With land now secured, Riding for the Disabled Association (RDAV) Pakenham is turning its focus toward the future. But one major barrier remains: funding to build an all-weather arena.
Just months after securing a 20-year lease at its Five Mile Road site, RDAV has been operating at capacity, with demand continuing to grow.
Grounds and maintenance officer Ken Ellison said there’s nothing in Cardinia or Casey that meets their needs outside of private properties which often come at a high cost.
“We’ve got the land, the people, the program, and the need — we’re just missing the all-weather arena,” he said.
“We have about 12 to 15 riders each week, but every time it rains, gets too hot, or windy, we’re forced to cancel.
“Many people with disabilities really need the consistency to learn and build discipline—missing one, two, or even three weeks in a row disrupts their progress.”
A shortage of equine-experienced volunteers also limits their ability to run more programs, especially on weekends or after school.
RDAV offers a huge value proposition to the entire community, Cardinia and beyond, making it more important to invest in its future and support its continued growth.
“It’s incredible to witness the positive outcomes for individuals with disabilities through their interactions with horses, dogs, and other animals,” Ken said.
“The connection is truly a two-way street — the horses respond and understand, and the riders gain so much from the experience. It’s life-changing, and I didn’t fully appreciate it until I became involved.”
Cardinia Shire councillor Trudi Paton recalled a heartwarming moment when a father or carer came into the meeting room to sign out his two girls after their session, sharing just how much the experience meant to them.
“One girl he said will be talking about her riding experience for the entire week – until she comes back next week to get a new dose of excitement. He said he loves the car rides home because both girls are always so engaged and happy and chatter endlessly about their ride and the horses.”
RDA’s vision is to expand the use of its facilities to include other equine groups, dog clubs, and community organisations.
“We want to make something that gives back to the broader community too,” Ken said. “An indoor or covered arena would change everything. It would allow us to run classes in all weather, attract new volunteers, and help us welcome more riders.”
A roof would mean RDA no longer has to cancel training days due to weather — a huge blow to riders, for whom riding is often the highlight of their week. It would also allow the program to run more days per week, helping clear the waiting list and provide opportunities for riders and attract new volunteers.
In November last year, MP Jason Wood visited RDA Pakenham and promised they would receive $500k but only if the Liberals won the federal election.
“I’ve proudly supported RDA Pakenham in its outstanding efforts to serve the local community,” Wood said.
“In the recent 2025 election, I affirmed my support for RDA Pakenham with a $500,000 commitment for a new roofed arena.
“This builds on the $1 million commitment I previously made during the 2022 federal election also for a new arena with a roof.
“Unfortunately, the Labor Government chose not to match these commitments—an outcome that is both disappointing and shameful.”
Cr Paton, who supported their lease motion, expressed concern over “a shadow of uncertainty and a level of frustration regarding RDAV’s position” on funding a roofed arena — a facility critical to expanding services and reducing the growing waitlist.
“Simply running their service operations, feeding the horses, maintaining the property, veterinary and other care charges for the horses is already a huge expense for this small volunteer organization,” she said.
“Community wide support including Government is needed for them to develop their facilities so that their longer term goals for expansion are needed.”
Mary Longden, president of RDAV and an internationally renowned equestrian coach (who is about to take some disabled riders to compete in the UK), is frustrated that funding to allow them to expand their service is a politically motivated issue.
“Pakenham RDA is full of potential for improving the quality of life of our participants, volunteers and horses,” she said.
“Most of our horses are past competing in the able-bodied world. With our expert care and training they have much to offer our participants.
“Now we have a 20 year lease we can turn the dream of a covered arena, that can be used by community groups, into a reality.”
The RDAV committee acknowledged Cr Trudi for supporting them since the beginning and now helping explore funding options and launch a community campaign.
“Trudi has been absolutely incredible, and the people from council have been really supportive. They’ve gone out of their way to prepare the lease and make it as workable as possible for both parties,” Ken said.
RDAV still hopes Jason Wood can use his platform and networks to help advocate.
