Pony Riding for the Disabled Association (PRDA) is a registered, non-profit organization located in the western Brisbane suburb of Pinjarra Hills. June and Peter McIntyre created PRDA in 1964, it was the first riding facility in Australia for children with disabilities.
McIntyre Centre is aligned with The Queensland Government's Department of Communities, Child Services and Disabilities and is certified under its Human Services Quality Standards framework.
History of the Mcintyre Centre
In 1964, June and Peter McIntyre initiated the first horse riding program for disabled people in Australia. June and Peter held this lessons at their residence located in Kenmore, Brisbane using ponies from their own herd. The initial sessions were attended by disabled children from Montrose Access and the Harold Crawford House.
By 1971, the need had outgrown the capacity of the McIntyre’s property and over the next four years a new facility was constructed in the neighbouring suburb of Pinjarra Hills. In 1983, PRDA changed its name to “McIntyre Centre” as a tribute to the McIntyre’s.
Services Offered by the Pony Riding for the Disabled Association Mcintyre Centre
Several recreational and therapeutic equine programs for disabled individuals and larger groups are offered at our centre, such as:
- Special Schools
- Disabled children and adults
- The local community
Mcintyre Centre’s Facilities
McIntyre Centre occupies a 40 acre property that is fitted with facilities to enhance the equine lessons, including:
- Administration buildings
- Stables and tack room
- Covered mounting and riding arenas
- Bush walk
- Grazing paddocks
Mcintyre Centre’s Funding
A one hour riding session for a disabled child costs McIntyre Centre seventy five dollars. The costs incurred are the following:
- Recruitment, instruction and salaries of the riding instructors
- Volunteer training
- Upkeep of horses and facilities
- Insurance
- Administration
To ensure our riders can access our services, classes are financially subsidized through a number of revenue generating sources. Fundraising events, sponsorships, donations, our thrift stores and The Department of Communities enables the Centre to provide affordable riding sessions.
A detailed plan to ensure a high level of service to even more young people over the next 50 years is being implemented. The plan will see McIntyre centre fitted with improved facilities and increased service capacity.
How can you Help?
Individuals, groups and corporations interested in funding our endeavours are welcome to do so through any of the means mentioned below:
- Via our thrift shops
- Fundraising events
- Individual donations
- Trusts & foundations
Your financial donations allow us to keep our riding programs affordable to all of our riders. In addition, we welcome individuals willing to give their time and energy as volunteers at McIntyre centre. All volunteers are expected to be passionate in helping disabled people overcome their challenges.
If you as a corporate and/or community group are interested in supporting our efforts, you may get involved through the following sponsorship and fundraising channels:
- Sponsor a Horse
- Sponsor a Special School
- Host a fundraising event
- Corporate matching programs
- Fundraising events held at the McIntyre centre
- Corporate working bees
- Workplace Giving
If you would like to discuss a Corporate or Community partnership with our Centre, kindly get in touch with us. We look forward to having you as part of our “team”.
