Publication: ph25072012

Theo Scott (3) enjoys riding a horse for the first time with coach Bronwyn Hussey at Hutt Valley Riding for the Disabled’s arena in Silverstream.

Just over the Silverstream bridge a group of youngsters are learning to enjoy life on the back of a horse.

They are at Hutt Valley Riding for the Disabled which each year helps more than 200 children with intellectual, physical or behavioural issues experience life on the back of a horse.

Trainee coach Sue Allen says RDA takes children as young as three from all over the Hutt Valley. They come once a week for a term and achieve noticeable improvements in that time. "One severely autistic boy wouldn’t get on a horse. We finally got him on and he screamed for half an hour. But by the end of the term he was becoming relaxed. Now he runs in and can’t wait to get on a horse. He’s as happy as a bunny."

Ms Allen says riding develops and improves balance, co-ordination, posture, concentration, self discipline and social skills. "The rate of progress depends on the child. Our aim is for the less severely disabled to ride independently by the end of the term."

RDA administrator Nancy Staples says RDA Hutt valley has 10 horses, ranging from small ponies to full-sized. "Our horses are hand-picked. Some are on trial. If they don’t have the right temperament, we send them back. Horses have got to be comfortable with kids lying all over them."

Ms Allen agrees that an equitable temperament is crucial for RDA horses. However, many of its horses come from Pony Club and are used to be being around children.

RDA charges riding fees to parents. But Ms Staples says the fees cover only a small part of the organisation’s costs. Most of its running costs are paid from charitable grants, donations and "lots of fundraising".

However, most people at RDA are volunteers. "They don’t get paid."

Ms Staples says most riders are referred by medical professionals or organisations such as the IHC. "We also have contacts through schools. This morning we had some children from Upper Hutt Primary."

In 2008 the organisation opened a covered arena at its Silverstream property, meaning riding can take place regardless of the weather. Two years later Governor-General Sir Anand Satyanand opened their new clubrooms which are attached to the arena.

Ms Staples says Riding for the Disabled is great for kids. "You see them develop confidence, as well as the pure enjoyment they experience. They gain a lot of mobility and pure strength. Some of them can’t even sit up. But the by the end of the day they can."