Horsing around
A HELENSBURGH group for people with disabilities has jumped into a new programme of fun activities and sessions.
The Gareloch Riding for the Disabled Association [RDA] have started back after an Easter break with riding and carriage driving sessions.
The group’s Tea with a Pony sessions have also resumed and residents of a Helensburgh care home were among the first to make the most of the opportunity to get up close and personal with the RDA’s most important volunteers.
Having been on hiatus for half a year, Tea with a Pony allows residents to interact with horses, enjoy tea and sandwiches, and have a chat.
Volunteer Louise said: “We have residents of the local care homes come up to meet our horses, then have tea and cake. It’s really lovely.
“We had Northwood Nursing Home residents visit and I helped a lovely lady without sight to meet Breon the horse, which was amazing.
“For our Tea With A Pony guests, we find they benefit in many ways.
“First and foremost, they get to enjoy a couple of hours out and about.
“Many enjoy getting into the fresh air and having a good chat over tea and cake.
“They enjoy watching the demonstration but most notably, those that rode or engaged with horses when they were younger are transported back to that time, through the smells, sounds and sights of a working yard.
“Regaling our volunteers with stories of their past, it is a wonderful link to the past for many.
“No horse experience is required though, and many attendees purely find the interactions with our horses, whether they just watch them, or give affection, a calming activity.”
Louise continued: “On the other side of the barrier, our horses love the sessions.
“Breon, who does the demonstration, loves having an audience and you can see him put his best foot forward once he knows he is being watched. “They all love the affection and fuss and meeting new people, as well as it being slightly different to their other work. “This results in a more enriching schedule for them, ensuring a range of activities and people to keep their day interesting.”
Those coming along to the centre’s Colgrain base for Tea with a Pony watch a short demonstration before around four members of the herd are bought in to meet their visitors.
Attendees have the chance to share stories and interact with the ponies before they head out to their field or stable.
Meanwhile, residents and volunteers head into the stable block to enjoy tea, cake, and sandwiches.
The Gareloch RDA allows people with disabilities to develop new skills, enjoy the outdoors, and improve their fitness through horse riding.
They are always welcoming new volunteers and anyone interested should email garelochrdasecretary@gmail.com.
More information on the Gareloch RDA is available on their website: www.garelochrda.org.