Students from Cobram & District Specialist School gathered to ride the horses at the Cobram Showground. Students pictured are Clancy Kennedy, Ned Quinane and Makaya Sutton.
Photo by
Owen Sinclair
On Thursday, November 14, students and volunteers with Riding for the Disabled congregated at the Cobram Showgrounds.
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While the group meets every Thursday, this was a particularly special day.
The group marked the first time the students participated in games under the eye of their carers.
While astride their steeds, students were then presented with ribbons for their participation in the activities.
Proud Cobram & District Specialist School student Clancy Kennedy with his ribbon.
Photo by
Owen Sinclair
Established in 1988, the Cobram-based Riding for the Disabled branch is led by club president Gordon Gannon and secretary Carol Doherty.
Makaya Sutton with her ribbon at the Cobram Showgrounds.
Photo by
Owen Sinclair
Mr Gannon travels from Deniliquin each Thursday with his horses so that young people such as Clancy, Makaya and Ned are able to experience horse-riding.
Cobram & District Specialist School student Ned Quinane atop his noble steed.
Photo by
Owen Sinclair
Mr Gannon, who himself lived with a physical handicap for much of his youth, said riding the horses was a therapeutic experience.
Riding for the Disabled president Gordon Gannon and club secretary Carol Doherty.
Photo by
Owen Sinclair
“According to [the students’ carers], it makes a wonderful difference to their lives,” Mr Gannon said.
He told a story about a young woman who first rode a horse at one of the group’s events several years ago.
“She got that immediate expression of wonder,” he said.
Students from Finley High School, Cobram & District Specialist School and Providing All Living Supports took part in the horse-riding.
Riding for the Disabled is a volunteer-run organisation that seeks to empower those living with a disability through horse-riding.
It meets every Thursday morning at the Cobram Showgrounds beside the cattle yard.
For more information about the group and its events, contact secretary Carol Doherty on 0419 157 987, or visit RDA Victoria’s website at tinyurl.com/2k6rmmbr
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