Tōtara Park Equestrian Centre values safety as the number one priority for its three user groups, Riding for the Disabled, Pony Club and the Adult Riding Group who all share its facilities.
The upgrade to the outdoor horse yards at the centre, which provides two concreted wash bays with full drainage and five spacious tie-up areas, has given the group a user-friendly and safe facility to prepare and hold horses during riding sessions, says Linley Talbot, Tōtara Park Equestrian Centre’s representative for Riding for the Disabled.
“Our old yards were in danger of becoming unusable and unsafe due to the loosening of posts and loose gravel that was unsuitable for horses to be standing on for any length of time. The yards were narrow and a health and safety hazard to users due to the lack of room to move around the rear and front of the horses.”
Another area that was upgraded was the decking around the club house, which provides essential access and space to socialise.
“Our clientele, many who have physical disabilities such as cerebral palsy or who use a wheelchair, require safe access to our club house to use the bathroom, have their riding helmet fitted or enjoy social interactions with others. Our volunteers all use the deck and the undercover areas of the deck for congregating at morning tea and lunchtime. There can easily be up to 35 people on the deck,” Linley says
Wiri Licensing Trust was thrilled to be able to support the group’s application to Trillian for funding for these projects, says General Manager Kim Green.
“We’ve been working with Tōtara Park Riding for the Disabled for the past 18 months – it’s one of three groups that use the equestrian centre and it’s been wonderful to learn more about the amazing work all these groups do to support the community and to get to know the volunteers.”
The Trust has also provided vouchers for Woodside Bar and Restaurant to committee members and volunteers as a small token of appreciation for the incredible work they do.
Linley says a team of 50 volunteers work alongside two part-time paid coaches to provide interaction with horses to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for people experiencing disability or who have specific challenges or needs.
“Our team provides therapy-based riding to our current role of 47 riders over three days a week. We estimate that equates to a total of 6400 voluntary hours a year, not including the numerous hours given for preparing horses, attending meetings, personal development and administration.”
The new facilities will be well used by all the groups and riders based at Tōtara Park Equestrian Centre. Riding for the Disabled uses the centre on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday during school term. The Adult Riding Club meets on Saturday mornings and Pony Club on Saturday afternoons. Outside of these times, riders use the grounds and arenas for exercising, lessons and horse care, and there are events throughout the year attended by the equestrian community.
“We are eternally grateful to Wiri Licensing Trust for supporting our grant application – it’s been life-changing in terms of giving us a safe and user-friendly facility,” Linley says.
“Riding for the Disabled is audited yearly to ensure compliance with facility standards and the support from Wiri Licensing Trust has enabled us to continue the good work we provide in the community.”
To find out more about the work Tōtara Park Riding for the Disabled does, visit the group’s website.
Wiri Licensing Trust wants to connect with local community groups and organisations that are doing great work in our hood to understand how we can better support you – email us on info@wiritrust.org.nz.
