CROWSON Park Riding for the Disabled’s (RDA) younger waiting list is growing.
The RDA now have a list of more than 10 children between the ages of three and 15 who wish to take part in the riding program, however the group are unable to accommodate these smaller riders as they have not been able to find another small pony.
The group have been searching for a pony of 13hh to 14.2hh who is quiet and has done some competition training, but to no avail.
President Linda Gaffaney said another horse would allow the group to help at least four more children in the current lesson cycles.
“The smaller children are where we have seen a significant growth in numbers,” she said.
“We think it is because our group is becoming more known in the area through social media.
“Our current pony, Tia, has seven riders on her schedule, but if something happened to her none of our other horses would be able to accommodate these riders.”
Ms Gaffaney said the more riders they could accommodate, the more they could benefit the community.
“These horses allow us to help our participants develop their core strength, coordination, confidence and social skills,” she said.
“It’s amazing what these children will achieve when they are out here on the horse and not in a classroom or a traditional therapy room.”
Four-year-old Hudson has cerebral palsy, but due to his involvement in the program for just six months he is able to sit unassisted for short periods.
Mother Petrea said not only had the program helped Hudson’s core strength, but has increased his socialisation, language and self regulation in mood.
“Out of all his therapies this is the one he wants to attend and he asks about it every week,” she said.
Ms Gaffaney said a retired horse or horse that has been outgrown by a local family would be an ideal situation to increase the amount of young riders at the group.
She can be contacted on 0414 416 378.
The RDA do not use thoroughbred, standardbred or Arab horses.
