Disabled children experience riding therapy
RUIMSIG – Movement of horses creates a soothing effect for disabled children.
The South African Riding for the Disabled Association (Sarda) Gauteng caters to the needs of disabled children through therapeutic and recreational horse riding.
Sarda Gauteng in Ruimsig mainly caters to children and young adults from disadvantaged backgrounds. Horse riding is not only a fun activity but also has physical and mental benefits.
Sarda Gauteng fundraiser Julia Morris said that horse riding is a therapeutic experience for the children who participate. Horses have movements that are three dimensional which mimic the movement of the human pelvis. This movement stimulates disabled children’s muscles that were previously unused or functioned poorly.
“The majority of the riders live with a variety of disabilities such as cerebral palsy, Down’s syndrome, autism and mental retardation. We currently work with nine schools who come to Sarda for therapy riding,” Morris said.
Morris lists some of the other benefits of horse riding for disabled children:
- The horse offers not only soothing physical warmth but effectively becomes the legs of a child who is unable to walk
- Riding encourages communication skills
- Develops self-discipline and improved self-image
- Encourages improved posture, coordination and balance
- Teaches children new skills
- Encourages independence and decision making.
Sarda Gauteng is a non-profit organisation that is determined to provide riding therapy free of charge. Morris said that the organisation requires R65 000 a month to operate and provide the community with therapy riding.
“We have a number of fundraising initiatives planned this year that will raise funds for our organisation. On 2 March we are hosting a morning coffee event that is open to the public. People can have as much tea, coffee and finger foods as they want for R50 per person. The public are also welcome to watch a therapy riding lesson,” explained Morris.
Morris added that the public is welcome to purchase Tekkie Tax Stickers from Sarda or from participating stores. On 27 May people are welcome to wear their tekkies with their stickers. Funds raised go to charities such as Sarda, Siyabonga Care Village, Epilepsy South Africa and SOS Children’s Villages.
Details: Sarda Gauteng 011 958 5044
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