Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) Dubbo president Helena Patriarca said Greeks used horses for rehabilitating wounded soldiers in the fifth century BC.

"Throughout history, riding has been prescribed as a means of improving the mental and physical wellbeing of people with disabilities," she said.

"In this century therapeutic riding was recognised by Dame Agnes Hunt, who established the first orthopaedic hospital in the United Kingdom.

"Dame Agnes understood the real need for laughter and companionship in the recovery of health and the importance of horses and riding for her patients.

"Her work was followed up with soldiers who had been disabled during both world wars. Many hospitals encouraged riding as a means of therapy."

At the 1952 Helsinki Olympic Games Danish polio victim Liz Hartel, normally confined to a wheelchair, was assisted onto her horse and won a silver medal in the dressage event.

The achievement received worldwide attention and encouraged many people.

"Riding for the disabled groups began to spring up in countries throughout the western world," Mrs Patriarca said.

"The first Australian group was started in 1964 by Mr and Mrs Peter McIntyre.

"With the help of a few friends they started to give riding therapy to people with disabilities by inviting them to their property just outside Brisbane."

Riding programs began in South Australia in 1970, followed by Victoria in 1971. In 1972 riding school instructor Pearl Batchelor and physiotherapist Nan Everingham founded the NSW branch.

Lessons were held on Mrs Batchelor's property Tall Timbers at West Pennant Hills.

Riders from Northcott School Parramatta and Crowle Home were the first to participate.

RDA centres were established in Western Australia, Canberra and Tasmania in following years.

The Australian Council for RDA was formed in 1975 and RDA NSW hosted the first conference.

Daphne Pagnamenta from RDA United Kingdom accredited centres Tall Timbers, Throsby Park, Samurai Park and Hunters Riding Lodge.

Mrs Patriarca said the Dubbo RDA centre began around 1975 when teachers Bernie Rawson and Joy Ross went to an expo in Adelaide where then patron Princess Anne was in attendance.

"They acquired all the necessary information and came back to Dubbo to set up a riding for therapy group for disabled students attending Westhaven School," Mrs Patriarca said.

"Sessions were held on a local property and another nearby farm before finally moving to Brocklehurst where a shed was donated by Dubbo Lions Club."

Mrs Patriarica said Isabel Wallace had been involved with Dubbo RDA as a volunteer and long standing coach for more than 35 years.

Her husband, John, had been a volunteer for 15 years.

"This couple is very dedicated to their roles within the organisation," Mrs Patriarca said.

"It is a pleasure to participate with them each Tuesday. Isabel and John are amazing role models for younger and newer volunteers assisting with the children."