Riding For The Disabled Horses  Raymond Terrace & Lower Hunter

SUPA

15.3hh Bay Gelding – Thoroughbred (on loan to RDA 2018)

Supa, who was born in 2003, is a big, gentle boy who is a favourite with riders and volunteers alike. He is quiet to ride, has a beautiful nature and easy paces. He is a star in helping our riders go through the transition to independent riding. While relaxing in his stall or in the arena between lessons, Supa sometimes likes to cross his back legs… not often seen in a horse!!

SCHOONER

15 plus hh Bay Gelding – Clydesdale X (Gifted to RDA 2022)

Prior to joining RDA, Schooner lived at Stroud with his one and only other owner, Lyle, who bred him. His Mother was a trotter and Father a Clydesdale and he was born on 10 October 1999.

Lyle had driven/ridden Schooner in many places e.g. Dingo Gate, Branxton, Morpeth.

Schooner has experience pulling logs on the home farm, Carriage driving and Trail Riding.

Schooner has fast become popular amongst our riders.

FLAME

15.2hh Chestnut Mare – Australian Stockhorse (purchased by RDA)

Flame, born in 2003, has seen it all. She was once a Jackaroo school horse …. and has taught city slickers and country folk. We are very glad she is now lending her skills and knowledge to RDA. Flame is a beautiful girl with a shiny copper coloured coat, is good with different levels of rider. She is a favourite with our more advanced riders as she is excellent at all the activities. Pet hate is that red head she sees looking back at her in the mirror, her ears go back and she will bare her teeth at herself, which is quite comical because as soon as she’s past it the smile goes back on.

BANJO

16.1 hh Bay Gelding – Thoroughbred (On Loan 2022)

Foaled 2004.

Banjo is a favourite with all his riders.  Stands patiently and moves off on que.  Banjo is the herd boss and he looks after all the other horses.  His favourite time of day is dinner time and is the first at the gate everytime.

BELLE

14.2 hh Black Stock Horse Cross Mare (Gifted to RDA 2021)

Belle, born in 2001, has previously done trail riding and some ranch work. She has had 5 foals.

She has a lovely temperament and has fitted in really well with the rest of the herd, on her entry to the herd, having spent a week alongside them she just walked through, and they all ignored her, such a gentle soul.  Belle undertook all her training very smoothly, considering she hadn’t seen a lot of our games or been in our indoor arena she was not fazed by our mirrors and the noises that different activities and people made.  Yes, she would have a look, but quickly settled and is a welcome addition to our programs. She is excellent for soothing the nerves of an anxious rider.

ELLIE

14.3 hh Bay Mare – Stockhorse (On Loan 2025)

Foaled 2004.            

Ellie has the kindest eyes and heart.  Her smooth gait and patience helps settle any nervous rider.  She is a special horse that can take riders off lead for the first time.

MILO

12.3 hh Chestnut Gelding – Welsh (On Loan 2025)

Foaled:  2013.          

Milo is on lease from a lovely family who’s daughters spent many years having fun with this very cute pony.  The girls not only learnt to ride on him but they also attended clinics, pony club and shows.  His registered show name is “Secret Downs Pin Up Boy”.

MISTY

14.2 Flea Bitten Grey Mare – Arab (on loan to RDA 2024).

Born 2009.

Misty is a very calm and compliant girl. She is well educated and has participated in dressage and most recently, trail riding. She is easy to handle and sweet natured. Loves cuddles, especially from children and she has become a real favourite amongst our volunteers and riders. Misty loves her food and it shows. She is constantly on a diet.

The owner of Misty, Julie Anne Weismantel, made a specific bequest that Misty be offered to RDA on her passing. Misty is a welcome addition to our RDA family and has already become a valued asset and much loved equine which is a testament to the training undertaken by Julie Anne.

MAX

12 hh Chestnut Roan Gelding – Welsh

Max is a Welsh pony, 12 hands 23 years old, chestnut roan gelding. He is owned by  Barbara Ricketts and is being cared for by one of our Stroud volunteers, Cherie Mason at her property near Stroud

Max was a very successful competition pony in harness, driven by the late Warren Ricketts before being accredited for RDA by Jan Muspratt and becoming part of the Tall Timbers CD programme. When Warren & Barbara moved to Craven Max joined the RTLH Stroud driving team in 2019.

TINKER

Grey Mare owned by Rosemary Laing (Carriage pony – Stroud)

Tinker, born in 1995, was bred at Broadmeadow racecourse, Newcastle, with the intention of producing a mini trotter. She grew too  big and Rosemary has owned her “perfect pony” for 16 years.

Tinker has completed 22 endurance drives, winning all but 3. She has also completed 7 1/2  Henry Lawson drives and all 10 Royal Far West Charity drives as well as  numerous pleasure drives – a total of over 10,000 km, not counting training at home.

Tinker, NSW Endurance Pony of the Year 2009-2016 also held the Distance Achievement award 2010-2016. In more recent years, Rosemary has shared the pleasure of driving her in competition with some of our Junior drivers.

Tinker was accredited as an RDA carriage driving pony in 2012 and has given much pleasure to her drivers living with disabilities, including helping them to win numerous ribbons in the annual RDA NSW Carriage Driving competition and in 2019, RDA NSW  Champion Driver. Her patience in this role is remarkable.

In late 2016 Tinker developed a shoulder problem and though it was easily fixed by a chiropractor, Rosemary decided to retire her from competition. She won her last Enduro at the age of 21.

Tinker has been called a legend, a pocket rocket and a wonder pony. Her speed, stamina and good temperament have combined to make  her what she is. All Rosemary has to do is sit there and she does the rest. Rosemary once said  that when their combined ages reached 100  they would retire. They are now at 109 (in 2022) and still going, though it is all club drives and RDA from now on. Rosemary just  thanks her lucky stars to have such a wonderful pony.

RUBY

12.3 hh Chestnut Mare owned by Helen Huckerby (Carriage pony – Stroud)

Ruby’s full name is Mithril Jewel Ruby and she was born in 2009. She is a welsh pony who has been in harness since 2014.

Her experience is in pleasure, showing and endurance.

Ruby was accredited to be an RDA carriage driving pony on 28 April 2021 and is owned by long standing RDA Carriage Driving Coach Helen Huckerby.

Helen initially ran the carriage driving program out of the Raymond Terrace centre and now supports the program run out of Stroud.