Riding for the Disabled in Nenagh – thriving for 35 years
The quality of life of children and young adults with varying degrees of disability throughout North Tipperary is being transformed by the joy and fulfilment they get from horse riding at an equestrian centre in Nenagh.
Care experts and teachers looking after the educational needs of those taking part in the local branch of the Riding for the Disabled Association’s sessions at McDonnell’s Nenagh Equestrian Centre have spoken glowingly about the benefits they see for those taking part.
The smiles, shouts and peals of laughter from the participants as they sit on horses walking around the centre’s indoor exercise arena is testament to the life-enhancing benefits these close bonds between horse and child bring to lives.
The riding sessions at the McDonnell’s Nenagh Equestrian Centre in Ballintoher have been going on now for three and a half decades, involving over 80 children and young adults and a team of dedicated volunteers and parents.
The activity is carried out in a caring environment where volunteers and assistants ensure that enjoyment and safety are top priorities.
The volunteers and parents involved in the foundation of the Nenagh branch are deserving of the utmost praise for their commitment, courage and foresight in recognising just how bonds between human and horse can really be life-enhancing for those taking part.
The proprietor of the Nenagh Equestrian Centre, Rory McDonnell, is following in the footsteps of his parents, Mary and Brian, in facilitating the marvellous service for a fraction of the cost charged by many similar amenities.
The local branch of the Riding for the Disabled says the continuation of this support by the centre is dependent upon the maintenance of its low-cost provision, ensuring its availability to all those in need of such support.
The service also could not continue without the goodwill and commitment of the volunteers and assistants who give a few hours of their time each week providing a homely atmosphere of play, exercise and care for all involved.
SUPPORT OF THE SCHOOLS
The support of the Transition Year classes from the CBS and Nenagh college – including the teaching staff and principals over the years – is a very necessary and much appreciated factor in the continued success of the service provided.
Financially, the Nenagh branch of Riding for the Disabled finds it difficult to survive from year to year and would be grateful for any financial contributions, however small, to enable the committee to meet its annual commitments, which includes considerable insurance and registration costs.
The present committee would like to pay a sincere tribute to current and past volunteers as well as the local second level schools for their time and generosity of spirit over the years. A number of people have been volunteering over 20 years, and some for in excess of 30 years.
ALL-YEAR ROUND SERVICE
The indoor arena at McDonnell’s Equestrian Centre facilitates the provision of the service on an all-year round basis regardless of weather conditions.
Expert care providers and teachers of the children and young adults taking part have lauded the tremendous benefits such activity brings to those who take part.
St. Anne’s Special School, Roscrea, has been service users at Nenagh Equestrian Centre for a number of years. “It is very much a highlight of our students’ school life as it is an activity that our pupils thoroughly enjoy,” a spokesperson told The Guardian.
She added: “The pupils benefit from the exercise provided by the physical activity, therapeutic benefits of the company of horses and the social engagement. The visits to the centre are always active fun days out for the pupils. Over the years pupils have enjoying bonding with the horses and learning to ride.
“Horse riding at Nenagh Equestrian Centre has brought a lot of benefits for our pupils. It encourages independence, enhances social skills, and it increases understanding the companionship of animals and promotes empathy. It is an invaluable resource for our school and a key part of our pupils’ school life.”
TEACHER’S VIEW
Avril Mounsey, a teacher at the Mirmeara Autism Class Kiladangan NS, said pupils from the school have been attending the Riding for the Disabled sessions at McDonnell’s Nenagh Equestrian Centre since 2006. “For some of our pupils,” says Avril, “they will have accessed this activity for over eight years and have come to absolutely love it and look forward to it.
“For some, this is their only contact with animals and access to an equestrian activity, and for others this is their only outdoors activity all week.
“Whilst sometimes they may not be able to verbalise this, we can see their reactions to being on the horse and the calming effect it has on them for the rest of their school day.
“It’s also an invaluable opportunity for our pupils to meet members of our extended community and develop communication skills that are important life skills going forward.
“Down through the years our pupils have learned functional skills required for daily life. They have the opportunity to ride different horses, with many of them forming a bond with the horses, often knowing the horses by name and favouring certain horses.
“It also presents endless communication opportunities, such as interactions with volunteers and learning to engage in ‘small talk’ as we are led round by our very kind and supportive volunteers without whom this fantastic experience would not exist.”
EVIDENCE-BASED THERAPY
Avril says that equine therapy is an evidence-based therapy renowned for its positive benefits for people with autism. “Whilst the Riding for Disabled sessions run at Nenagh Equestrian Centre are based on actual horse riding, it has, in our experience, a similar positive impact for us as educators for our pupils with autism. We have always appreciated our opportunity to be part of this initiative and hope it will continue for the foreseeable future.”
St. Cronan’s Services, which provides high quality day support for adults living with intellectual disabilities and autism at four sites in Roscrea, Birr and Nenagh, are also extremely positive about the benefits for those taking part in the sessions at Nenagh Equestrian Centre.
Sharon Gleeson, a Senior Instructor with St. Cronan’s, says adults under its care have been attending the Riding for the Disabled sessions for well over a decade and they see many positive impacts on the lives of the people they support.
Sharon, who has personally helped out at the sessions for many years, added: “This activity is far more than just riding a horse. It is well documented that the multi-sensory experience of horse riding has many physical, psychological and social benefits for adults with disabilities, such as promoting good balance, improving posture, strengthening muscles, boosting confidence, improving emotional well-being, teaching self-discipline, reducing stress and emotional and behavioural regulation.”
Sharon says that because Rory McDonnell and his team are very familiar with the service users, each session is tailored to meet individual needs. “It is vitally important that there is consistency when it comes to the volunteers as service users put their trust in them and form bonds with the people who support them. It is because of the volunteers that give so freely of their time that the service users are able to enjoy this activity in a relaxed, safe and non-judgemental environment.”
The Riding for the Disabled Nenagh Branch, Nenagh Equestrian Centre and volunteers have jointly provided a hugely successful community service of those with challenging abilities.
WANT TO GET INVOLVED?
The local branch of the Riding for the Disabled are always looking for more volunteers. If you think you may be interested then be sure to contact any committee member.