On Thursday, November 14, students and volunteers with Riding for the Disabled congregated at the Cobram Showgrounds.
While the group meets every Thursday, this was a particularly special day.
The day marked the first time the students participated in games under the eye of their carers.
While astride their steeds, students were then presented with ribbons for their participation in the activities.
Established in 1988, the Cobram-based Riding for the Disabled branch is led by club president Gordon Gannon and secretary Carol Doherty.
Mr Gannon travels from Deniliquin each Thursday with his horses so that young people such as Clancy, Makaya and Ned are able to experience horse-riding.
Mr Gannon, who himself lived with a physical handicap for much of his youth, said riding the horses was a therapeutic experience.
“According to [the students’ carers], it makes a wonderful difference to their lives,” Mr Gannon said.
He told a story about a young woman who first rode a horse at one of the group’s events several years ago.
“She got that immediate expression of wonder,” he said.
Students from Finley High School, Cobram & District Specialist School and Providing All Living Supports took part in the horse-riding.
Riding for the Disabled is a volunteer-run organisation that seeks to empower those living with a disability through horse-riding.
It meets every Thursday morning at the Cobram Showgrounds beside the cattle yard.
For more information about the group and its events, contact secretary Carol Doherty on 0419 157 987, or visit RDA Victoria’s website at tinyurl.com/2k6rmmbr