Riding for the Disabled Ballina and District Branch has had an unusual request from a rider who’s been in the saddle for 13 years.
Sarah Carriage is completing her HSC this year at Ballina High. For a long time she’s had a dream of riding a horse to her year 12 formal being held on the 12 November at Ballina RSL and RDA is happy to oblige.
‘I began riding with RDA at age four,’ said Sarah. ‘I have mild cerebral palsy which was the catalyst for beginning the journey at RDA.
‘Although my disability can make me insecure at times, RDA has really helped me gain a sense of confidence
‘It’s been really great to have an ambition that you can keep building towards and learning about. It’s given me my own sense of power and it is so freeing to be able to express yourself on a horse and learn with them.
‘Horse riding requires teamwork with you and the horse, and you need a great level of trust. RDA has helped me build bonds and inspire a passion for riding.
‘I want to continue learning and developing my skills and hopefully one day I’ll be able to care for a horse of my own. I wouldn’t dream of having the skills I do if it weren’t for RDA.’
RDA horses are exceptional as a general rule, and Bosco is a shining example of what is required in a therapy horse.
Calm and sensible with a gentle nature, he cares for his riders with confidence and keeps them safe.
RDA Ballina was extremely lucky when a local farmer left his gorgeous 115 acre property in Teven to them as a bequest.
Volunteers have worked extremely hard raising funds and building infrastructure so that lessons for riders living with disabilities can be conducted every week, and new volunteers are always welcomed.
Donations to the centre are tax deductible, and all money raised goes directly into supporting their wonderful herd.
Sarah will be riding Bosco along Grant St Ballina to arrive at Ballina RSL at 5.45pm, joining all her school friends arriving in their special cars for this wonderful event celebrating their final year at school.
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