Equine therapy a hit

Rewarding, amazing and even miraculous are just some of the words used by volunteers at Baldivis’ Riding for the Disabled to describe their experiences in children’s equine therapy.

The Lugg Road centre’s team of volunteers have been providing riding experiences for disabled children for more than 25 years, giving them the opportunity to experience caring for and controlling one of 10 specially selected horses.

The 10-week courses have benefited hundreds of children, according to co-founder Anne Young.

Ms Young said the centre’s 60 volunteers were busy polishing up their skills on Tuesday, in time to welcome new groups of children when the school term begins.

“We offer therapeutic riding lessons for physically and mentally disabled children and today has been all about upskilling our volunteers in preparation for the new school term,” she said.

“We were teaching kids at home and something like this was desperately needed in the area — the horses do so much good for the children.”

Mrs Young said children showed enormous satisfaction knowing they were responsible for controlling the large animals.

“Sometimes kids can be non-verbal and they get so excited they start to say words,” she said.

“It makes your skin crawl it’s so rewarding.”

She said the centre was always looking for volunteers.

To learn more or help Baldivis Riding for the Disabled contact 9525 2183.