The Griffith Riding for the Disabled centre recently received a cheque for $1500 from the Griffith Rotary Club.
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Head coach Cherie Berton said the donation was “fantastic” for the team and centre.
“We don’t get any government funding, and so all of our funding is either raised by the committee, or made with donations from the community,” Ms Berton said.
“We rely on that to run the centre and feed the horses.”
With the drought, hay has become very expensive for the centre and considering there are 15 horses in need of care and feed, the donation has come at a crucial time.
“On top of that we have vet bills, farrier bills – it just all mounts up,” she said.
“There are a lot to feed and maintain.”
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The centre also has a number of caretakers who are in need of support financially to help run the facility.
Ms Berton said the team was very happy to have received the cheque, which will ensure the facility continue to run smoothly.
Riding for the Disabled runs three days a week, with three lessons held
Schools from around the area, including Leeton and Coleambally, come to the Griffith centre.
“We teach the children to ride to the best of their ability.”
Ms Berton said riding a horse is “very therapeutic” for those with a disability.
“Even for those with depression, it’s a very therapeutic thing to do.”
She said horse riding is great for flexibility, and is also about “exercising muscles that aren’t often used”.
And, when asked if the horses had an idea on what was happening regarding the donation, Ms Berton responded:
“Horses are very perceptive.
“You can have a horse and put an able-bodied person on them and they will behave totally different to if you put a disable person on them.
“They just seem to know – they’re amazing creatures,” she said.
Ms Berton said the centre is always looking for volunteers to help out,and those interested are welcome to phone her on 0418 817 409.