By ANEEKA SIMONIS
AS ONE 10-year-old disabled rider trotted her favourite horse in Officer last week, her teacher predicted she’d one day work with horses.
Matilda has been participating in the riding program for the past three years and has achieved significant physical and mental improvements through her contact with the horses.
“Matilda is just amazing … she has learnt how to control the horse … I reckon she’ll work with horses one day,” said care assistant Hessy Saunders.
Matilda is one of several riders who make weekly visits to the Riding Develops Abilities (RDA) stable in Officer.
“We have riders aged four to 55 with a wide range of disabilities who come in once a week,” said centre co-ordinator Kay Murray.
“Horses are such a good medium physically and emotionally.
“For one, riders get passive exercise with the movement of the horse as they develop core body strength working muscles they normally wouldn’t.
“But the contact with the horses is also important … they develop a relationship with them which helps break down barriers to do with anxiety as well as build their confidence and self-esteem,” she said.
Fellow rider Jack said his favourite horse Lazan is comfortable and has helped him learn “how to trot, how to tell him to walk-on and stop.”
Riders showcased their skills to parents and friends at an in-house gymkhana event on Saturday 15 November.
The event doubled as a community fete, with market stalls, a jumping castle and plenty of delicious festival foods.
