Whangarei Riding for the Disabled need volunteers

The eagerness and smiles on the faces of the riders says it all - they are having fun!
And to keep the good times rolling, Whangarei Riding for the Disabled wants to recruit more volunteers for work at the group's headquarters and stables at the Barge Showgrounds in Maunu.
The group's head coach and manager, Joey Powell, said there were now about 30 volunteers. Their roles range from the care of the 93 disabled riders using the service - some of whom need three people to watch over them when they are on horses - to looking after the animals, gardening or carrying out general maintenance around the complex.
Ms Powell is a physical education teacher who came to New Zealand from England 18 months ago. She went to Riding for the Disabled to be a volunteer helper and became one of the organisation's seven paid staff.
All volunteers were welcome, she said. If they weren't up to the physical work involved with some volunteer tasks, they could make tea for those who were.
"It's a nice family atmosphere here," Ms Powell said.
Four-year-old Reuben Lesley was one of the youngsters having his half-hour weekly ride yesterday, and thoroughly enjoying the experience.
His grandfather, Brian Pearson, said the boy loved riding and really looked forward to it.
Reuben has cerebral palsy. When he was born doctors had forecast he would never walk or talk. Beating the odds, he was "extremely intelligent, age six-plus", a bit of a chatterbox and very mobile.
"As far as he's concerned, he can do anything. He's a really great little guy," Mr Pearson said proudly.
Another rider in the same age bracket, Jackson Hannam Hunt, was equally as enthusiastic about horses.
His mother, Paula Hannam, said that Jackson had been born prematurely and had developmental delays.
He was in his second year attending Riding for the Disabled and it had made a big contribution toward improving his speech.
"He has changed so much. His speech is so clear, so good when he is riding," Ms Hannam said.
Riders pay $10 a session, and Ms Powell said the total cost of providing the service was about $70 a session. RDA Whangarei relies on grants, donations, rent, arena hireage - and the rider fees - to cover operating costs of more than $160,000 a year.
Many local businesses support the organisation with free or discounted products.
Riders are aged 2-79 and have special needs ranging from autism, Down syndrome, deafness, blindness and psychiatric illness to spina bifida.
Therapeutic horse riding improves the confidence and self-esteem of these people, giving them a sense of achievement and independence.
To become a volunteer, call Riding for the Disabled on 09 438 7521.