Heath takes a ride on Todd with help from James. one of the volunteer leaders at Harkaway Riding for the Disabled. 82080
By Lilly O’Gorman
KATHRYN Holden’s favourite day of the week is spent at Harkaway Riding for the Disabled (RDA).
More than three years ago Ms Holden answered a call out for volunteers at the branch, then at a temporary site in Lysterfield.
Now, she is branch secretary and has never looked back.
“I absolutely love it, it is my favourite day of the week,” Ms Holden said.
And when she explains just what a day of horse riding can provide one child, physically and emotionally, it’s not hard to understand why.
Harkaway RDA and the many other RDA branches throughout Australia provide disabled children and adults with vital therapy by improving balance, core strength and posture through horse riding.
There is a big demand for Harkaway’s services but the branch has only half the number of volunteers it needs to cope with the demand.
“We roughly have between six and 10 regular volunteers but we need up to 18 volunteers for each session,” Ms Holden said.
“It has been very difficult, a lot of volunteers put in longer hours than they normally would.
“Sometimes some of the riders miss out. If we don’t have enough volunteers riders only get to do half sessions.”
If it doesn’t get new volunteers, Harkaway RDA won’t be able to continue operating.
“Volunteers are the lifeblood of the organisation,” Ms Holden said.
Sessions run between 10am and 2pm on Tuesdays and Fridays during school terms.
Anyone aged over 12 can volunteer to be a leader and prior horse knowledge isn’t required. Constant training is provided to all volunteers.
“It is very rewarding,” Ms Holden said.
“Not only do you feel good for volunteering on the day, but you make new friends and watch the riders grow with their abilities.”
Anyone interested in volunteering with Harkaway RDA can call Kathryn on 0407 239 597.
