Twins Jagger and London Finch with horses Trip and Googie.
Photo by
Kelly Lucas-Carmody
For the disabled, riding horses is about far more than simply riding horses.
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It’s about balance, core strength, confidence, fun and socialisation, according to volunteers at Shepparton’s Riding for the Disabled Association.
They say it also gives participants a chance to “do something everybody else does”.
There are 11 horses, 20 volunteers and four coaches who facilitate the one-day-a-week program, which has been running without any ongoing government funding for a remarkable 48 years, at GOTAFE’s William Orr Campus in Wanganui Rd.
It is one of the few RDA centres, of around 35 in Victoria and around 70 across Australia, that does not charge riders for sessions; once they’ve paid their registration fees, there are no further costs for the year.
Each Tuesday, riders, their carers and support workers, volunteers and trainers assemble in the peaceful grassy paddocks beyond Wanganui Homestead.
They learn horsemanship, play games on horseback and take a short trail ride before catching up over morning or afternoon tea, depending on which one of the day’s three 45-minute sessions they attend.
Participants from Banmira Specialist School, Shepparton Access, Connect GV and independent riders are among them, alternating fortnights for their visits.
Riders are capped at eight per session.
Shepparton RDA coaches Roslyn and Alby De Simone.
Photo by
Kelly Lucas-Carmody
Along with coaches, at least eight volunteers are needed to lead riders, with another couple on hand to help with activities, opening and closing gates, mounting and dismounting.
The program’s popularity ensures there is a waitlist.
But, the biggest challenge the organisation faces is a lack of volunteers.
Rider Lana Ingram with volunteers Marg Ritchie on the right and Keren Fletcher on the left.
Photo by
Kelly Lucas-Carmody
“We are desperate for new volunteers that are a bit younger than the people who are already here,” volunteer Brian Thompson said.
Mr Thompson became a volunteer after retiring from paid work, more than 15 years ago.
He looks after the farm and horses during the week in between riding days and also helps lead horses during sessions.
“I love the horses and love to be involved with the students and see the joy on their faces when they’re riding,” he said.
“It gives the students something different in their lives; it’s just great for the kids.”
Rider Erin Mohi on Misty.
Photo by
Kelly Lucas-Carmody
Former program participant and now volunteer Jenny Grant has been involved with Riding for the Disabled for 30 years.
“Anyone who joins the RDA is like part of the family, so this is like my family,” she said.
“It’s just a great feeling to help others and to enjoy being around horses.”
No experience with horses is necessary to get involved with the program; Shepparton RDA provides training for volunteers.
Horses and their riders play games of skill in one of the paddocks at RDA in north Shepparton.
Photo by
Kelly Lucas-Carmody
The centre welcomes all volunteers to attend when they can, whether that be morning, afternoon or fortnightly, with no requirement that they commit to a certain amount of hours.
If you’re interested in volunteering with Riding for the Disabled, visit rda.org.au/volunteering and fill out the expression of interest form.
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