Once this form is submitted, copies of this Form are to be kept by: 

  1.  The RDA Centre 

  2. The Member State Office (where applicable) 

A PDF copy of this form will be sent to the primary contact email address that is entered into this form.

Information contained in this Form will be reported for statistical purposes to Riding for the Disabled Association of Australia Limited (RDAA).

Participant Details

Participant Medical Information

 The following questions are asked to ensure that the correct RDA program and/or horse is allocated for the participant. If you need any clarification or assistance with answering the following section, please contact us at admin@rda.org.au.

Does the participant have any of the following?

 We require further information relating to the individual’s functional capacity. Can the individual do the following?

Contra-indications and Implications for Participation of RDA Programs

The following medical conditions are identified as high risk for people involved in horse riding. RDA Australia is committed to providing the safest possible service to our participants and we are unable to do this for people with the following diagnosed conditions. 

Other activities may be suitable, The RDA centre will contact you to discuss if there is an available program.


Atlanto Axial Instability (AAI) / Down Syndrome 

 AAI is the instability, sublaxation or dislocation of the joint between the first and second cervical vertebrae. This is a potentially life-threatening condition common to Down Syndrome. Specific X-rays may be needed to rule out this instability before riding is permitted. Groups or physicians should not rely on X-rays taken before the age of 3 years (even up to 5 years) as the area involved has not ossified at this early age. Films obtained just prior to riding are advisable. RDA Australia recommends that all riders with Down Syndrome be examined by a physician who is briefed on the nature of AAI before completing the RDA Medical Practitioner Consent Form.

Pre-cautions for participants with Down Syndrome

 Excessive head and neck movement during riding could cause repeated small injuries to the cervical spine. This in turn could lead to increased instability of the head and neck and pressure symptoms could occur. If a rider were to fall from a horse, which can occur even though all precautions are taken, and AAI is present, severe damage to the spinal cord or death could occur. All riders with Down Syndrome are strongly recommended to have a full assessment before commencing riding. If riding is approved by a physician, parents/riders must report any neurological symptoms if they occur e.g. headaches, dizziness, nausea in motion, blurry eyes, loss of head control, loss of hand control, change of gait, bladder or bowel function and these should be investigated by your Medical Practitioner before riding continues. RDA Coaches will monitor the amount of head movement and neck stability during riding and will adapt activities until muscles develop to appropriately support the head and neck.


Pre-cautions for participants with Epilepsy

 RDA can cater programs for participants with Absence and/or Partial Seizures by providing additional support structures. Participants with a history of Tonic Clonic or Atonic Seizures should have their condition controlled by medication before participating in RDA programs. In the unexpected event that a participant experiences a seizure during the RDA program, RDA coaches and volunteers are trained in emergency dismount procedures and seizure management. Participants should not participate in horse related activities if they have suffered a Tonic Clonic or Atonic seizure within the past 24 hours.  

The following medical conditions may have implications for people involved in horse riding. RDA Australia is committed to providing the safest possible service to our participants and we rely on a Medical Practitioner’s opinion and disclosure of any medical conditions that should be considered for involvement with horse riding/ horse related activities.

A Medical Practitioner Consent Form will be sent to you by the office who is managing your application.

Atlanto Axial Instability (AAI) / Down Syndrome 

 AAI is the instability, sublaxation or dislocation of the joint between the first and second cervical vertebrae. This is a potentially life-threatening condition common to Down Syndrome. Specific X-rays may be needed to rule out this instability before riding is permitted. Groups or physicians should not rely on X-rays taken before the age of 3 years (even up to 5 years) as the area involved has not ossified at this early age. Films obtained just prior to riding are advisable. RDA Australia recommends that all riders with Down Syndrome be examined by a physician who is briefed on the nature of AAI before completing the RDA Medical Practitioner Consent Form.

Pre-cautions for participants with Down Syndrome

 Excessive head and neck movement during riding could cause repeated small injuries to the cervical spine. This in turn could lead to increased instability of the head and neck and pressure symptoms could occur. If a rider were to fall from a horse, which can occur even though all precautions are taken, and AAI is present, severe damage to the spinal cord or death could occur. All riders with Down Syndrome are strongly recommended to have a full assessment before commencing riding. If riding is approved by a physician, parents/riders must report any neurological symptoms if they occur e.g. headaches, dizziness, nausea in motion, blurry eyes, loss of head control, loss of hand control, change of gait, bladder or bowel function and these should be investigated by your Medical Practitioner before riding continues. RDA Coaches will monitor the amount of head movement and neck stability during riding and will adapt activities until muscles develop to appropriately support the head and neck.

 

 Pre-cautions for participants with Scoliosis

 Scoliosis is a lateral curvature of the spine with a rotatory component. An Orthopaedic Surgeon should provide information about the degree and location of the scoliosis. When the mobility of the spine is an issue, the physician needs to evaluate the spine to determine if there is enough functional mobility to ride a horse. If there is insufficient flexibility in the spine to accommodate the movement of the horse, the physician should indicate that RIDING IS NOT RECOMMENDED. If riding is approved, RDA Coaches will attempt to provide as centred, and balanced position on the horse as is possible to assist with the improvement of core strength and muscle development to support the spine.

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Participant Social, Emotional and Sensory Information

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