Horses and riders celebrated at party

Whakatu Riding for the Disabled’s team of horses have been celebrated during a therapeutic skills demonstration and collective birthday party.

The horses’ August 1 birthday was marked by equine-friendly birthday cakes, with carrot stick candles, on Saturday. Over 70 guests joined the festivities which included riders and their families.

The volunteers were thanked for their work to keep the Nelson organisation a reality at the party, and the Nelson Freemasons donated over $4000 at the party, for the organisation to erect fencing and hay sheds.

Whakatu RDA riding co-ordinator and head coach Pam Harwood said it was a special event and a perfect opportunity to show some of the riders’ progress.

She walked the crowd through a riders’ demonstration which highlighted the benefits of therapy rides.

One of the riders, Hunter, had been with Whakatu since 2013.

‘‘He couldn’t sit up [in 2013] but he’s strong enough now he can sit up and do little trots,’’ Harwood said.

Four years on, the 6-year-old was more than happy to show the crowd how far he had come.

‘‘That’s been a huge achievement for him. [He] just absolutely loved it.’’

Hunter found sitting on a horse ‘‘really challenging’’ but persevered with his lessons. Over the years his balance has improved, and the work on a horse has strengthened muscles that help him walk with his frame, Harwood said.

‘‘We’re just really proud of his achievements.’’

Another rider, Ayla-Rose, also started riding when she was about two-years-old.

Five years later, she can sit up and requires minimal assistance sitting on a horse. Ayla-Rose demonstrated how to lay across the horse facing toward the rump. Harwood said the move allowed riders to strengthen core and back muscles, help with relaxation and control over the rider’s head and neck.

Harwood said the riders also demonstrated how they build fine motor skills completing puzzles while they ride.

The horses were paraded and formally introduced before they tucked into their ‘‘hard-feed’’ cakes with carrot candles.

Harwood said the organisation had received a lot of support but was still in need of volunteers.

For information or to help them out, contact Bex Deva at rdanelson@xtra.co.nz or phone 03 546 6366.

Nicole Gibson and Sammy get ready before all the guests arrive.

PHOTOS: MARTIN DE RUYTER/NELSON MAIL A birthday cake for Sammy at the Riding for the Disabled horses’ birthday event in the Brook Valley.

Volunteer Ruby Harrison helps horse Kelly get her hoofs done.

Whakatu RDA riding co-ordinator and head coach Pam Harwood.

Volunteer Nicole Gibson grooms horse Sammy.