Riding for the Disabled

Fun, laughter, and learning ensued during a presentation to the club by Coach Merelynne and Secretary Linda from Riding for the Disabled (RDA) at Somersby. RDA is a non-profit organisation that enables children and adults with disabilities to enjoy and achieve physical, social, psychological and educational progress through therapeutic horse-riding programs and horse related activities.

While it wasn’t possible to bring a real horse to our meeting for a demonstration, Linda and Merelynne organised a simulation of the client experience using willing Rotary Club volunteers. As the images show, the ‘horse’, dressed in brightly coloured livery is led by an ‘experienced handler’ while the ‘client’, wearing the riding helmet and safety harness, is supported by ‘support staff’ who hold onto the harness from either side of the horse to ensure the client stays securely in place on the saddle. Of course, a horse ride is not complete without ensuring ‘parting gifts’ left by the horse are collected and recycled, hence the ‘Environmental Control Officer’ carrying a bucket and spade, is bringing up the rear. Not only was this demonstration fun and informative it was also a great illustration of the effort that RDA staff and volunteers go to, to ensure clients have a safe and memorable experience. Well done and thank-you to the staff and volunteers at RDA Somersby.

In a subsequent visit by the Club to the RDA facility, President John presented Linda, from RDA, with a $2,000 grant to cover the cost of a replacement saddle ($1,500) and related equipment.