Mark your calendar on 23 July 2017! The Riding for the Disabled Association Singapore will once again throw RDA Open House Carnival.
Riding for the Disabled Association of Singapore (RDA Singapore) will open its stable doors for a day packed with pony rides, stable tours, food galore, art and craft activities only this Sunday! This is an annual event which allows children to ride on their ponies.
A child feeds a therapy horse. Photo courtesy of RDA Singapore
RDA is the only registered charity in Singapore which provides free of charge therapeutic and rehabilitative horse-riding for children and adults with disabilities. It started in 1982 with five riders. Now it has over 100 riders attending therapeutic sessions at RDA Singapore on a weekly basis. To date, the charitable organisation has helped over 6,000 beneficiaries.
This unique therapy improves circulation, breathing, balancing, motor coordination, and mobility. The riders can develop self-confidence while bonding with the horse buddies and learning from the therapists and volunteers. The program was specially designed to include children with developmental and learning needs such as autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disabilities such as Down's Syndrome, or physical conditions such as cerebral palsy or visual or hearing impairments.
A child plays with rubber ducks. Photo courtesy of RDA Singapore
If you're wondering how riding a horse could help someone with disabilities, now you can hear directly from the trainers and volunteers. Come meet the horses and support the organisation. You can expect lots of fun taking part in the games galore, pony rides, stable tours, and even win lucky draws at this awesome family day out. Food and beverages are on sale too.
A decorative horseshoe craft. Photo courtesy of RDA Singapore
Get your coupon booklet only for $10. Coupons can be used to purchase F&B, crafts & games, plus children pony rides! Proceeds from the day will go directly to support the good cause of the RDA.
Visitors could participate in horseshoe decorating. The horseshoe is probably one of the most well-known good luck symbols of the Western world. The horseshoe also has a long history of being a protective symbol.
Kids participating in one of the games galore. Photo courtesy of RDA Singapore
The organisation has received horse donations too. It has also bought some of the horses using the funds donated by the public. Currently, it provides a loving home to about 20 horses and ponies. Many of these animals are formerly race horses, polo horses, and equestrian competition horses. Now they are in their second or third careers.
RDA is also looking for a donor who wishes to sponsor any horse. It costs only $12,000 a year and the donor could enjoy 2.5 times tax-deduction! If you wish to be a volunteer, you are more than welcome too. Find out more how to be a donor and a volunteer by approaching RDA office.
Stable Tour on RDA Open House Carnival Day. Photo courtesy of RDA Singapore
Delicious gourmet kebabs from Shiraz Mazzeh Kebab, yummy "The Dancing Elephant" ice cream, artisan coffee by Bicycle Barista SG Legit Dope Dealer, mango sticky rice and abacus balls from Vegetarian Way, finger food from Picotin, and drinks are up for sale at the carnival.
Cat Welfare Society will peddle its merchandises for fund raising. And meet also with RDA resident cats!
If you love selfies or wefies, here is a chance to bring your mementoes home. Pose at one of the walls and say "cheese"!
One of the decorative wall at RDA Centre. Photo courtesy of RDA Singapore
The first 300 visitors could get free copies of back-issue PETS Magazine.
Don't forget to participate in the lucky draws. Prizes include staycation, dining & shopping vouchers, and many more.
Come for a family fun day only at RDA Open House Carnival!
