Call for horse riding helpers

RIDING for the Disabled Bendigo is calling for more volunteers as it aims to return to its usual program.

The not-for-profit organisation has been operating in Mandurang South for over 40 years, providing therapeutic, developmental and social benefits for riders of all ages.

Coach and ride coordinator Jan King said the coronavirus pandemic has impacted the operation of RDA Bendigo, which couldn’t operate at all last year since March.

“COVID has put paid to all our volunteers,” she said. “Some of them have gone north, some have gone home to New Zealand, we had quite a few retire last year.

“Coming back, we’ve found we’ve got a few permanent volunteers and we have a few TAFE students, but the students can only work in the morning and have classes in the afternoon.

“We’re finding it difficult to encourage people to volunteer again in this uncertain climate”

Ms King said there’s at least 10 riders on the waiting list, but not enough volunteers to cope.

Recruiting and training new volunteers has been near impossible, and Ms King said the older volunteers are struggling.

“Now that we’re getting older our knees are playing up and we can’t walk in the sand, it makes it very difficult for the older volunteers when they’ve got injuries.”

RDA Bendigo provides children and adults with disabilities or impairments an opportunity to engage with horses, go trail riding, and play games such as modified basketball and egg-and-spoon races.

Ms King said it’s all about having fun, developing hand-eye coordination, and making a connection with the horses.

“What I really love is when anybody in a wheelchair, they can’t go bushwalking, so you pop them up on a horse and we go trail riding,” she said.

“They’ve not done that before, they’re out in the bush, they’re free they’ve got someone else that’s got the legs for them.”

RDA Bendigo currently operates on a weekly rotating schedule of morning and afternoon sessions on Wednesdays, however Ms King hopes with more volunteers they will be able to have whole day sessions soon.

For more information check out RDA Bendigo on Facebook or e-mail [email protected].