A lack of volunteers is restricting Central Otago Riding for the Disabled (CORDA) from providing horse-based therapeutic riding sessions. 

Based in Alexandra, CORDA provides riding sessions to about 20 riders on Thursday mornings during terms one and four of the school year. 

Riders greatly appreciated the programme, caregivers and local schools, CORDA chairperson Lynda Gray said.

“We know from feedback that what we do is valued. We would love to be able to provide more riding sessions, but our volunteer numbers restrict us.”

There are about ten volunteers who regularly help at the sessions, either by leading the pony or assisting the rider. 

These volunteers are required to undertake training to develop the skills needed to work safely and effectively with the pony and rider.

“There is the commitment for training which is necessary to deliver the best programme possible for our riders. Some of it is online, and some of it through a couple of practical sessions each year,” Lynda said.

Queenie is one of the very special Riding for the Disabled horses

If potential volunteers were restricted by time, a two-hour commitment each Thursday during terms one and four could be an option.

CORDA has six specially trained horses that are cared for year-round by a contract horse manager who was on the hunt for help with the regular day-to-day care and management of the horses grazed at the Dunstan Equestrian Centre.

“Helping out with our horses could be a great way to get some fresh air and exercise,” Lynda said.

There were also a number of tasks that volunteers could help with that did not require interaction with the riders and horses. 

The group is in the process of relocating from their arena alongside the Alexandra golf course to the Dunstan Equestrian Centre. 

“Practical help in the fit out of a building would be greatly appreciated,” Lynda said.

To find out more about volunteering for CORDA, email [email protected].