Testimonials

^{Philip Langley, Rider:  Since being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 15 years ago, I have had my work and pleasure activities slip away due to my deteriorating health.  Since coming to ride at the Whangarei Riding Therapy Centre, I have discovered something that is not just filling a gap, it is presenting me with stimulating challenges, physically and mentally.  Both  myself and the people around me have  noticed a positive improvement in my ability to cope with my disabilities.  Riding has also given me the opportunity to set new goals for myself, which in turn keeps me motivated.}

^{Over the years, I have done other forms of rehabilitation and I find being around the horses, and the support and socialising that the centre offers, far outweighs any other activity that I have been involved in.  I am now riding twice a week, but I also take every opportunity to come up to the centre and groom horses and help in every other way I can.}

^{I would recommend riding therapy to others in a similar situation, and I would like to thank the Whangarei Riding Therapy Centre staff and volunteers for their support and encouragement.}

^{Christine, RTLB:  Over the past two years, seven students have been selected to attend a riding therapy programme - some for a term and some through a year.  Three boys had ADHD and were selected to give them an opportunity to widen their experiences and then build upon that back at school through a focused reading/writing programme. Riding also appears to relax the children and they would often return to school very much at peace with themselves and they would quietly get on with the task at hand.}

^{We have a child with cerebral palsy who has difficulty walking with a frame and is keen to retreat to her wheelchair.  The programme offered by the Whangarei Riding Therapy Centre, through its unique use of horses, is wonderful in that it helps splay the child's legs (making walking a little easier) in a fun and painless way, giving her the confidence to persevere with her walker.  Another client was diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, has a kind temperament, major learning issues and a love of horses.  This has been an ideal "hands on" programme for him as his confidence has developed around the horses.  Because of his improved skills, he will be invited to join the pony club, ideally all leading to a future working opportunity with horses, nurtured from a young age.}

^{Two other children that I have used the programme for, were diagnosed selective mutes.  They have no trouble speaking with playmates at school, but use one-word sentences when speaking with all adults.  The opportunity to ride a horse was also totally unique for them.  After three visits they are gaining confidence to talk of their experiences, have written them down and then read them to others.}

^{I can not say enough, the programmes have been very successful.  The voluntary supporters working with the students also provide a positive source of support.  Watching them helps you realise what a wonderful win/win situation this is.}

^{Marc, Support Worker:  Over the last two years, several of our service users have been volunteering at the Whangarei Riding Therapy Centre as part of their ongoing rehabilitation.  I have found the centre to provide a dual purpose for these persons, providing a therapeutic activity and environment, plus providing work skills outside of the mental health system.}

^{Ideally situated away from the suburbs in an area off the beaten track, the Whangarei Riding Therapy Centre provides a quiet, relaxing and, most importantly, safe environment.  I have no doubt as to the therapeutic benefits gained from interaction with the horses and their personalities, as our own service users spend large amounts of their time talking with other service users about the horses, and the activities they have been involved in while attending the centre.}

^{The staff are professional, approachable and keep in touch with services to ensure that each individual gets as much as possible out of the activity.  I wholeheartedly recommend the Whangarei Riding Therapy Centre to other mental health services.}

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