riding for the disabled

written and photographed by Abby Eastment

Horse riding has been proven to be therapeutic and has educational and psychological benefits for people of all ages. Interaction with and learning to ride horses improves social interaction, focus and coordination. Riding for the Disabled Australia has been coordinating programs all over Australia for years to provide people with disabilities a chance to interact with these beautiful animals.

When we first considered volunteering my horse Grace for Riding for the Disabled Australia, she had to be assessed for temperament to ensure she would be safe for riders, and passed with flying colours. From then on, she has walked dutifully onto the float with another horse the first Sunday of every month and carried around riders great and small for hours. Carmel and Robin, and all the riders that met Grace loved how kind and quiet she is, and how beautiful she is as well. Due to her convenient size, her calm temperament and how tolerant she is, Grace became the star of the show. We even received a Christmas hamper from RDA with food for our family, and some older horse food for Grace. She has been brightening the lives of the riders at RDA, and is appreciated by the whole community for not only safely carrying riders, but bringing people together through horses. Grace has made a positive impact on many riders, bringing joy, stimulation and exercise to their lives.

Hopefully many more people will volunteer suitable horses to some of the many RDA programs around Australia to continue to foster the growing community of riders benefitting from these incredible horses.