you have even the mildest of symptoms, please isolate and get tested. * Stay at least 1.5m apart. * Maintain hygiene regimens - wash or sanitise your hands for at least 20 seconds, use cough and sneeze ettiquette. * Stay at home, stay safe and reduce the risk of transmission.

15.01.2022 First of August is near... The horse's Birthday usually celebrated at RDA Swan Hill with carrots for the horses. It is also the beginning of RDA Awareness week. A celebration of the achievements of our riders, horses and volunteers. Covid 19 has forced us to suspend sessions although we did present a series of Zoom lessons here at Pine View with our horses. The carrots are in the refrigerator waiting for "the day". We will share the celebration with you. Verna & Christel

14.01.2022 WEBINAR - REIN CONTROL - the vital link to independent riding. Presented by Mary Longden. TUESDAY 11TH AUGUST 2020 6pm Australian Eastern Standard Time (Melbou...rne) COST: $20.00. Fundraiser for RDA Pakenham. This one-hour session covers riding skills but with emphasis on rein use. It looks at how riding skills development can be adapted for people with a variety of disabilities. Mary Longden is conducting the session. She is a top-level coach, coach educator and assessor with both Equestrian Australia and RDA Australia. She has been involved with Para Equestrian International teams for many years. She has been an international Para Equestrian dressage judge and 3 Day Eventing judge. She is very keen to help riders with disabilities to reach their potential and have fun in the process! To register: Email to [email protected] by 9 am Tuesday 11 August 2020. See more

14.01.2022 Drinks at the watering hole Say hi to Phoenix, King and Mickey.

13.01.2022 RDA Victoria has been working closely with the Victorian State Government, Vicsport and RDA Australia developing a template for what is being called a Return t...o Play a carefully staged return to operations. Our duty of care towards our many vulnerable participants and volunteers is paramount and RDA Victoria is committed to keeping all our members and participants safe in an uncertain environment. Victorian Board and staff meetings continue across this week and weekend to ensure we have a carefully planned template which will then be sent to Victorian Government for advice. This document will provide specific information on how to plan for a safe return. However, the roll-out will vary at a practical level in implementation across the organisation and we will be working closely with each Centre to understand and assist with the various challenges each will face in coming weeks and months. Due to the specific nature of the risk to vulnerable participants and the impossible challenge of meeting social distancing requirements in almost all cases, we are advising there is no change to our current position regarding rider program participation. We are aware that other RDA Centres in other states are beginning operations and that RDA Australia has Return to Play’ guidance. However, returning to riding has to be managed within the limitations/guidelines set in each individual State, with all decisions based upon risk assessment considering jurisdiction and directives from State Government not all States are in the same position at this time and this is recognised at a National level. We know the continued closure of our programs is affecting everyone, not the least our participants and families. We are looking forward to resuming activity as soon as possible we miss seeing you all - but not before it is safe to do so. Keep watching our Facebook page and website for further updates - thank you for your patience! See more

13.01.2022 I came across a banner I made years ago and thought to show the horses and see what their reaction was. King passes with flying colours

13.01.2022 Today is the International Day of People with Disability, celebrating the 'ability in disability'. Sport Australia Acting CEO Robert Dalton says the role of spo...rt in building community, social inclusion and connectiveness has never been so important, particularly amongst disabled persons. I acknowledge the great achievements and contributions disabled persons make to sport. It is crucial we continue to create opportunities for people to participate in the sports they love regardless of their ability, gender or backgrounds. Sport Australia is proud to support and recognise the great work of our National Sporting Organisations for people with a Disability: Blind Sports Australia, Deaf Sports Australia, Disabled Wintersport Australia, Australian Paralympic Team, Riding for the Disabled Association of Australia (RDAA), Special Olympics Australia, Sport Inclusion Australia and Transplant Australia. #IDPWD #IDPWD2020

13.01.2022 One of our dearest and long term supporters - Lucy Dacey along with her son John, lost their home Tuesday morning. The house burnt to the ground and everything was lost in the fire. Lucy and John have been generous financial supporters of RDA Swan Hill through Lucy's amazing Morning Teas & Apple pies. Lucy's tireless efforts over the years have seen thousands of dollars raised through entry to her magnificent doll collection. Now it is the time to help when it is needed mo...st, even a small donation is a big donation as a collective . RDA Swan Hill have started an account at Clarke's Gift Salon in Lucy's name to help with essentials, to get them back to a little normality as they recover. Please ring 50321616 to get banking details for Direct deposit or use a Credit Card or visit Clarke's to donate. Thank you. A thank you from Deanne Dacey on behalf of Lucy, John & Paul: Hi Verna and Miriam, Lucy is overwhelmed with everyone’s generosity and is very grateful for people of the communities kindness. Thank you so much. At this stage Lucy, John and Paul are living with me. They will kindly use this donation over time when things settle down a bit and work out what is needed. Thank you so much for your kindness, it is really appreciated.

12.01.2022 For our parents, riders and volunteers

12.01.2022 Thank you to all the kind people who responded to our appeal to help Lucy. You have been so generous and kind. You make our hearts glow.

11.01.2022 There is so much that you can do for your horses... I have just been up at 4:00am to view this webinar. The courses offered by Equitopia Centre are so beneficial for any person who wants the best for their horse.

11.01.2022 Our horses are our "Besties"

11.01.2022 Holly our little pony was asked to model yesterday by her care owners. She was brought out of the paddock, brushed, hair done and face washed. Dressed in her sparkly bridle and bribed with carrots for this photo shoot. She was very willing to eat all the carrots

11.01.2022 For our 4 legged volunteers...

11.01.2022 Please message with your email if you would like to attend.

10.01.2022 So simple, so helpful.

10.01.2022 Now we are looking at a gradual reopening of Victoria, with changes to how we have to manage Centres and Clubs, there is no better time to talk about how to mak...e our community as COVID-19 safe as possible. Join Edwina Boase-Stratford at 4pm on Friday 2 October 2020 to discuss creating COVID Safe Centres. Edwina is RDA Victoria's State Coaching Coordinator, a final year student, Master of Ergonomics, Safety and Public Health, RDAA National Assessor and RDA Level 2 Coach. To join us please email your interest to [email protected] See more

10.01.2022 Beautiful day for a ride. Do you know who’s shadows belong to which RDA Swan Hill horse?

09.01.2022 Yesterday I was doing a photo shoot of this dresser (my job is doing up furniture) but not loving the photos. I then had the bright idea to get a horse in it. King was chosen for his golden colour to go with the vanity. He was quickly taken out of his paddock, bridled up and brought into the house yard for the very first time. He’d never seen the dresser b4 but being the amazing horse that he is, curiosity and grass made for amazing photos of him (as well as my dresser). His owner Verna is holding him just out of shot. I jokingly said to her that we have to get all our RDA horses to do photo shoots with my furniture, from now on.

09.01.2022 I learned my lesson last year. I got busy. I wasn’t paying attention. Even though I am the one putting 99.99% of the miles on the trailer, I kind of filed the a...nnual inspections into a place where my mind never goes. Besides, I figured that my husband would look after booking them. He, of course, rightly assumed that since my truck appears to be permanently welded to the horse trailer, it would be within my bailiwick to do so. Long story short, the trailer went almost five years without having a safety booked. When I finally decided to do the grownup thing and get the Wilson in for a service, I was in for quite a surprise. Good news was, the trailer was new and well enough built that I got by. Bad news was, the required repairs, including all new tires, added up to well over $3000. It served me right. As you can imagine, since then, I’ve been minding the date and took the trailer for its annual inspection over the holidays. The service manager must have remembered me, for when he handed me the bill, he said, Well, at least this year, you don’t need to be sitting down. He also mentioned that now was a good time to get the trailer servicing and repairs done, while so many horse events are shut down, due to winter and COVID. Folks, we want to be ready to hit the road when we get the all clear. High mileage haulers will need semi-annuals but most of us are playing it safe by getting an expert overhaul on our rigs once yearly. The industry standard is having a safety done every 10,000 kms/5,000+ miles, which easily adds up if we’re always on the road. So, just what are we wanting done? An undercarriage inspection is geared for all those hidden but essential areas that are hard to see: tire wear and pressure, regular rotation and lug nuts; brakes; bearings, seals and axles; trailer lights, plug and wiring; breakaway battery and chains; structural safety of undercarriage and hitch, along with the health of floor boards and mats; hinges, latches, other hardware and working locks; any items that've been worn or damaged, including tie rings, windows, vents, all the stuff that gets wear and tear. For sheer peace of mind, the actual cost of the inspectionusually under two hundred bucksis money well spent. Any repairs needed will obviously be added to that. Safety aside, just know that the value a well-maintained used horse trailer holds is worth the cost of upkeep. If you’re hauling horses, I urge you to book a safety inspection for your trailer right now. Doing this one thing will help ensure the safety of yourself, your horses and your fellow travelers over all the miles to come.

09.01.2022 Horse management is moving horses, managing grazing,weather problems etc. Taking them out. Do you have this sorted so everything flows or are you like this girl in this picture. It requires thought and a good relationship as well as confidence in yourself. Happy horse days

09.01.2022 Christmas Hamper Giveaway What a year 2020 has been!! From all of us at Swan Hill Community U we would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and give ...you an opportunity to win this beautiful $300 Christmas Hamper To enter the draw: 1. Like this post 2. Tag 2 Friends who would also love all the treats 3. Share the post The hamper includes local produce and goodies from: H Homewares, Table for 12, Lions Club, La Mangia, Jamies Dressing and a few sneaky bottles of wine!

09.01.2022 Feeling good is not a fairytale ...

08.01.2022 Nearly everything in RDA has been put on pause in recent times, but that doesn't mean the National Volunteer Awards will be! Visit our website for more informa...tion and think about who you know that deserves to be nominated! Nominations open on July 1! http://www.rda.org.au/volunteer-awards.aspx #NVW2020 See more

07.01.2022 There is always at least one in the workplace #amiright #staysafenz

07.01.2022 Happy leader, happy ponies

07.01.2022 Merry Christmas to you and your horses. I hope 2021 is better for everyone. Here's a little Christmas video. We had great fun making it. I hope it brings a smile to your face!

07.01.2022 Good morning.. This is what I am enjoying studying this year... Coach Verna French

07.01.2022 What to do when you can’t go to RDA and walk around the Sensory Trail. Make use of what you have. Verna brought King into the house yard for the first time. We took photos next to a mirror, he went thru archways, under wind chimes making them play, around the new water fountain and over the brick pathway. Nothing fazes him, such a good boy

06.01.2022 https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=3971260176273382&id=360631307336305

06.01.2022 https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=3315944978471575&id=360631307336305

05.01.2022 Breakfast for 2: Phoenix and Holly

05.01.2022 Happy Horse’s Bday today. A special thanks to Nick and Verna for getting the cake set up for the horses. Also the horses love their special CARROT candles....yum yum yum

05.01.2022 Bella & Mickey having a natter at the drink trough.

04.01.2022 Good Morning Last night we worked the horses in the cool evening. This is King cantering on the lunge line.

04.01.2022 Did you know.... Horses can hear a humans heartbeat from 4 feet away. When in a heard, they synchronise their heartbeats and when one heartbeat goes up they know there is danger. This is where the saying a horse can sense fear comes from! They truely are an amazing animal!!

04.01.2022 I found an old banner that I made years ago and thought to bring it out to show the horses and see what their reactions were. King passed with flying colours, what a good boy

03.01.2022 We were saddened to hear today of the passing of Tina Pallot. Tina has been a dedicated volunteer, Level 1 Vaulting Coach, Level 2 Riding Coach and National Ass...essor for over 30 years. Presenting at coaching workshops, assisting with Syllabus development and assessing Centres and coaches around Australia, not to mention coaching at her local Centre, Tina has been an invaluable asset to RDA and will be greatly missed by all who were lucky enough to know her. See more

03.01.2022 I posted this badly earlier. Posted again. Thanks

02.01.2022 Melbourne Cup Day outing for Cosmic Legacy aka Mickey our faithful and patient RDA Swan Hill mount.

02.01.2022 To whet your appetite ahead of next weeks webinar 'Understanding Muscles and Fascia' 7.30pm UTC Wednesday 3rd February 2021 (book on here: www.horsesinsideout.c...om/webinars)... Here's a link to a blog article all about the action of muscles. If you like this you'll love the webinar!!! https://www.horsesinsideout.com/post/the-action-of-muscles See more

01.01.2022 They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them.

01.01.2022 King getting his tail washed. He thinks it’s a bit cold for the hose so he’s squashing it Watch shortly for part 2 video of this comedy

01.01.2022 Part 2 video of King getting his tail washed. Stands on the hose again - so funny