Darius Eng
Saddle up: Darius' ride towards strength
Last updated 17 March 2026
Darius was born with low muscle tone and was later diagnosed with moderate autism and dyslexia as a child. Growing up, simple movements like walking steadily or keeping his balance were daily struggles. He fell often, and frequent hospital visits became part of family life.
When Darius was 9 years old, he joined the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) Singapore, where horses, coaches, and volunteers helped him discover a new path of growth.
Under the guidance and encouragement from his coach, each riding session helps Darius strengthen his muscle tone, coordination, and spatial awareness. It also sharpened his ability to focus, follow instructions, and respond calmly to new challenges.
Through RDA’s structured programme and consistent progress tracking, Darius’ development is visible not just in how he rides, but in how he carries himself beyond the arena. Using the RDA Tracker, coaches and volunteers monitor changes across six key areas — communication, confidence, enjoyment, relationships, physical development, and horsemanship.
These regular assessments provide parents with tangible evidence of progress that might otherwise go unnoticed. For Darius’ mum, Shoelle, these updates are deeply reassuring.
“Physically, riding has built his core muscle strength so effectively that he can sit up and focus much better in class. Best of all, he’s having far fewer falls and injuries! That physical control has improved his self-confidence tremendously.”— Darius's mum, Shoelle
Today, Darius rides with growing confidence and independence. Each session with RDA continues to strengthen not only his balance and coordination but also his sense of self-belief.
Darius hopes to return to RDA one day as a volunteer horse leader. Once he is able to travel independently, he looks forward to giving back by guiding and encouraging others, just as he was supported.
Your support for RDA makes it possible for beneficiaries with physical and mental disabilities to continue growing in strength, confidence, and hope for the future.
About Riding for the Disabled Association of Singapore (RDA) - Equine Assisted Activities supported by President's Challenge
RDA provides free therapeutic horse-riding sessions to individuals with physical and mental disabilities, including children from Special Education (SPED) schools and adults from Social Service Agencies (SSAs). Horse observation, grooming, groundwork, and structured exercises are also tailored to individuals, aiming to provide therapeutic benefits, enhance skills, and support the overall development of beneficiaries.