Mum Karen Lumsdon feels thankful that she had access to Goulburn Riding for Disabled (RDA) and has no idea what she would have done without them.
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Her 15-year old son Alex was born seven weeks early and diagnosed with health issues including autism, epilepsy, anxiety, mental processing delay, ADD/ADHD, sensory disorder and learning difficulties.
"Alex joined RDA when he was 12 years old. It has helped build his confidence and given him a sense of accomplishment. By the end of each lesson Alex would be smiling and happy for the rest of the day," she said.
"He looked forward to RDA visits every fortnight and that kept him motivated throughout the week. RDA gave him a safe environment to do something he might not have done otherwise.
"RDA not only taught him how to care for the horses, prepare for riding, safety around horses, how to ride, but also activities including learning colours, numbers, directions. It helped improve his communication and listening skills, speech and behaviours/emotions.
"They helped him socially to be around other people, noise, sounds, smells and he made some new friends along the way."
Alex was nominated for the Rider/Driver Encouragement of the Year Award for 2019. He was the regional winner for the Goulburn Centre for the Southern Highlands region.
"He was pleased and surprised to get awarded for his efforts and improved so much with his skills in riding and confidence building as he has tried many things outside his comfort zone. We couldn't get the smile off his face," she added.
Karen has been a volunteer with RDA Goulburn for several years and can't thank them enough for all that they have done.
With RDA Goulburn looking for a permanent site to keep the services running, she feels that it is helpful for parents and children who are in a similar situation.
"It is of great benefit to the community to help the children, parents, teachers, care givers and allied health professionals in providing a service that helps everyone as a whole with the health and well-being of all involved," she said.
After residing in Collector for 26 years, the family relocated close to the Queensland border in March this year.
Running in its 20th year, Goulburn RDA is hoping to celebrate towards the end of the year if COVID-19 situation gets better.
RDA along with Campdraft Association has recently submitted an Expression of Interest to Goulburn Mulwaree Council to set up a multi-equine facility on farm land located at a short distance from the city.
Goulburn Riding for the Disabled is a charity accredited with Riding for the Disabled Association (NSW) and is run solely by a group of volunteers.
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