Horses Goldie, Onie and Wombat are mature in horse years, but they still have life in them giving riders pleasure and education at Mid Canterbury Riding for the Disabled.
They are aged 21, 24 and 28 respectively.
Recently they received sponsorship to ensure they still carry on their great work with the 25 young people who have been part of the RDA programme this term.
The Hinds Lions Club through their fundraising including selling pea and linseed straw and firewood gave a $1000 towards the cost of supplements Goldie and Onie.
Club vice-president Bryan Beeston said the clubs members of which there are about 53 enjoy gathering for friendship, activities and fundraising.
‘‘We always welcome new members, our current members enjoy getting together and fundraising for the community.
‘‘We wanted to support RDA because of the great work they do in the community,’’ Beeston said.
Meanwhile Fourflax who make animal health supplements said they were approached to support RDA.
Co-owner Jenna White said as a local company whose products are grown and made locally they liked to support local organisations. They are providing Wombat with supplements.
RDA senior coach Maxine Hooper said it was wonderful to get support from local businesses and community groups. These three older horses needed supplements for their old bones so the sponsorship will enable RDA to keep the horses in good condition.
‘‘We are grateful to individuals and groups along with businesses for the support that enables us to provide the riding and therapeutic opportunities to mainly young people in Ashburton. Along with Hinds Lions and FourFlax, Naish Bird Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors recently came and gave us a day helping with many things around our property,’’ Hooper said.
RDA have a wish list of items from a container to help topping the trees surrounding the property and the recent donations means they can spend the funding they receive on other items.
On the day The Ashburton Courier was invited along to a riding session the young riders were all smiles as they left their sessions because of the generosity of a local gentlemen who provides treats for the riders on occasions like Easter.
