Happy to horse around
Disability service mounts case for sustained funding
FAR North disability advocates are hoping a horseriding program will become a regular feature on their calendar.
Eight people with a disability took to Blazing Saddles at Yorkeys Knob on Tuesday to get up close and personal with their horses.
The event was part of a trial, funded by Cairns Regional Council, for Disability Action Week.
ARC Disability Services programs general manager Sheridan Lawton said it had been trying to launch a horseriding program for some time and the trial had been a hit.
“They absolutely loved it, they’ve been raving about it and they want to go back,” she said.
“We would like to be able to run a weekly program.
“Our aim is we would like to work with Blazing Saddles, not just our organisation but all people of Cairns.”
She said the benefits of the program for people with a disability were huge as they were able to develop a relationship with the horses, but also work on health aspects such as posture and strength.
The participants were given the full treatment during Tuesday’s trial, first introduced to the animals, then shown how to mount and take a walk around the track.
“The horses are not used to having people with a disability on them,” Ms Lawton said.
“Each person was assisted in mounting the horse at different levels.
“Some people have never met a horse before.”
She said the trial had been organised by council staff, but if the program was to continue it would need funding.
Disability Action Week continues until tomorrow.
Mossman Golf Club is holding an Inclusion Golf Day this afternoon.
There will also be a community celebration in Mareeba tomorrow morning, including a pop-up cafe, stalls, arts and crafts, fresh produce, plants and garden art.