Kiama Council
Kiama Municipal Council is proud to support Riding for The Disabled Illawarra Centre in providing safe, fun and beneficial riding therapy program at Jerrara.
The twice-weekly classes are run by RDA (Regional Development Australia) Illawarra, overseen by dedicated volunteers, on Council-owned operational land nestled in between the picturesque local hills and Jerrara Dam.
Classes are held on Tuesday and Saturday mornings during school terms for around a dozen people with disability who take great pleasure from the chance to be out and about with the horses while also picking up valuable skills along the way.
Riding for The Disabled Illawarra Centre president Linda Pullen has been volunteering at the facility for more than a quarter of a century.
"It gets in your blood. It's just such an inclusive place where you can see so many riders shine," she said.
"I started all those years ago as a volunteer because I was suffering with mental health issues - depression and anxiety. My doctor suggested that I volunteer somewhere. I came here, it filled my cup up and I've come back every year for 26 years."
Ms Pullen said she had noticed "major improvements in all of our riders, both adults and children".
"Some achievements can be so small but so huge to that rider. There was one rider we had and for eight years, I tried to get them to collect their reins to stop the horse and after eight years they finally did it and that was huge.
"We've had riders come here that are non-verbal and before the end of the first turn they're actually yelling instructions out to the other riders.
"We've had parents on the sidelines in absolute tears because their children have achieved things that they thought were never possible.
"It's the connection with the horse. The horse is a magical creature.
"Our horses are amazing. If they've got a rider that has a little bit more ability they'll actually walk faster or they're quicker around corners. Each horse connects with its rider each week."
Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald said being able to support community groups like Riding for The Disabled Illawarra Centre was part of Council's DNA.
"It's a fantastic program and on behalf of Kiama Council, I'd like to thank the many volunteers for their dedication to such a wonderful cause," he said.
The Riding for The Disabled Illawarra Centre is on the lookout for new riders, financial assistance, volunteers or any horses or ponies that need a place to see out their later years in life.
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