All Are Winners at Wellington RDA

All Are Winners at Wellington RDA

Local Nonprofit Celebrates Achievements and Looks Forward to 2016

Porirua- “The outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man.” Though the identity of the sage behind this saying may have been lost to history, one had only to see the smiles, hear the laughter, and witness the patience of the ponies receiving pats and cuddles to know no truer words were uttered as staff, volunteers, supporters, and riders of Wellington Group of New Zealand Riding for the Disabled

Association celebrated at its annual prize giving ceremony on December 19. Held at WRDA’s Kenepuru Hospital grounds, the barbecue and visit by Santa Claus—on horseback of course, is a chance for the participants of the programme, which provides equine assisted therapy to children and adults from the Wellington and Kapiti coast regions with physical and cognitive disabilities to celebrate and be recognized for their achievements in 2015.

Donna Kennedy, President of WRDA, kicked off the awards ceremony as guests relaxed in the sunshine full of grilled sausages and other tasty treats, and the RDA ponies hung their heads over the paddock fence in hopes of a random carrot or pat.

“It has been a wonderful 2015 for WRDA,” Kennedy said to a round of applause. “We end the year with a full team of coaches and horses. “I want to thank Rriders, coaches, Vvolunteers, supporters, and of course the horses for making it such a successful year. I am looking forward to an even better 2016.”

it may seem to those not familiar with WRDA, riding and spending time with horses is not work, but it goes further than just sitting astride a patient steed and having fun. Equine therapy is a recognized form of physical and behavioral therapy which can supplement other types of therapy to build confidence, balance, strength, teamwork and communication skills with the added bonus of a soft muzzle and thick mane.

“This was my first time visiting WRDA,” said guest Jonathan Mosen. “I was genuinely touched by the pride all the staff and volunteers take in their work, and seeing the joy the kids have is priceless. There is so much that goes along with having a disability that isn’t fun, and this is great and helpful too.”

Like any learning programme, the participants are recognized for their efforts in achieving specific goals set by their coaches. Certificates were awarded to riders for their improvements in areas of balance, communicating with horse and staff, and control of horse. Two students from the Johnsonville school,

Alessandra Millie Clements and William Nguon jointly shared theshared the coveted rider of the year prizeprize. While equestriennes Andie Munro and Rose McClay took home the award for “Most Improved Rider: of 2015.

Each year, ‘The Kennedy Turner Trophy for Resilience Determination and Attitude” is awarded to a Rider who has shown much determination and resilience—along with a great attitude in reaching their riding goals. This year’s honouree was Harrison Stafford.

The life blood of WRDA’s success is its volunteers—men and women from all walks of life who give tirelessly of their time and knowledge, providing support to all aspects of the programme. Their commitment does not go unnoticed. Each year, two volunteer specific awards are given based on committee and staff nominations.

“These are hard awards to give,” said Kennedy. “All our volunteers and the tasks they do make everyone else’s job much easier.”

Rod Allwood and Shiori Miyachi received “Most improved Volunteer of the Year” for 2015.d, who volunteers on Friday, won the award for “Most improved volunteer” for 2015. “Rod came to WRDA with little knowledge of horses and disabilities. He takes pride in what he does. Said Kennedy as she read Allwood’s nomination. “He is also the best water trough cleaner we have.”

“Getting the award was a total surprise as I was not even aware that there was such a category at the prize-giving,” Allwood said. “I was there to see kids getting certificates and share their pleasure never one second thinking that my name would be read out.”

Allwood volunteers on Friday doing a variety of jobs from cleaning, warming up horses for lessons, and preparing riders. “When I reached retirement age, I wanted to do some sort of volunteer work, but the main criteria were that the organization would not make money off my efforts. A friend suggested RDA which seemed a great idea as I rode horses as a kid and coached girls’ gymnastics so was used to dealing with kids. Helping the riders overcome their initial lack of confidence with the horses to seeing them riding to a point where they don’t want the lesson to stop is priceless. NO other activity that I have done has given me such satisfaction.”

Miyachi has only been with WRDA eight months and has proven herself to be a committed volunteer.

“Shiori came to us with no horse experience,” Kennedy said. “She is eager to do any job and has to be told to sit down and take a rest.” Miyachi is part of the Tuesday team of Volunteers. She does a variety of jobs from preparing horses and Riders to side-walking during the lessons.

“Last year, a friend took me to a farm near my house,” Miyachi said. “It was my first time seeing some horses and meeting them inspired me to learn more about them. I wanted to learn more about taking care of horses and began researching it. This is how I discovered WRDA was nearby. I was also interested in volunteering to help others, and WRDA could help me learn to handle horses, and I thought that’s just what I want to do.”

Miyachi said she is much appreciative of the award but wants to give it to the Riders, families, Volunteers, and coaches of WRDA. “It is such a wonderful organization. It’s amazing to see how much people improve through horse riding therapy. Just a 30 minutes’ ride creates such a positive influence—physically and mentally.”

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Orsi Bacskai was awarded “Volunteer of the Year” for 2015. A soft spoken mother of two, Bacskai began volunteering with WRDA in 2010 after seeing an ad from Volunteer Porirua in the Kapi-Mana for “Helpers with Horses”.

“I jumped on the opportunity to get involved with horses again,” Bacskai explained. “I did a bit of riding as a teen and it was always in my mind to get back involved. I knew very little about WRDA so did some research on the Internet, and the more I saw the more interested I became. I had little experience with disabilities but RDA provides lots of training and practical advice.”

She now volunteers two days a week and is involved in all aspects of the ride programme-from tacking up horses and getting riders ready for their lessons to side-walking in the arena, walking alongside a horse to lend physical and moral support to a rider.

“Working with children with a wide range of disabilities and see them achieve their goals is very rewarding. Working with children and animals is very humbling and great for the soul. Even picking up horse poo has a different appeal when doing it at RDA.”

Bacskai says winning the Volunteer of the Year” award was a big surprise, and she is very proud. “All the volunteers are great. I sent a copy of the RDA newsletter to my friends and family back in Hungary.”

“We are desperate for more volunteers.” Said Kennedy, and we hope to recruit more for 2016.Volunteers need to be at least 16 years or older, able to make a regular time commitment even for as little as 2 hours once a week or fortnight. Volunteers need to be able to work well as part of a team and be keen to help where needed. Experience with horses is helpful but not necessary. Duties include grooming, setting up the arena for rides, leading horses, side walking the Riders, feeding horses, odd jobs, grounds maintenance and pooper scooping.

A buddy system is in place so volunteers can train up to help with all duties associated with running rides and using horses to help people with disabilities.

“We will be holding a volunteer training on January 30, and we certainly hope people will make it their New year’s resolution to give of their time. But for now all staff, volunteers and riders are enjoying a much needed break. Even the horses have gone on holiday to lounge in the sun and fill their bellies with grass until they return in late January.

If you are interested in volunteering with Wellington RDA or would like further information, please call 237-5550 or visit www.wellingtonrda.org.nz

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