Saddle therapy works wonders

CHILDREN with celebral palsy are being helped to improve their muscle tone, strength and balance one trot at a time through equine therapy.

This is being made possible by Ihhashi Ithembalethu (Horse is our Hope), a local non-profit company set up in 2021 to promote and enable donors to support Dayspring’s equine therapy programme.

Since 2006, the Dayspring

Equestrian and

Animal

Farm has been offering free horse riding therapy sessions to children from Thuthukani Special School.

The programme further assists autistic children, who benefit from the stimulation of their sensory systems, which in turn improves their social skills and communication abilities.

The programme has seen children who were previously unable to sit up in their wheelchairs, now able to sit up after strengthening their core during the rides. Other non-vocal children have begun expressing themselves as soon as they climb on their horse.

Most importantly is the smiles on the faces and the joy of the experience emanating from the children that makes this endeavour so worthwhile.

Dayspring Farm, however, has recently lost access to some of the surrounding grazing areas and is struggling to obtain sufficient food for the horses. Without a feasible solution, this may affect the number of horses and programmes the farm can accommodate. Dayspring appeals to the public for any support to either sponsor hay deliveries or assist with fencing poles and electric strands to demarcate additional grazing paddocks.

For more information on how to support the programme, contact Sarah Lombard on 082 3772825.

Photos: Paul The Thuthukani group arrives for their session and day out - (back) Mbali Mkhwanazi (physio assistant) and Sinakho Buthelezi (physio); (front) Bahlophe Khumalo, Londeka Gumede, Unathi Nzuza and Lungelu Sukhulu Scherzer

Bahlophe Khumalo, all smiles and riding with no hands, is supported by Les Ervine (Dayspring), Sinakho Buthelezi (physio) and Sarah Lombard, while the horse is led by a Dayspring staff member

Unathi Nzuza waits for his juice and porridge snack after the day’s ride, compliments of Dayspring’s Country Rooster Café

Londeka Gumede clapping and balancing while riding through the surrounding forests

Unathi Nzuza getting kitted up for the ride

Londeka Gumede bonding with her horse