(mentions CMT) Riding volunteers are crucial help for the disabled

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Riding volunteers are crucial help for the disabled

http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/4588397a22400.html

Ten-year-old Amy and her dad Ian, who did not want their last name

used, value the work of volunteers at Riding for the Disabled.

Amy's hands and feet do not work because of a severe form of charcot-

marie-tooth disease.

The Mairangi Bay girl joined the North Shore wing of the organisation

to strengthen her trunk muscles and give her extra confidence.

Ian says horse riding has helped his daughter physically and

emotionally.

He is appealing for volunteers to keep the organisation running.

" I am still just as much overwhelmed by the fact that this has all

been made possible by volunteers.

" As a wheelchair user, she can't of course take part in all those

sports that her school friends are involved with. But now horse-

riding is her sport, something that's a bit different and special, so

in a way she joins in with normal life with her friends, " he says.

Three volunteers are needed for each horse ride at Riding for the

Disabled.

One volunteer leads the horse while two people walk on either side to

keep its rider safe and assist with their therapy.

The organisation operates in Stillwater on Monday, Tuesday and

Wednesday mornings, with about 80 disabled people going there for

therapeutic or recreational horse rides every week.

To talk to someone about helping call Colleen on 478-7002 or leave a

message on (09) 426-8110.