Horses program helps children develop

ROBERT Hutt says volunteering for Riding Develops Abilities is a very rewarding experience, and that he gets more out of it than the children.

A volunteer for three years, Mr Hutt retired from a business executive position and wanted to give something back to the community.

Riding Develops Abilities, based at Koombahla Park Equestrian Centre in Wallington, is a not-for-profit organisation that enables individuals with a variety of disabilities, ages and backgrounds to develop independence, a sense of freedom and to reach their equestrian goals, through adaptive coaching techniques and equipment.

“It’s not just about riding horses, it’s about understanding the varying disabilities, including degree and cause, and we get a fairly comprehensive profile of the kids so we can provide the appropriate level of horse riding for them,” Mr Hutt said.

Betty Minogue has been a volunteer with Riding Develops Abilities for the past 15 years and said she absolutely loved it.

“The kids are fantastic… when some of them come here who are on the autism spectrum, they won’t even look at you, but after a couple of weeks they are looking and talking to you, I have some kids who come in and they run up and give me a big hug, which is lovely.”

Ms Minogue said the program suited children of various age groups, including one as young as three years old, and one as old as 19.

“Over the years I’ve seen a lot of kids and it’s sad to let them go.

“We get as much out of it as the kids do.”

Students from local schools take part in the program on a weekly basis, including Leopold Primary School.

Student support teacher Sandi Collier said the program allowed the kids to build their confidence, core strength and co-ordination.

Riding Develops Abilities is always looking for more volunteers. For more information, phone Helen Buckley 0475 768 089 or Susan Dodson 0409 931 384.