Riding horses enriches lives of the disabled
Levin Riding for the Disabled has published a bumper issue of its magazine to celebrate Volunteers Week 2021, this week, full of stories of its own volunteeres who have come to join their little group each in their own way.
Christine Warren has been involved since 1989 and said RDA is close to her heart as it helped her son Gordon. Gordon started riding as a 5-year-old and now assists as a helper.
Lyn Martindale joined as an administration person and is now secretary. “Levin RDA is a fantastic place where miracles do happen.”
Diane Coombe from Raumati Beach joined in 2001 said it was because she always wanted to work with horses. Another horse lover, Linda Thomas, came along because she missed horse activity after she lost her own horse. She uses her creative streak to produce greetings cards depicting life at RDA.
Paul McLennaghan looked for a way to help disabled people and was delighted this could be done during the week. Derek Prior brought experience of working with special needs children to the group. “I knew how rewarding it could be but I had had nothing to do with horses.” Thanks to the experienced volunteers he learned a lot about horses in the three years he has been with Levin RDA.
Volunteers are vital to Levin RDA. They give time and energy so the group can continue to provide its riding therapy programme for disabled children and adults. They mainly work as coaches, trainers, leaders and side walkers during riding therapy sessions. Levin RSA was established in 1981 and its programmes help disabled people of all ages to develop, increase and improve physical and psychological abilities as well as social and communication skills. Levin RDA is based at Speldhurst Country Estate on Kimberley Rd in Levin and holds sessions on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 8am to 12.30pm.
Levin RDA is a fantastic place where miracles do happen. Lyn Martindale
For more information contact levin@rda.org.nz or ph 368 0324 and leave a message with your name and contact details.