FROM being a shy and demotivated 12-year-old, he is now achieving in the horse arena, representing Gauteng at the SANESA Newcomers this year.
And this is just the beginning of what this young boy can achieve.
Julian Grobler, a cancer survivor, was named the ‘miracle baby’ due to being declared dead twice during pregnancy and who almost died while being born.
Today he is a beneficiary of ArkStar Kidz Club, a registered non-profit organisation located in Walkerville, South Africa.
ArkStar Kidz Club was borne as a private youth equestrian sport and education organisation. They serve people from ages four to 25, focussing on promoting youth equestrian sport participation, healthy development and increase access to equine career qualifications.
The club raises funds for bursaries for career courses, competition fees funding to accomplished riders and aim to grow dedicated equestrians in the sporting and career sector.
Candice Gracie from ArkStar explained that Julian joined them with very low self-esteem, shy, demotivated and with no interest in making friends. “Building his confidence with horses has improved all the traits he was lacking in and he has completely come out of his shell.
“His academic marks have improved, he has no trouble interacting now and he even has a best friend in class and he is a real achiever in the horse arena as a newcomer,” she said.
The benefits of horse-riding
“The elite sport of equestrianism ‘rob’ children from disadvantaged backgrounds, as well as those who cannot financially afford to compete, of coaching, competing, being part of a team, learning skills. We also feel that this sport keeps them away from negative recreation such drugs, violence or sexual activities,” Candice said.
According to Candice, clinical studies show that sports and recreation programmes can help youth establish lifelong, healthy, physical activity patterns.
“Regular physical activity can ward off life-threatening diseases, reduce feelings of depression and anxiety, help control weight and obesity, and build and maintain healthy bones, muscles, and joints.
“Studies have also shown that the effects of vibrations produced by horses during horse-riding lead to the activation of the sympathetic nervous system, which improves learning in children,” she continued.
“These results mean that the act of horse-riding could improve cognitive abilities in children. These are brain-based skills of which an improvement can lead to enhanced learning, memory and problem-solving.
“This bond between horse and rider creates a deep trust that both the horse and the rider develop and experience. The amount of bravery it takes to ride an unpredictable animal would not be possible without this trust,” she said.
How can you help?
Funding is achieved through supporting various rallies and volunteer work.
Rallies include breakfast outrides, school trip excursions to The IEA Elite, promotional work at many exhibitions and volunteer work at stable yards and events. An annual membership fee is charged to become an ArkStar member.
To donate go onto the website at www.arkstar.co.za or contact the office on 016 065 0080.
