Tracey Roberts (Pearce, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to speak about a fantastic community organisation in my electorate of Pearce in Western Australia that has been doing excellent work for the past half a century. I have been the patron of Riding for Disabled Capricorn for many years, and I'm so proud and passionate about what they do. RDA Capricorn is one of eight centres in WA affiliated with the internationally recognised Riding for the Disabled Association Australia. RDA Capricorn was the first such centre to be established in WA. It was founded in 1972 and is celebrating its 50th anniversary of remarkable work to improve people's physical and emotional health and wellbeing. RDA has a long and proud history of promoting and supporting horseriding for those living with disabilities of any form. The team is led by the amazing Julie Osborne and includes many people who willingly volunteer their time to bring out the best in the participants. The volunteers also tell me about the wonderful benefits that they gain from supporting people with disabilities. The friendships formed are strong and long-lasting, and the environment is like one big family who care about one another and who want to ensure everybody has opportunity and equality. Above all else, they provide an environment where fun is foremost.

Riding horses is beneficial in many ways, as it is a natural reflex-inhibiting position which improves posture and balance and provides a unique form of rehabilitation and exercise. I have been overjoyed to previously sponsor a horse ironically named Mouse, who is a Clydesdale. She has now been adopted by the WA police and is now known as Officer Mouse. I have also sponsored a horse called Poppy, who is an absolute delight and who recently gave birth to a foal who we have named Ranger. This was a wonderful moment—meeting Ranger for the very first time and seeing the bond and care of his mum, Poppy.

Animals bring so much joy in many ways, and at RDA Capricorn that level of joy is clear in participants' faces and words. RDA Capricorn is an incredibly worthwhile and important organisation that I am honoured to support and champion. Riding offers people living with disabilities an element of challenge which is often denied to them. It offers them the chance to gain mobility and a sense of achievement. The benefits are many, including improved balance and coordination, strengthened muscles, faster reflexes and improved respiration and circulation. I commend and congratulate the RDA Capricorn team for its continuing community spirit and for what they do. Thank you.