Saddle up, confidence up, for Ethan

With mum Heather alongside, little Ethan Coombe was eager and willing to saddle up for a pre-show ride. Photo / Warren Buckland

For 3-year-old Hastings boy Ethan Coombe, getting around has always been a bit of a struggle.

He was born prematurely and has delayed gross motor development, which seriously affects mobility.

"He has difficulty with walking," his mother Heather said, although he had been able to take his first unassisted steps just before turning three last month.

But not being able to get around as well as other children his age hasn't held him back and he has taken to horse riding with an enthusiasm that has delighted his parents and the devoted crew at the Hastings group Riding for the Disabled.

Since first being put in the saddle at the start of the year, after a trial ride at the end of last year, Ethan has blossomed with confidence, and riding has increased his strength.

On Wednesday, at the opening day of the Hawke's Bay Show, he will be one of 11 young people who will saddle up as part of the Riding for the Disabled category.

"It's a great opportunity for these children to take part in the show," Hastings group's programme co-ordinator Ruth Holmes said.

She said the link with the Hawke's Bay Show went back to the 1970s and that the A&P Society had always been supportive of the association.

She said the young riders, aged 3 to 12, would ride in separate classes according to their abilities, with each given a special coloured riding ribbon which she said they were proud to wear.

Mrs Holmes said watching Ethan's progress had been "very satisfying".

The riding had complemented his other therapies and there had been a noticeable improvement in his core strength, balance and importantly, his general confidence, she said.

The youngster had been referred to Riding for the Disabled by Hawke's Bay Hospital specialists, and the results were there to see, Mrs Coombe said.

"Riding on a horse mimics walking - the rocking from side to side," she said.

"It is helping him overcome his physical issues."

The youngster was now happily up and about with "reasonable" balance and control, she said and riding his favourite horse, Sophie, every Tuesday morning at the association's Murdoch Rd site had been a big part of achieving that.

"He loves it - no fear at all," Mrs Coombe said, adding Ethan had more courage than she did when it came to getting on a horse. "I never could, but I know that one day he is going to ask me to get on too. I'll sort that out when the time comes."