NEW RIDING FOR THE DISABLED ARENA OPENS IN COWRA

Tuesday, 20 May 2025                        

A built-for-purpose arena catering to Cowra’s Riding for the Disabled (RDA) program and local Pony Club has officially opened.

The long-awaited undercover horse arena was first announced in 2019, after receiving more than $300,000 from the former NSW Government along with contributions from Cowra Crown Land Managers and the Cowra Chapter of the Riding for the Disabled.

Construction was forced to halt during the COVID-19 pandemic and again in 2022 following a significant flash flooding event, prolonging the project’s completion. 

Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke officially opened the arena which will provide the Riding for the Disabled charity the facilities they need to carry out their program. 

“This is such an incredibly special organisation with a number of RDAs in the Cootamundra electorate,” Ms Cooke said.

“Every week on a daily basis we see volunteers come here and help our little ones and our older participants reach their full potential.”

“They [RDA] are very valued and loved in our community and to see them now with a facility like this here in a small country town is a really good outcome.”

Ms Cooke was joined by Chair of the Cowra Showground Trust, Chris Meiklejohn during the arena’s official opening on Monday, May 19.

“It’s fantastic to see it finally open, it’s a great community asset,” Mr Meiklejohn said.

“It’s great that children with a disability can come here and learn a skill, and the volunteers are to be commended for what they are doing.”

Representatives for Cowra Council were also in attendance including Mayor, Cr Paul Smith.

“We had a display from the RDA kids, and it gladdens your heart when you see kids on the horses and how they interact with the animals,” Cr Smith said.

“It’s tucked away in a corner and people won’t see it as much, but the people that use it will know it’s here and it’s just another great asset for this very, very good town.”