MAKE A DIFFERENCE : Tall Timbers Riding
for the Disabled
by Lorna Gordon
Tall Timbers Riding for the Disabled opened in 1972 and moved to the Gables , its current location , in 2000 . They offer traditional riding programs , so either group riding for small groups as well as individual riding sessions with coaches assisted by volunteers .
As well as horse riding on the grounds , they also offer participants the chance to compete in dressage competitions , as Nicole from Tall Timbers told me .
“ There are opportunities for participants to do regional and state dressage through the RDA network , and we host equine pathway clinics and have high performance programs for participants .”
To ensure they are providing programs to suit everyone , Tall Timbers now offers several other programs where participants don ’ t actually ride a horse but work closely with them .
The Life Skills Senses and Fun program focuses on developing relationships , building communication and decisionmaking skills in a fun and interactive way , either in a group setting or as an individual .
In the Connections program , participants work with horses to help develop self-esteem , team building and
self-confidence , and Nicole explained how these transfer to everyday life .
“ With each of these skills our participants are learning they can take them back into day to day life , things like safety and communication skills and a sense of responsibility , as well as developing skills to look after the horses .”
The Tall Timbers team realised that working with horses or riding them as therapy weren ’ t the only things that their clients needed . They got frequent requests for recommendations for other allied health professionals , which led them to establish their own occupational and speech therapists on site .
Now the therapists and coaches all work together to help their clients reach their full potential .
Tall Timbers is a charity and wouldn ’ t be able to offer half of what it does without the help of the volunteers . These work with clients when they are on riding , work hard to look after the grounds , help
Riding for the Disabled at Tall Timbers offers programs to suit everyone .
keep the centre clean and fundraise to keep money coming in .
Nicole expressed that the volunteers essentially keep the programs running - without their help it would be difficult to keep going at the capacity they are at .
As with many charities they have been greatly impacted by COVID . However , they have two events coming up that you can support , ( see below ).
They are a NDIS provider ( please check if your NDIS funding covers this activity ) and accept active kids vouchers .
If you are interested in taking part in one of their programs or would like to volunteer your time to this excellent organisation you can call 02 9679 1246 or email
admin @ rdanswtalltimbers . org . au .
DIARY DATES 1 August , Horses Special Birthday 9 September , Fundraising Golf Day
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THE HILLS INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine . com . au ISSUE 85 // JULY 2022 11