Grant gives Riding for the Disabled a new location

Plans to turn a disused field into a home for a team of therapy horses look set to become a reality thanks to a $10,000 cash boost.

Riding for the Disabled president Kristin Hosken said the Commonwealth Bank community

grant would allow the Baldivis-based centre to begin work on a permanent paddock for its therapy horses.

She said nine equines currently lived at various locations across Baldivis, requiring volunteers to travel to different locations to care for them, and deliver them to the Lugg Road centre for regular sessions with children.

“The Mead Farm project will allow us to turn a disused farm in East Rockingham into a permanent home for our horses,” Mrs Hosken said.

“This will make it easier for our volunteers to supervise, feed and check the horses... it will make it easier to transport the horses to the Riding for the Disabled site.”

Commonwealth Bank regional change manager Andrew Pearce said local bank employees donated funds to the grants program throughout the year, before it was divided among those considered most deserving.

He said the program focused on improving the wellbeing of young people younger than 21.

Mrs Hosken said year-long riding programs helped children with disabilities build confidence within a non-threatening and stimulating environment, while developing their gross and fine motor skills and building confidence.