Riding for Development’s Christmas party
Greer Spooner (11) who wants to become a jockey.
The huge benefits that Riding for Development can have in young people’s lives were celebrated again at last week’s breakup.
“When I first came I was scared and shy. Now I’m quite confident on a horse and in my life as well,” said Greer Spooner (11), who has been going to Riding for Development every Wednesday for about four months.
“I really look forward to Wednesdays. I like doing things with animals and I hope I get to come back here next year. My dream is to become a jockey.”
Young people are nominated for Riding for Development by parents, teachers and counsellors, and the lucky ones who gain places on the programme get the chance to participate in structured activities that are designed to promote co-ordination, confidence, self-esteem and courage. At breakup day, proud riders demonstrated a range of skills to parents and supporters. With the help of handlers and helpers, some riders stood on the horses’ backs and others threw balls through basketball hoops while sitting on their horse.
Golden Bay RDA has three horses, Chokita, Titch and Kelly, and a small team of hugely dedicated volunteer helpers.
Spokesperson Judy Ray was attending her nineteenth Christmas breakup last week and she credited the team of volunteers for the excellent results the programmes achieve.
“We just couldn’t operate without all the help we get,” said Judy. “We know that Riding for Development works for children. Learning how to manage the horse and overcoming a bit of fear of such big animals is great for their confidence.”
Neil Wilson
