Durban July backs disabled riding

A JOINT donation of R40 000 from the organisers and sponsor of the Vodacom Durban July reaffirmed their support for the pioneering work done by the SA Riding for the Disabled Association (SARDA) at their premises in Shongweni recently.

SARDA provides daily classes for children with a wide range of physical and mental disabilities, often producing staggering results from the carefully managed rides on their ponies. Research projects are currently documenting the physical and psychological benefits of these riding therapy sessions.

Vodacom's regional managing executive Alberts Breed, who has been a long-standing admirer and supporter of the project, was stunned by the major strides that have been made at the SARDA property, particularly with the addition of their new all-weather arena that allows them to offer their daily classes irrespective of the weather.

“It is such a great way to round off the racing season by continuing our support for SARDA. While it might seem like a small donation, it goes a long way to helping with the stabling and running costs,” said Breed.

Boys and girls from a number of special schools in the area attend weekly riding classes at SARDA, and in many cases they attribute major improvements in their posture, mobility, muscle time, speech ability and mental well-being to the twenty minute sessions horse rides under the careful control of the SARDA instructors and volunteers.

Bouncing back from a robbery earlier in the year, the SARDA KZN Chapter is back to full steam holding classes daily at the Shongweni venue, but as their co-ordinator Fiona Muhl stresses they are always looking for more help.

“The donation from the Vodacom Durban July goes straight into our daily operating costs, and every bit helps in that regard. We are just about back up to speed with equipment and tack after the break in, with just a few stirrups leathers still needed – it is absolutely essential that our children can sit level and stable in the saddle. We also have an ongoing need for volunteers who are willing to help lead ponies and assist with the classes. Anyone with a passion to help can join us, even if they have just a few hours available a week,” said Muhl.

She added that transport remains a bottleneck, and their desire to offer riding therapy classes to more special need pupils was hampered by the basic need to transport children from outlying communities to the SARDA premises.

The SARDA KZN Chapter can be contacted via https://www.sardadurban.org.za/