General News
9 August, 2023
Happy birthday!
THE horses helping Riding for the Disabled Association of Victoria (RDA) participants develop their abilities enjoyed a special birthday treat last week.
THE horses helping Riding for the Disabled Association of Victoria (RDA) participants develop their abilities enjoyed a special birthday treat last week.
The kids benefitting from the therapeutic horse-riding sessions as part of RDA had an opportunity to show their appreciation at the final event for the year, celebrating the traditional birthday of the horses in the southern hemisphere (August 1).
The RDA riders helped to hand out a special birthday cake at the Glenormiston College Equestrian Centre for each of the horses which was made of carrot, oat and molasses.
“Everyone enjoyed it,” RDA volunteer Heather Rowe said.
“With our last session for the year so close to the start of August, we decided to tie in a birthday-themed event.
“We try to have a bit of a theme when we can, so it was a good opportunity to celebrate.”
RDA volunteer Sylvia Brown said the special occasion finished off another successful year for RDA.
“There will be a well-earned break for both horses and volunteers before we recommence next year at the start of school term,” she said.
“We are always looking for volunteers and suitable horses and ponies.”
Mrs Rowe said there had been some missed sessions this year due to volunteer illness and unavailability of horses.
She put out a call for volunteers who may be willing to put their hand up and ensure the kids do not miss out as RDA was among the groups needing greater volunteer numbers.
“We probably need a couple more horses, some are getting a bit old,” Mrs Rowe said.
“We might be struggling next year. We did buy a horse last year so we’ve got her, but we need more.
“The students next year will go up to grade six, but if we don’t have the horses and volunteers we’ll have to knock some of the kids back.
“We don’t want to do that so we’re desperate for at least two horses which are good with kids.”
Mrs Rowe said anyone interested in volunteering only required a working with children check, with no special skills or experience needed.
“Volunteers can always help the kids putting their boots and helmets on, or even just being there to pop the kettle on,” she said.
“It is very rewarding just to help the kids and see the improvement they make throughout the year as their ability and confidence grows.
“Quite a few were riding unaided or steering themselves and to see them improve was wonderful.”
Mrs Rowe said RDA will be back in the saddle from early February next year.
Anyone interested in volunteering, especially horse owners, was invited to contact Mrs Rowe on 0407 992 081 for more information.