Under the patronage of HH Sheikha Hassa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum The Equestrian Association for People of Determination (EAPD) is proud to announce their rebranding. This name change is in order to better represent the children they strive to help following twenty-one years operating as Riding for the Disabled (RDAD). It is also in line with the UAE government’s National Policy for Empowering People with Special Needs, which states that people with special needs or disabilities will be referred to as ‘people of determination’ in order to recognise their achievements in different fields.
EAPD by Numbers
Operating for 21 years, since 1998.
The stables own 11 horses/ponies.
Run by a team of just seven staff.
Using the help of around 100 volunteers.
Giving back 204 hours of community service per week.
Therapeutic riding lessons are provided for 70 children per week.
Four specialist schools from around the UAE as well as private individuals attend.
About EAPD
In 1998, our patron HH Sheikha Hassa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum donated three horses to be used for therapeutic riding. Under the CEO, Ali Albwardy and the directorship of Satish Seemar, the Equestrian Association for People of Determination (EAPD) was born. Formally known as Riding for Disabled Dubai until 2018, today, more than 70 children with a variety of physical and developmental issues, including autism, cerebral palsy, down syndrome and spina bifida, benefit from the EAPD programme.
The Team
Managed by Caroline Joyce-Seemar, three PATH International qualified therapeutic instructors coordinate the stables and lead the lessons. Barn Manager Andrea Felten is in charge of the welfare of the horses, with the help of two grooms.
The Riders
Starting from 4 years old and above, four specialist schools across the UAE send eight children per day to the EAPD programme. Weekday afternoons and Saturdays see private families bring their children for the lessons. Every child is different and has their own way of communicating and interacting with the people and the task at hand. Every personality is appreciated and over the term developments and improvements are often noticed including an increase in verbal communication from those who were previously non-verbal.
The Lessons
The EAPD programme utilises the horse to achieve a variety of therapeutic goals, thereby allowing our students to develop their physical, cognitive and emotional abilities. Each week a different activity is developed by the team to test our students’ limits and encourage our riders to achieve more than they ever thought possible. For many who attend, it is their favourite activity of the week, and excitement levels are often running high.
The Volunteers
EAPD is a not-for-profit organisation and relies solely on the generous assistance of individuals and support of organisations to keep the programme in operation. Promoting awareness of our programme or assisting as a reliable volunteer on a weekly basis helps us to provide enjoyable lessons for these determined children. Each lesson requires horse leaders and side walkers who follow the instructor’s directions in order to provide a safe environment for the riders.
Further Information
Enroll as a volunteer or a new rider online or find further details at the links below. Further images are available upon request, copyright Tara Hamilton Photography. Should you wish to visit the stables or have more specific questions you would like answered, please contact EAPD directly info@eapd-dubai.ae
Website: www.eapd-dubai.ae
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