MELBOURNE: Horses are now producing ‘magic’ moments for riders with disabilities said the president of a community club.
When Linda Pullen first volunteered at Riding for the Disabled Illawarra Centre 26 years ago, she was looking for a way to improve her own mental health.
What she found was a community that kept her coming back year after year and the chance to watch riders achieve things they never thought possible.
Today, as president of the centre at Jerrara, she’s still witnessing those moments, from non-verbal children calling out instructions to riders mastering skills that have taken years to learn.
“It gets in your blood,” Ms Pullen said.
“It’s just such an inclusive place where you can see so many riders shine.
“I started all those years ago as a volunteer because I was suffering with mental health issues – depression and anxiety.
“My doctor suggested that I volunteer somewhere. I came here, it filled my cup up and I’ve come back every year for 26 years.”
The twice-weekly therapy classes are run by RDA Illawarra, overseen by dedicated volunteers, on Kiama council-owned operational land nestled between the hills and Jerrara Dam.
Ms Pullen said she had noticed “major improvements” in all riders, whether adult or children.
“Some achievements can be so small but so huge to that rider,” she said.
“There was one rider we had for eight years. I tried to get them to collect their reins to stop the horse and after eight years they finally did it and that was huge.
“We’ve had riders come here that are non-verbal and before the end of the first turn they’re actually yelling instructions out to the other riders.
“We’ve had parents on the sidelines in absolute tears because their children have achieved things that they thought were never possible.
“It’s the connection with the horse. The horse is a magical creature.”
She described their horses as being “amazing”.
“If they’ve got a rider that has a little bit more ability they’ll actually walk faster or they’re quicker around corners,” she said.
“Each horse connects with its rider each week.”
Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald said being able to support community groups such as Riding for The Disabled Illawarra Centre was part of council’s DNA.
“It’s a fantastic program and on behalf of Kiama Council, I’d like to thank the many volunteers for their dedication to such a wonderful cause,” councillor McDonald said.
The Riding for The Disabled Illawarra Centre is on the lookout for new riders, financial assistance, volunteers or any horses or ponies that need a place to see out their later years in life.
Classes are held on Tuesday and Saturday mornings during school terms for about a dozen people with disability who pick up valuable skills along the way.