Helping Hooves Help The Disabled

Horses give back the courage, Inspiration and Ability to mentally and physically disabled through equine therapy

Jessica du Preez

17^th September 2011

Johannesburg

RDA or riding for the disabled has become a growing phenomenon in 2011. The  interaction between horse and their rider has unique and proven therapeutic benefits. Many organisations have formed in order to help the mentally and physically disabled.

SARDA or South African riding for the disabled situated across from the Monash university campus on Peter road accommodates many riders daily who are not able to do activities or sports safely by themselves. The lives of thousands of disabled children’s have been changed by focussing on their ability to relate to the horse.

A person with a disability can be seen as someone who is imperfect, Helpless being unable to help themselves with regards to walking.,  Communication and social skills such as ash burgers syndrome. Riding horses help the disabled strengthen their condition, improve their lives and realise their dreams. It also allows one to interact with disabled people like themselves.

The interaction between rider and horse is very important because trust between the horse and rider has to be built back.  Depending on the severity of the disability depends of the type or level of riding that will be achieved by the rider.

Rider and horse are taken through a series of activities such as learning basic motor skills like how to catch and throw a ball while on horseback. Kids are encouraged to work  in groups which not only builds up the relationship with the horse but also with the people around them.

Children that are severely disables whether it be mentally or physically are put onto horses without being in a saddle, this promotes the children’s  muscles to work differently than they would while being in a wheel chair.

The horses that are used at the riding for the disabled facilities are not just any old horse but are sort after and are chosen for their temperament and for their conformation. Only horses that pass the requirements are taken in for the program. Occasionally horses that have been abused and are in need of loving homes are taken in.

Riding  gives disabled people  Hope, Courage, Inspiration and the ability. The horse has been a long standing partner of people with disabilities.  Organisations such as SARDA or the South African riding for the disabled association(www.sarda.co.za ), Angels with hooves(www.angelswithhooves.org.za ), neigh-bours(www.neigh-bours.co.za ) all help with the rehabilitation of the disabled.

Source: Angels with hooves website.

(http://www.angelswithhooves.org.za/)

Source: Angels wiith hooves website.

(http://www.angelswithhooves.org.za/)

Monash’s bold fashion statements for the 2011 spring collection.

The students of the Monash South Africa campus have set the trend for the upcoming spring season, all are getting in the spirit by dressing in colourful clothing and accessories

Jessica du Preez

14 September 2011-09-13

Johannesburg

The 2011  fashion collection has gone from super thick  scarf’s in the beginning of the year  to super short skirts towards the end. This spring was started off with 29 C’ temperatures and clear skies. The colour of clothing at the South African campus of Monash University has taken a great turn, many of the students have welcomed spring with open arms,  colourful clothes and unique accessories.

The Satchel which is an over the shoulder side bag was favoured as the new have to have accessory for the 2011 spring fashion collection. The satchel can be used when contributing to the intense night life at Monash South Africa and can also be used for those long day lectures and classes.

Students can be seen wearing fkowers attached to alice bands, necklaces, bracelets and hats.

Monash South Africa has such a varied array of cultures which brings in many styles of dressing. From Flip Flops to sneakers, Boob tubes to spaghetti strap tops to T’s  all are  seen as fashion statements in their given cultures.  Monash students can be seen strutting their stuff on and around campus.