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Bay of Islands Riding for the Disabled
Published 18 August 2011, Posted in NorthlandAt Bay of Islands RDA we have a highly skilled team that provides equine related therapy for people of all ages who may experience behavioural issues, social problems, have a physical or sensory disability or traumatic brain injury.
Riders attend RDA to achieve a specific goal, whether it is therapeutic, educational or sporting. Attending RDA impacts positively on a number of areas for participants including improving balance and co–ordination, posture and muscle tone, concentration, self-discipline and self-esteem, perception and spatial awareness, communication and social skills, independence and encourages decision making.
Being involved with horses is wonderful, fun and productive. Being responsible for the care and comfort of another living being, brings with it learning that is hard to be replicated elsewhere. Best of all, the child can feel within that he did it “right” because the horse responded. No judgement, no blame, no shame.
Our riders exhibit a wide range of traits including problems with reading comprehension, spoken language, writing or reasoning ability. Hyperactivity, inattention and perceptual coordination problems may also be evident.
RDA offers an environment of success.
Riders attend each week and learning ability improves when a child feels better about themselves. Following directions, sequencing, working in a group, listening to the teacher, completing tasks, building skills, focusing, finishing a project, trusting adults, having confidence, all enable a student to learn. These skills naturally evolve for a child who is eager to be with a horse because a horse is extremely “hands on”.
RDA Centres demand lots of movement and physical activity, thus they are ideal environments for children to thrive. Also, because horses are bigger than kids are, respect happens naturally. Boundaries and limits make sense.
Working with horses aids in the treatment of people with emotional, behavioural, social, mental, physical and/or spiritual needs. Shattered lives from sexual abuse, physical violence and neglect, can start to be rebuilt as horses can help reconnect lost feelings, bring back “good touch,” and rekindle some of the love missing in the lives of those who have suffered.
Our Volunteers:
As an incorporated society and not for profit organisation the RDA programme relies on volunteer helpers to provide the service to disabled riders. Volunteering is rewarding and its fun.
We always need more volunteers. Whatever your skills and available time there are many ways you can help make difference and benefit from being part of something special.
Volunteers come from varied backgrounds, experiences and can be any age over 14 years as long as they are reasonably physically fit, willing to learn, and be part of a team. They need to be punctual, reliable and respectful of both the riders and other members of the team.
Volunteers don’t have to be mad on horses, or be there all the time, or have any special knowledge about disabilities. They need to enjoy animals, care about people, want to make a difference to others’ lives and have a few hours a week to spare.
Please contact Glenys on 09 4059771 or 027 2807788 for more information about our riding therapy sessions, for waiting list referrals or to ask about becoming a volunteer.
Our website address is http://www.sportsground.co.nz/boirda
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