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By Courtney Patching, Bond University Journalism student.
Thousands of locals turned up at this year’s Gold Coast Pet and Animal Expo in Varsity Lakes on June 27 and 28.
The Arundel Park Riding for the Disabled (RDA) attended the expo hoping to attract volunteers and promote awareness for their programs which help disabled people.
The Arundel Park Riding for the Disabled was established 24 years ago but it was the first time they had attended the expo.
Riding for the Disabled volunteer Bruce Keown said they came to the Expo because they were in desperate need for volunteers.
Bruce said their programs aimed to promote fun and fitness in the disabled community.
“The horses don’t judge like some people may, the horses realise that these people are handicapped and in return they don’t play up,” he said.
The program was intended to help core strength movement which has helped many of the disabled and handicapped participants sit up after the undertaking hippotherapy.
Hippotherapy is performed by a physiotherapist and uses the horses’ rhythmic walking movement to stimulate the human senses which control physical movement.
This type of therapy is known to benefit posture, balance, coordination, psychological and even speech.
“When they arrive, they strive to be better because it gives them pleasure in their week,” Bruce said.
Fundraising Chairman Judy Brine said she had been a volunteer for five years.
“You definitely get more back than you give,” she said.
“But we really need more volunteers, to help out with the riders as well as the horses.”
The Arundel Park Riding for the Disabled is located next to the Animal Welfare League, for more information or to become a volunteer, email arundelpark_rda@iprimus.com.au.
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