After a summer of uncertainty Bendigo Riding for the Disabled has confirmed it has enough clients to continue this year.
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For 40 years the group has offered people with disabilities the opportunity to ride horses and drive carriages.
In Bendigo the group had mostly serviced students at two local special development schools.
Late last year both Kaliana and the Bendigo Special Development School advised they no longer could commit staff or resources to ferry students out to Mandurang for sessions.
The RDA feared many clients’ parents would not have the time to help children get to sessions. Without that help many of RDA’s clients would not be able to continue.
Bendigo RDA president Nigel King has confirmed riding sessions would begin again next week for nine clients.
“It’s happening slowly. We are still desperately looking for new clients. We have a total of 40 places … so there is a good 30 places left to fill,” he said.
Mr King said while current numbers were low, other Victorian RDA branches had proven they could operate with nine clients.
Still, for the moment not as many volunteers would be required to help clients.
It’s happening slowly. We are still desperately looking for new clients.
- Nigel King, president of Bendigo RDA
Students from Catholic College Bendigo were not on hand at RDA’s training day on Wednesday. The college’s year 8 students often helped clients ride. They would most likely begin helping the RDA later in the year.
In the meantime the Bendigo RDA was actively searching for more clients.
The Group was contacting other disability service providers, taking out advertisements and even calling past clients to help fill the spaces, Mr King said.
They were looking for people of all ages, who had a range of intellectual, emotional or physical disabilities.
Those who used wheelchairs would be able to take part in custom built carriages.
Mr King said horse and carriage riding were not just fun, horse riding could be a form of physiotherapy. Even people with asthma could see health improvements.
Those who wished to join for the year could do so for $245. RDA coach Jan King said that fee covered insurance and helped maintain horses and carriages.
Mr King said people could come and try out horse riding or carriage driving for $40 dollars any time sessions took place.
To find out more about joining the Bendigo RDA phone Jan on 5435 4140.