The club received $450 allowing them to purchase 5 new riding helmets, opening up more opportunities for riders with a disability to enjoy the thrill of riding and benefit from the equine based learning and therapy programs delivered by the popular club.
The club has been operating for the past 4 years and has a very devoted group of volunteers who assist the delivery of the programs. Some participants may be capable of riding independently while others may need up to 3 volunteers to assist them to ride.
“Safety is a club priority. Without the funding we would not have current safety equipment and therefore would no longer be able to offer a riding program to people with disabilities.”
“Most of our clients are not in a financial position to be able to purchase their own personal helmets. The club providing helmets increases access to participants.”
Club helmets also enable us to offer short day programs which would not be viable if each client had to purchase a helmet to ride”. Sharyn Van Someren, Secretary.
The club and volunteers have produced remarkable outcomes with their program. A young participant with Autism and OCD has been confined at home for the past 2 years without an organisation able to cater for his needs.
The All Abilities Equine program has given him the opportunity to interact with his horse, Caesar. He leads him around the yard and takes him for an assisted ride. He maintains focus throughout the activity. His mother is amazed that he can actually focus and interact with the horse. She says he has never interacted with animals before.
That’s the great thing about the club’s equine based learning, each participant has an individualised program based around their needs and goals. Some participants attend sessions weekly while they also cater for short 4 or 5 week programs for some organisations.
For more information you can email Sharyn at the club svansomeren@westvic.com.au
The next round of funding for the Sporting Club Grants Program opens on 19 December 2018. Please check our website closer to the opening date for program guidelines and eligibility criteria. Apply online via our Sporting Club Grants Program webpage.