Darkes Forest Ranch Australia and a team of volunteers have started a not-for-profit "Horses for Special Needs" program near Helensburgh.
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Once a month at its Star Club the horse-riding ranch owned and operated by the Read family provides an experience that enriches lives.
Mark Collett, of Wollongong, loves it so much he never wants to miss one.
After finding out about the initiative from his mother he has attended every session and feels like The Man From Snowy River.
“It is really good. I have learnt so much,” he said.
Mr Collett had been on trail rides as a teenager but has learned so much more at the Star Club in 2018.
“All the horses have different personalities. I like all the horses especially Keggs,” he said.
While Julie Read and her family provide a range of services such as agistment, lessons, trail rides and child friendly activities they also have a passion for the rescue and rehabilitation of horses and ponies.
Horses for Special Needs supporter Keiron Tattler said now the riding ranch has moved into the charitable territory.
They are sharing the magic of riding with those who have intellectual and physical disabilities, people with a mental illness and many others who can benefit from such a special experience.
“Our mission with “Horses for Special Needs” is for each and every person to feel valued and a part of our Darkes Forest community,” Mrs Tattler said.
“The program is based around gaining confidence through horses for people with disabilities primarily residing in the Sutherland Shire and Northern Wollongong, however, we do have participants attend from all over Sydney and the Illawarra.
“We have personally witnessed amazing outcomes with our equine friends interacting with our participants that continue to astound us every day.”
Mrs Tattler said they could not do the program with so many volunteers and business support. But because of that around 20 people at a time take part in an initiative.
“Suitable horses are paramount. We have up to 20 people per session but do one on ones in between,” she said.
Among the volunteers is Melissa Johnson who has horses agisted at Darkes Forest.
“They said they were going to do this and I said I wanted to be part of it,” she said.
“I help the instructors. What we try and do is building the confidence between the horses and the riders. The horses give the kids a gift every time and the kids give the horses a gift every time. The communication between them is beautiful.
“We work on coordination and motor skills and independent thinking. They have to work independently doing pony club skills and then as a team with the other riders.
“The horses respond differently than they do with anyone else. It is a different level of communication. We have non verbal kids here who can’t speak at all but they can communicate with these horses and they communicate back.
“I ride five days a week and I love riding but this is the highlight of my month.”
The benefits include:
- Socialisation for participant and carer
- Building of confidence and self esteem
- Connection with horse and handler
- Building of trust and communication
- Connection with horses
- Exercise that builds muscle and core strength
- Learning of patience
- Beautiful outdoor surroundings and fresh air
The Read family and the team at Darkes Forest Ranch Australia understand that each student requires different levels of interaction.
So they take the time needed to ensure a wonderful and powerful connection is made between horse and rider over the course of our scheduled sessions.
To show what they are trying to achieve a video was made at the recent ‘Star Club’ day for the Darkes Forest Ranch Australia Facebook page.
The goal is for participants to see the fulfillment and happiness the days bring to participants as well as the volunteers and animals.
Another Star Club session was held on Sunday where it was again clear how much the Horses for Special Needs program enhances and enriches the lives by providing a wonderful experience for people with special people and the horses they meet.
Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
