[category]
[title]
For a local seven-year-old, horses were once something to be afraid of. Now, they're helping her find confidence.
The Durban youngster has spent much of her young life struggling with anxiety, social interaction, concentration and coordination. Since starting weekly equine-assisted therapy at the South African Riding for the Disabled Association (SARDA) Durban, her family has noticed a remarkable change.
“She was unable to interact at a social level as she was unable to manage this,” says her mother, recalling the challenges they faced before Xayah started the programme. “When she comes back from these sessions, my daughter is calm and can concentrate fully.”
And that's exactly why a new partnership supporting SARDA Durban could make such a difference for local families.
READ: You really need to escape to the countryside for the Eston Show this August
Why horses are making a difference
Based at Summerveld in Shongweni, SARDA Durban provides free therapeutic riding and equine-assisted activities for children with physical and intellectual disabilities.
And there's more to a session than simply getting on a horse.
Children can brush and interact with the horses, help with saddling and then ride, with these activities supporting work on balance, coordination, concentration, communication and social skills in a calm and supportive environment.
For some children, that relationship with the horse can also become a way of building trust and confidence.
School teacher Maxine Spalding, who works at The Browns' School for children with special educational needs, has seen the impact first-hand.
“I have seen firsthand the positive impact that equine-assisted activities have on children with autism spectrum disorder,” she says. “Many children who were hesitant to participate in other activities become engaged and motivated when working with horses. The environment is calm and encourages success at each learner’s individual level.”
Keeping the therapy free
The impact may be profound, but keeping a therapeutic riding programme running takes plenty of resources.
SARDA relies on horses, specialist equipment, trained staff and volunteers, while the animals themselves need regular feeding, care and medical attention. There are also the costs of maintaining and renting the riding arena.
That's where the Hollywood Foundation has stepped in.
The foundation has contributed R250 000 to SARDA Durban to help sustain its therapeutic horse-riding programme and cover annual costs associated with the specialised therapy and riding arena.
“At the Hollywood Foundation, we believe in the profound power of community and connection,” says Devin Heffer, brand and communications manager at Hollywood Group.
“Seeing the sheer joy and physical progress of these children when they are on the horses makes it clear that this is so much more than therapy. It helps them build strength, confidence, and independence.”
It takes a village – and plenty of volunteers
There is another important ingredient behind every SARDA session: volunteers.
Because of the complex needs of many of the riders, each child requires significant hands-on support.
“Each individual rider requires a minimum of three volunteers to guide and support them,” says Libby Durk, chairperson of SARDA Durban, who notes that, with around 10 children participating in each session, it's a considerable team effort.
“The logistics and running costs are extensive,” Durk says. “This partnership brings immense relief, giving these children a reason to believe in their own potential and ensuring that we can keep providing these lessons entirely free of charge.”
And for families like Xayah's, that access can mean seeing a child go from being afraid of a horse to finding confidence alongside one.
TIME OUT DURBAN RECOMMENDS:
📍 The best things to do in Durban
🍽 The best restaurants in Durban
🏨 The best hotels in Durban
🛏️ Where to stay in Durban
📢 Latest news from Durban
Follow Time Out Durban on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok! To get the coolest news, features, and things to do straight to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter.