22 July 2008

Riding for Disabled Association

Field Trip Report

By Yusuke Sugihara

We have visited the Riding for Disabled Association in Fielding. There was a big shed and three people and a horse welcomed us. RDA is the organization that provides disabled children with an opportunity to ride horses and be with horses. It is not only for children who have a physical disability but also for children with a mental illness. RDA makes children learn and feel something and just have fun through the activities. They say horses can encourage those children. Also they told us that one child, who had a physical disability and couldn't walk by himself learnt walking. One autistic child started whispering and talking to horses.

I think RDA is a good example of interaction between humans and animals. I'm surprised about the effect horses have on children. Sometime it's very hard to treat their mental illness in hospital or by using people. I found the role of animals is important for the children.

Visiting a horse paddock at the RDA farm

Students are listening to a staff's explanation about how to feed the horses

A student tries to ride on a horse

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