Pauline Perry has devoted over 40 years to advancing therapeutic riding and equine-assisted services, both in Australia and on the international stage. Her extensive experience and leadership within the Riding for the Disabled (RDA) movement have made her a key figure in shaping the field, with contributions ranging from coaching and mentoring to program development and global advocacy. Pauline’s professional journey began in 1980 when she joined Riding for the Disabled Victoria (RDAV), where she quickly became a vital force. Her roles included Coach, Regional Coaching Coordinator, and Chairman of the State Dressage Committee, before progressing to positions of higher responsibility as State Vice President, State President, and State Head of Coaching. Until 2007, Pauline was the President and Head Coach of RDAV’s full-time centre, cementing her leadership in providing equine-assisted services to people with disabilities. On the national level, Pauline’s influence was equally significant through her work with Riding for the Disabled Australia (RDAA) between 1995 and 2006. As Vice President of RDAA’s Board, she led the development and delivery of the national coaching program, ensuring high standards across Australia. She also served as National President, led the National Dressage Championships Organizing Committee, and was Chairman of Selectors for Para Equestrian Australia. Pauline played a pivotal role in Para Equestrian events at the Sydney Paralympics and attended the Athens and Hong Kong Paralympics as a Technical Official. Her international contributions extended to attending conferences in Toronto, New Zealand, France, and Hungary, and she assisted in the development of RDA programs in the Pacific region, particularly in Hong Kong. Pauline’s leadership extended beyond the Australian context when she became involved with Horses in Education and Therapy International (HETI), formerly known as the Federation for Riding for the Disabled International (FRDI), from 2006 to 2012. She served as Treasurer of the FRDI Board, was a member of the Sport and Recreation Committee, and ultimately became President of HETI, furthering the global development of equine-assisted services. Since 2007, Pauline has continued her work within Riding for the Disabled Tasmania (RDAT), where she has been a State President (2009 – 2018) and remains a State Delegate to RDAA. Her work in Tasmania includes coaching riders, mentoring coaches, visiting centres, conducting assessments, and overseeing centre audits. Pauline’s lifelong dedication has been recognized through numerous prestigious awards. In 2000, she was awarded the Australian Sporting Medal for her services to RDA, followed by an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in 2002 for her tireless work as a coach, administrator, and fundraiser. She is also an Honorary Life Member of RDA Australia, RDA Victoria, RDA Tasmania, and RDA Kingborough, and in 2019, Pauline was inducted into the Tasmanian Honour Roll of Women.
