A long-running South Canterbury non-profit is looking for more volunteers to help keep it trotting on.
Timaru Riding for the Disabled (RDA) has been operating in the district since 1974, with the purpose to provide interactions with horses to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for people experiencing disability, or who have specific challenges or needs.
The organisation originally began at a property in Fairview but now operate from their stables in Landsborough Rd.
Treasurer Alison Farren, who has been with Timaru RDA for 24 years, said it could take up to three volunteers to ride one disabled child on a horse.
"Most times we will have one person leading the horse and two people sidewalking, especially if they’ve got a helmet exemption."
Their riding days were Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.
"We could definitely do with some more volunteers if people have even just got a couple of hours to spare.
"We have roughly about 30 volunteers at the moment but for us the more we can get the better.
"We own our own grounds and property so even maintenance is a big thing and getting people to even help with that would be great."
Mrs Farren said they catered for all types of disabilities.
"It ranges from those with physical disability to ADHD to mental health issues.
"One young girl had lost a parent so being with the horses helped with that grieving process.
"You can do self-referrals or you can get your GP to refer you to our organisation."
As someone who had been involved for over two decades, it had been beneficial for her, too, she said.
"I came in from a different country and I made a lot of strong friendships here.
"It’s good company, good humour and a just a good group to be involved with.
"You don’t even have to be knowledgeable about horses because we have plenty of people willing to help with training."
"The big smiles you see after [the riders] see the horses and have a ride is what I think makes this worth doing."
It was important to keep the organisation running strong, she said.
"What we do really makes a difference to our children.
"They don’t get to go and run around a rugby field, this is their only outlet of sport.
"We do stretching to help tone their core strength and legs to be able to keep walking that bit longer, as well as helping with some of the finer motor skills like hand-eye co-ordination by throwing balls into a netball hoop off the back of a horse.
"As you can imagine, that can take quite a lot of balance and co-ordination, which then affects their everyday life skills and how that child is in the classroom."
Anyone wishing to learn more or volunteer for Timaru RDA can email the organisation at timarurda@gmail.com or call (03) 684-4282.
