My daughter had a horse from a very early age. This horse came to us quite accidently.
I’d gone to rescue the joey of a kangaroo that had died after being caught in a fence. The people that owned the property this kangaroo was found on, also owned horses. My daughter was 4 at the time, and like most little girls, loved horses. To her amazement, she was put onto a horse, bareback, and led around a paddock. The look of absolute glee on her face will remain with me forever. Then came the announcement. The horse was looking for a new home, and he’d been looking for a big eyed, blonde, little girl to take him home. Well I went home with more than a joey.
Horse ownership for a novice, was a little scary at times. Our horse was a chestnut thoroughbred. He could be a real firery redhead! Well, that was my interpretation of his behaviour in those early days, so I decided to agist him at our local riding school, the Fitzroy Equestrian Centre, where he spent the next 13 years.
One of the wonderful things about the Fitzroy Equestrian Centre was that they were and still are involved with the RDA ( Riding For the Disabled or more recently, as coined by a member of the local organisation, Riding to Develop Abilities).
In the Arena at the Fitzroy Falls Equestrian Centre
Back then the equestrian centre had RDA camps, that some of us more abled bodies helped with. These camps were some of the most heart warming things I have ever participated in.
Now days, the Fitzroy Equestrian Centre hosts the Moss Vale RDA sessions every 2nd Wednesday. The people riding with the RDA are of varying ages, and with varying disabilities. I remember an older woman in an electric wheel chair. Our children took turns in her wheel chair as she rode a horse. Another rider, a young woman, had various disabilities one of which was being totally blind. Then there are many wonderful children.
Ready to Race
Some of these people have an incredible drive and desire, to improve their riding abilities. Others change as soon as they are put on their horse. In all cases there is a connection between rider and animal, that affects the rider in a positive way, and often us helpers in profound ways, as we become part of the riders experience.
singing as he rides
All riders are assisted by a team of volunteers, ranging from highschool kids, adult horselovers, as well to people not necessarily familiar with horses, but believing in RDA.
Some of the volunteers have been with the organisation for many years, so have participated in an important part of the riders and their families lives.
They have seen the development of abilities and the joy achieved through horse riding.
They have seen horseriding not just as an excercise program for the body, mind and spirit of the rider, but for themselves as well.
During our middlescence when we look for meaning and purpose in our lives, RDA can open our eyes to a very different way of seeing. RDA has a way of unlocking potential in all involved. It is an organisation that always has its doors open to new people wanting to give a helping hand.
If you want to see a child’s face light up as it feels the majesty of sitting on a horse. If you want to give a little of yourself, to directly support someone developing their abilities, contact the RDA.
a trail ride - a little magic
The Moss Vale RDA have riding sessions every 2nd Wednesday at the Fitzroy Equestrian Centre. For more information contact: Mima Ware 0248864277 or Judy Hollis 48864446.
The Fitzroy Equestrian Centre also has classes for the aspiring middlescent equestrian. If you’ve ever wanted to ride a horse, or if you’ve ever wanted to ride a motor bike, try a horse instead: http://www.fitzroyequestriancentre.com.au/
Jen
You were at the right place at the right time to adopt that horse. The Fitzroy Center sounds like a wonderful place! There’s a therapeutic riding center near here that I’ve been curious about. I wonder if they do activities like this. What a great thing to be involved in!
Jun 16, 2009 @ 12:06 am
Talon
Brigit, those riding programs are life-changing. We have one in our area and the waiting list for volunteers is huge.
How neat an experience for your daughter. Isn’t it strange how life works out? The synchronicity amazes me…
I had a horse for years - Gypsy - and we found out why she was named that when she was forever breaking out and wandering the neighborhood - lol!
Jun 16, 2009 @ 2:19 am
brigit
Jen - That adoption opened up a whole new world. For those with a disability, the relationship with one of these awesome animals can be very powerful. I’d be interested in how the centre near you functions.
Talon - It’s a wonderful thing to contribute to. The RDA here are always looking for volunteers. Small area I guess.
It sounds like you and I could share some very amusing horsey stories. Mine was pretty good at escaping also.
Jun 16, 2009 @ 7:24 pm
Joanne
Animals are such wonderful therapy, for the disabled, the elderly. For all of us. I never owned a horse, but remember being 10 and going for weekly trail rides on Blackie, the biggest, gentlest horse in the barn. At the end of our ride, when he spotted the barn off in the distance, he broke away from the others and broke out in a gallop, leaving me hanging on for dear life (but loving it), as he ran as fast as he could, toward home.
Jun 17, 2009 @ 11:29 am
Lzyjo
What a great story about horse ownership. Riding for the Disabled is such a great idea! I think there should be more programs like riding and gardening for disabled people. Those types of activities are really important. I can’t even look at a horse with out thinking of the weight of two water buckets pulling my arms out of their sockets. It takes a lot of muscle work and dedication to take care of horses.
Jun 26, 2009 @ 11:19 pm
Pseudo
I have some interesting connections with this post. Our 17 year old border collie who passed away last month - his name was Fitzroy.
I had a horse and so did my sister, NNever thought I’d give it up cold turkey, but did when I came to Hawaii.
The area of Australia where you live is so beautiful. Much greener than I imagined Australia.
Jun 28, 2009 @ 2:39 am
brigit
Joanne - So many of those old trusted steads at riding schools, do exactly that…just when you’re feeling a little more relaxed,probably because you’re heading home - they bolt.
Lzyjo - I agree, there aren’t enough programs like RDA. How wonderful it would be do have a gardening one, where people with more abled bodied support could reap the rewards of gardening.
Pseudo - You’d love it here. Unfortunately though we’re about 45 minutes to an hour away from the ocean - but the drive down the mountain is glorious.
Jul 01, 2009 @ 8:54 am