THE RIDING for the Disabled Association in the Algarve needs active and fun volunteers, from all language groups, to assist them with their sessions of hippotherapy to help children and adults with physical, mental and emotional disabilities to feel better, happier and stronger through riding horses.
Hippotherapy is where the disabled person sits on a sheepskin blanket on the horse’s back, and is slowly led around a riding arena by a physiotherapist, a trained volunteer walks at their side.
The warmth from the horse’s body encourages the rider to relax, thereby reducing muscle spasms, and the undulations of the horses back while it walks, stimulates the muscles and encourages improved posture, controlled movement, a feel good factor and enjoyment.
If you would like to help in this very worthwhile way and, at the same time, meet new people, Riding for the Disabled would like to hear from you.
At the beginning of October, Riding for the Disabled will be resuming their hippotherapy sessions during the school week at Pinetrees Riding Centre in Ançao, Almancil (between Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo).
Voluntary helpers are needed to lead horses or walk alongside less able riders. No previous experience of horses or handicapped people is necessary as instruction and help will be given.
Sessions will last for approximately one hour and, once you are really fit you could even do two sessions in one morning.
To join the team or for more information call Rosemary on 964 027 677 or Sally on 289 397 531.
