Horse riding not only has therapeutic powers for the disabled but also for the seven offenders who are helping out at the Meeanee Stable Yard.
“The offenders have saved us a lot of money since they started in May,” says Riding For the Disabled Coordinator Susan Fraser. “One young man assisted in the renovation of the hall and saved us $4,000. Another community worker did some plumbing in the stalls. That repair work would have cost us at least $2,000. The whole place just looks fantastic but hasn’t cost us anything.”
Besides helping out with mending and building activities, the offenders sometimes lead the horses round the track when there are not enough volunteers.
The horse riding programme in Napier is aimed at people with all kinds of disabilities. “It ranges from a child who can’t do sports because of flat feet to people with severe autism,” Susan says. “Horse riding helps with balance, coordination and social skills. Horses also calm people right down. We have little kids coming in screaming and on top of the horse they become totally relaxed.”
According to Susan the offenders also share in the therapeutic benefits from the programme. She says: “You should see the smile on the faces of some really tough looking offenders as soon as the Fairhaven Special School kids arrive. I also see that the horses themselves have a calming effect on the community workers.”
A similar programme in Hastings called the 'Leg Up Trust’ has also benefited from Community Work where offenders provide clean and safe facilities for youth at risk.
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ISSN 1178-1327