STORIES

 

Contents of this page

*  Richmond Autism Satellite Class at RDA

*  Lalor Park School at RDA

*  Regional Workshop at RDA Blue Mountains

*  University Placement - Belinda

*  Rider Profile - Harrison Luke

*  Amanda Wilson - Dynamic Achiever

*  Sports Award - Amanda Wilson

*  My Experience at RDA - Kristi Mrish

*  Emma Basha - winner Bill Harvey Award Most Improved Saturday Rider

*  Alice Betteridge School and RDA - a great partnership

*  Tallowood School at RDA

 

 

RICHMOND PUBLIC SCHOOL

AUTISM SATELLITE CLASS

By Marie Gough & Katherine Jones

Our Autism classes based at Richmond Public School have been coming to RDA Tall Timbers Box Hill for a number of years.  The children were very disappointed last year when they couldn’t attend riding because of the horse flu.

 

The staff and volunteers are very patient, kind and caring and relate well to our boys.  Because our children are visual learners, the staff decided to use visual cues, pictures or symbols, during the instruction section.  We are very impressed that they took on board the suggestions that we made regarding less verbal instruction and more visual instruction.

 

Children with Autism generally have poor muscle tone and co-ordination.  Sitting on the horse correctly and maintaining correct posture has had a beneficial effect for all the students.  The fact that the children are learning in a stress free, happy environment, has meant they are attending for longer periods and remain focused for a longer time than normal.

 

Children with Autism have difficulties socially.  They do not like change, or unfamiliar settings or people.  So it is wonderful to see our boys relating so comfortably to new people, new surrounding and to their horse.  They constantly talk about “their” horse, and have a genuine affection for it.  They don’t want to stay home on Monday, even if they are really sick, because they would miss riding.

 

The whole experience of horse riding with RDA has been beneficial to the parents as well.  It has shown them that their child is capable of trying something different and that they can achieve so much emotionally, socially and physically.

 

For us as teachers, RDA has complemented the individual education programmes that we have in place.  There are many facets to our programming, including activities set by our Occupational Therapist.  The horse riding has integrated many of these activities in a positive manner.

 

We would like to thank RDA for the opportunity they have given us to let our boys attend the lessons each week.

 

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LALOR PARK PUBLIC SCHOOL

By Cathy Pearsall, Special Education Teacher

My name is Cathy Pearsall and I am special education teacher at Lalor Park Public School.  Students from our school have been involved with the Tall Timbers Centre Riding for the Disabled for many years.

 

I have had the pleasure of being the accompanying teacher this year with a group of six students from our school.  I have seen first hand the immense enjoyment and many benefits experienced by the children.

 

Lalith, 7 years old, only speaks when echoing adults, arrives at school on Wednesdays and says “Wednesday, ride a horsey”.  When we arrive at Tall Timbers he chuckles with delight and shivers with excitement while waiting to mount his horse Boomerang.  He grins from the time he sees Boomerang and follows all of the instructions from the coaches and volunteers at the Centre.  He now knows to say “walk on” and “whoa” – a wonderful achievement for Lalith.

 

Zaina is 6 years old.  The volunteers have to hold her back because she wants to mount Pippa as soon as Pippa comes to the mounting area – there is no stopping Zaina who wants to be on Pippa’s back and off riding.  Zaina uses very little language at school and shows little emotion.  Once she is riding she grins, waves, gives the volunteer a high five, pats Pippa constantly and gives all the verbal commands.

 

Jye, 9 years old, is a whirlwind on legs.  He talks about his horse, Ishmar, at school and can’t wait for Wednesdays so he can go horse riding.  During the lesson Jye is calm and listens carefully to all the instructions.  He is so proud of himself that he can ride a horse and loves Ishmar.

 

Christopher is 9 years old.  His parents were very reluctant to give permission for Christopher to attend the horse riding.  They were fearful of him being injured, but have recently written me a note saying how grateful they were that I talked them into letting Christopher attend the horse riding as he absolutely loves it.  He tells them it is fun and he rides Indy who is brown and white.  Christopher is a child of few words so for him to give them that much information means that horse riding has made a huge impression on him.

 

Tom is 9 years old.  He tells everyone at school he loves Murphy, the horse he rides.  As Tom dismounted Murphy after riding him for the first time he said “Thank you Murphy, that was great” and gave Murphy a pat.  Tom has very poor muscle tone and slouches even when standing – but not when he’s riding Murphy.  The volunteers showed Tom how to sit tall and I’m amazed every week how well Tom sits while riding.

 

Danny is 5 years old.  He is non verbal and continually stims to make sense of his world.  Danny rides Angel, she is so gentle and seems to sense Danny need extra help.  He makes noises, and takes his hands off the rein and Angel never startles.  I was so surprised and pleased when I heard Danny say to Angel, “walk on”.  This week Danny was cuddled into me at the horse riding as he needs to feel physical contact.  Nicole asked, “who is this coming, it is Angel”.  Danny immediately lifted his head and smiled, walked to Nicole eager to see and ride Angel.

 

RDA Tall Timbers is such a unique and wonderful experience for the children.  It allows them a freedom they don’t normally have as they have coordination difficulties.  The horses are gentle and patient and the children have an instant connection with them.

 

I am aware that RDA Tall Timbers runs on donations and voluntary help, please assist them with funding so that they can continue their magnificent work with the people with disabilities.  The above is just a sample of the results achieved by them for one group of children.

 

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REGIONAL WORKSHOP - SUNDAY 2 NOV

By Judy Brightman, Saturday Coach

 

With immaculate timing I followed Karen into TT on Sunday morning just after 8 am to find Wendy was just opening the second gate and Chanida was starting up the Jackeroo to drive us up to Blaxland.  It’s Chanida’s old stomping ground so we figured we were in safe hands and happily chatted the journey away to find we were there in a flash.

 

Walking down the drive the first thing everyone noticed was the new roof over the arena: it looks so smart and I’m sure it makes a huge difference to the riders, volunteers and horses at Blue Mountains – congratulations!

 

Nicole and Kaye were already there, along with representatives from Ryde, Nepean and Blue Mountains of course. Kim soon arrived so the TT contingent was strong. A warming cup of tea/coffee and an enthusiastic welcome from the Blue Mountains team including Maxine’s dog Prince and all the horses who were finishing brekky and we got underway.

 

The opening session was presented by Sharyn Gregory who explained her role as International Para equestrian Classifier along with the rules and regulations for classification. This was very useful and Sharyn went into some detail of the compensating aids that are allowed and explained that she, along with others internationally, aim to compile a list and photos of some of the compensating aids commonly and currently in use to be posted on the FEI website.  She did emphasise that less is more when it comes to aids – whilst many may be allowed, the fewer a rider can use the better.  Sharyn also urged us to contact her early on when working with riders who may have the ability and desire to ride at state, national and ultimately perhaps international level so that acceptable aids are used form the get go rather than having to change them later when the rider is comfortable with them  Sharyn had some super examples to share with us post her recent experiences in Hong Kong  and I’m sure everyone found those examples inspiring.

 

For those interested the classification rules are outlined on the FEI website – copy this link:

http://www.fei.org/Disciplines/Para-Equestrian/Pages/Classification.aspx

 

The second part of Sharyn’s talk concerned cerebral palsy. As a physiotherapist Sharyn has worked extensively with CP and her insights were illuminating and the opportunity to ask specific questions about particular riders and common issues and concerns we had was invaluable.  Wendy Torr had gathered questions from various centres and will no doubt be able to share Sharyn’s responses for everyone’s benefit.

 

After morning tea Wendy Torr explained the implications of RDA NSW becoming a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).  Essentially it’s all good!  No change for qualified coaches or those training to be assistant coaches in the future, just some minor ones for future coaches and a fair bit of admin for Nicole in her new, additional role as RTO officer which will add a few more hours of paperwork to her busy weeks!  Being recognised nationally as an organisation providing high quality training and certification that may enable people to demonstrate certified competencies relevant to other roles is a great endorsement for RDA NSW.  Assessors need to undergo some additional training (Cert IV in workplace training and assessment) and this is underway.  Both Wendy Torr and board member Jaci Armstrong assured everyone they were available to answer any questions re the RTO initiative but I can confidently say it’s a positive step for us.

 

Monica Morris then spoke to us about equine guided therapy. Monica ha been involved with RDA programmes both here and in New Zealand and is also a life coach and reiki practitioner. Monika took us through some beautiful slides and described experiences of guided equine therapy talking of how horses’ prey animal instincts make them super sensitive to changes in the environment, both physical and emotional and how they thus pick up on human emotions and mirror those back to people often resulting in breakthrough moments for people.  I may have imagined it but I’m sure Maggie May, who had been listening in all morning, pricked up her ears even more when Monica spoke J

 

We broke for lunch, the Blue Mountains volunteers having slaved away over the Barbie and in the kitchen.  Conversation was buzzing but eventually Maxine and Monica got us to the arena where Monica was demonstrating some work she had done with the horse Amber and to illustrate some of the body language (human and equine) examples we had discussed before lunch.

 

The final session saw Amber put to work to demonstrate some natural horsemanship techniques and Parelli games.  Sat (short for Satinita – sorry if spelled incorrectly!) has worked with Monica in the past and had met Amber just once before. Amber is a very pretty, young (certainly very young by RDA standards!) chestnut Arab mare.  As an Arab of course she displays high sensitivity and a strong flight response which she was very keen to demonstrate.  At times she looked like she may well have aspirations to join the field on the first Tuesday of November and show those Thoroughbreds a thing or two!  However, she provided a very clear and useful demonstration of the techniques of, without force, becoming the alpha in the herd and a worthy leader for the horse by using his own language and a lot of love.

 

That energetic session ended the day – bang on time – well done Blue Mountains!  Sadly the sun didn’t come out and we didn’t get to see blue sky and breathe in crisp mountain air – but it was a very useful day and a great opportunity to catch up with friends. 

 

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SIX WEEKS IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE

By Belinda Bonnette, Student UWS Bachelor Animal Science

 

With nervous anticipation I arrived for day one of six weeks at Tall Timbers. Then in a blink of an eye it was all over. They say time flies when you’re having fun but I’ve never known time to go so quickly. Although this experience was an important part of my studies and there was plenty of work to be done and plenty more still to do, I couldn’t have asked for a better place to be.

 

From day one I was thrown in the deep end and I loved it, from the grooming, tacking up, setting up and packing up the arena, leading in classes, helping clean the barn, worm th e horses, feeding, rugging, oh and I can’t forget the obligatory manure removal and the pulling of fireweed at any opportunity, there wasn’t a thing I wasn’t allowed to try and for that I am grateful.

 

I would love to mention all those horses who I fell in love with and their own funny habits but it would take forever. I do have to mention some!!! Like the old faithfuls Indy, Boomerang, Angel, Ishmar and Apex, who bring themselves up for breakfast everyday and wait patiently for their day’s duties, and special mention to some of the new and up comers like Jet and Diesel who helped to re- ignite my enthusiasm for my own two horses.

 

To all the volunteers who guided me through the “RDA way” and helped me with my studies I have to say a very big thankyou. Also a big thanks to all the riders, carers and parents who let me share their experiences, it was amazing to watch the riders improve in ability and confidence and to see how much the kids loved riding and loved the horses.

 

Finally, a huge thanks to Kerry, Nicole and Chanida. To Kerry and Nicole who work so hard to keep Tall Timbers operating yet so willingly and patiently answered all my questions. And to Chanida who shared her passion for horses (and all animals) with me, and allowed me to be a part of her RDA life.

 

Many thanks to all

Belinda Bonnette

 

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RIDER PROFILE – HARRISON LUKE

 

My name Is Harrison Michael Luke I was born on 6th July 1996 - this is my story.

 

When I was approx. 2 years old, my Nanna took me to visit her cousin Joan. Joan started by introducing me to horses then to riding. At first, it was very confronting but with time, I got used to it. When I rode Monty we usually did steering, trotting, small jumps and wonderful trail riding. I felt so happy & excited whilst trail riding.

 

As I got older, I met and went to Jane @ Riverstone, we worked on my steering skills and she gave me many obstacle courses but not many trail rides. Anyway, the horses that I rode were Tinkerbelle and Kentucky. I mostly rode Tinkerbelle because she was easier and had a beautiful bayish palamino look.

 

At about the age of four I started riding at Tracee’s. My first horse there was Vivian a big grey Arab stallion, on him Tracee taught me how to trot and how to go up and down hills. We also went on dozens upon dozens of trail rides. In addition, I also got to ride Mushroom a grey gelding which was a borrowed horse when Vivian was injured chasing a cow out of its paddock. Duchess a chesnut Shetland pony, who was evil and Bozzy a gentle natured grey gelding who I would go bush bashing with and had my first taste of cantering. I also rode Memory a bay Arab mare and we would only do wild man from snowy river stuff. Tracee said she could see the whites of my eyes quite a bit when we got right up the top of the mountain.

  

Later my name came up on the waiting list at RDA, Mama enrolled me straight away, and lessons with Tracee were only the first two terms of the year. At RDA, I was able to interact with other riders as well as with my riding coach (Judy). Mamma says it was good for me to learn to be patient with others. It was very frustrating waiting my turn and waiting to see if I would win rider of the week. The first horse I rode was Sheba then Sherry then back to Sheba. Judy was so wonderful; she was always so patient and supportive.

 

When at RDA I played various games on the horses including egg and spoon races, flag races. This prepared us for mounted games. These competitions made me feel very nervous and jumpy. When Judy left, Nicole came along giving us dressage tests, which definitely tested my abilities. It was demanding but was a perfect way to put all the skills I had learnt over the years. Nicole was always positive and enthusiastic about my riding and was ever so chirpy, it was infectious.

  

When she left, Kaye came to Saturdays involving everyone in dressage tests and Mounted Games. Kaye was amazing she was very tough with me, but I knew it was for my own good. This is where Pippa, Strawberry Roan Welsh Mountain Pony, came into my life after a certain mishap with Polly (my old Horse.) However, very quickly Pippa and I won a few competitions and we got along just fine. After qualifying for the regionals I became friends with Barbara, who filled me in about Pippa’s life before RDA. Kristyna (Pippa’s mum, owner) also supported my adventures with her horse all the way from Ireland. As Pippa and I became the greatest of friends, we accomplished something I never thought possible.

 

The Easter Show came along; I was definitely surprised when I won ‘Best Presented’ (Luck of the Irish.). I also was proud that I came second in ‘Horse of the year’ I was very, very happy but scared on the day but Kaye, Barbara, Grandma, Mamma, Ashley (my sister), Dad and all my past and present coaches from RDA were there to cheer me on.

 

The next big thing was State Dressage, in which I had heaps of training from Wendy. Wendy was so helpful, knowledgeable and organized. That definitely prepared me for this competition. A big surprise was that I had to do both Dressage Tests on the day, which gave the audience and me huge shock.

 

Nevertheless, it all worked out I got two 1st place ribbons. A Perpetual trophy to keep for one whole year for NSW RDA JUNIOR DRESSAGE CHAMPION.

 

Then for a whole week we looked after the horses because of the Equine Influenza ban on movement (trust me it was not as good as you might think.) We had to feed them, we took out their (I will be polite) manure/urine and the good parts were washing them and walking, Riding them for their exercise.  We sometimes rode in the Staff Buggies to get around to paddocks where horses were sometimes kept. We had board games to play when we had our lunch breaks. To me it was the life of a farmer. It was simple, fun and good for my strength. I loved it.

 

At some point, they changed the protocol, said no one was allowed in or out of SIEC so we left and listened to the news, and waited like everyone else. I was so worried for Pippa and her friends. After a month and a bit, they finally were allowed back home to Tall Timbers only to be infected. Another anxious time ahead. As they are slowly recovering Barbara, Kristyna (who is now back in Australia for a visit) and my family are pretty happy.

 

Who knows what the future brings, as long as I’m riding, I’m happy.

 

Thanks RDA.

 

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CONGRATULATIONS AMANDA ON BECOMING A

‘DYNAMIC ACHIEVER’

By Lesley Wilson, Amanda’s mum.

 

On September 14th, Baulkham Hill’s Shire Council presented Amanda Wilson with the 2007 ‘Dynamic Achievement Award’ at their annual ‘Excellence in Youth Awards’. This was a wonderful community honour for her. The award was presented to her by the Mayor of Baulkham Hills at a gala dinner, the ‘Evening of Excellence’, held at the Castle Grand.

 

The preamble for the award states that, “it is given to a young person who succeeds and strives for excellence no matter what obstacles they need to overcome to achieve their goals. The obstacles may be hardships or disability and their achievements inspirational”.

 

There were over 10 nominees for the award and 7 finalists were chosen. Amanda had to attend two interviews at Baulkham Hills Council Chambers and answer questions from a panel of 3 judges in each interview. I accompanied her to the interviews and listened with pride to her responses. In her discussions she did not focus on her competition achievements with RDA but chatted about all the wonderful things that happen at ‘Tall Timbers’. She talked about all the different horses and about her routine in catching, grooming, saddling and warming-up her horse ready for her lesson. She discussed all she learnt and practised in her lessons and she even explained all about the different gaits in riding and transitions in Dressage. The judges were amazed and educated at all that is involved! Amanda’s wonderful love of horses and her appreciation for ‘Tall Timbers’ shone through! Added to this, Amanda also explained that since 2005 she has shared the story of her riding interests to help support ‘Vision Australia’ nationally in their publicity and fundraising campaigns, and while she is very ambitious for her own equestrian future she also loves using her riding interests to try and benefit others.

 

At the awards ceremony Amanda received a superb golden trophy and a cheque for $400.00 which she has put into her savings towards one day buying her own horse. In front of 200 guests, including Federal, State and Local politicians, as well as prominent members of the Hills Shire business community, Amanda thanked everyone who supported her, adding:

 

“I love horses and I love riding. They are a huge part of my life. I love sharing my riding successes with other young people and I like showing them that having a disability doesn’t have to stop you from pursuing and achieving your dreams. Some directions in life have to change when you have a disability but you still can achieve some inspiring things. I encourage young people in the community, with or without disabilities to follow their dreams whether they are in sporting or in other fields of endeavour. My message is to look at what you can do, not what you can’t do and then go for it!” 

 

Amanda delivered her speech with both courage and grace.

 

To our surprise and delight Amanda was also awarded Highly Commended for ‘Individual Junior Sport’. This is the first year that Baulkham Hills Council have awarded Highly Commended, (second place), in a category, and shows their wonderful acknowledgement and recognition of disabled sport.

 

Through her riding, Amanda has shown a real heart for community and she is becoming a lovely role model for young people with disability. I would like to thank ‘Tall Timbers’ for supporting Amanda as a nominee for the ‘Dynamic Achievement Award’ and for all the encouragement and kindness the Centre always shows her.

 

Amanda was thrilled to receive the award and she joins another ‘Tall Timber’s’ rider, Natalie Fulton, for winning this same award in 2002. The ‘Tall Timbers’ community must be very proud of their ‘Dynamic Achievers’!

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AMANDA ACHIEVES HER SECOND COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT AWARD

By Lesley Wilson.