By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
A Riding for the Disabled group in Doveton is calling for a hay bail-out due to a poor recent growing season.
Hay prices have risen unaffordably for the 30-strong volunteer group that coaches and assists riders of all ages at Mynua Farm.
As well as feed for its 11 horses, the group also requires more accredited or trainable coaches to help its riders.
Its Wednesday riding session has been dropped and its rider waiting list has grown as a consequence.
Coach Rick Beeby of Hampton Park has been helping the national association for 15 years.
He said he is “always happy on a horse” and started volunteering after a back injury caused him to give up his trucking job.
“I was told by doctors that I’d have to change my vocation and I’d never ride again, or I’ll be in a wheelchair.
“I told them OK for the first point, but you’re wrong on the second one.”
He said the aim of the school was to help riders take the reins independently, if possible. It caters for riders of high needs, one that Mr Beeby remembers was 90 years old.
“She’d owned horses all her life and was getting to the end of it.
“This was her last wish.”
The activity has layers of therapeutic benefit. Physically, the riders build up core strength, balance, co-ordination and motor skills, and emotionally bet the benefits of the joy of horse riding.
“You concentrate on the abilities of the riders, not the disabilities.
“It’s a really good working atmosphere. We have good people to get along with.”
The group, which receives no government support, relies on fundraising and donations.
To donate free or cut-price hay, volunteer or become a coach, call Rick Beeby on rdadoveton@gmail.com or 0425 777 449.
