Auckland Region Games – 22nd July 2007
Ribbon
Days aren’t unusual – pony clubs hold them all the
time. It’s an event where horses and their riders come
together and compete in different events.
What
was so special about this ribbon day? All of the competitors
were from Riding for the Disabled Groups in the Auckland region
– one of which is Totara Park RDA in Manukau City.
 Twenty
five riders with their families from Totara Park in Manukau,
North Shore, Eastern Suburbs, Ambury Park and Henderson groups,
along with 14 horses and around 100 wonderful volunteers gathered
at Ti Papa Equestrian Centre at Brookby.
Totara
Park was represented by 5 riders and they all came away with
plenty of ribbons and smiles.
Riders
participated in events such as dressage tests, equitation and
obstacle courses and the competition was fierce – as was
the reward, riders and volunteers delighting in the ribbon and
certificate presentations. The Groups also competed for the
Lisk Challenge Shield, which the North Shore team won. The whole
day went very smoothly thanks to all the hard work done by many
volunteers, including horse leaders, sidewalkers, judges, scorers,
officials etc.
The
facility, which includes an indoor arena, was generously donated
for the day by Ti Papa Equestrian Centre. Majestic Horse Transport
also supported the event by getting all 14 horses from around
Auckland to the venue and back home again for free. THANK
YOU TI PAPA AND MAJESTIC!
Games
and Ribbon days play a large part in the RDA therapy, sport
and recreation programme as they give the children a huge boost
in self esteem, as well as being wonderful fun. Their families
and friends all appreciate being able to watch and applaud their
efforts.
Riding
is therapeutic and having a relationship with a large, warm
animal is a wonderful experience for anyone. For people with
disabilities who live with all kinds of limitations in their
lives it is liberating to be able to ‘walk’ (and
sometimes even trot!) freely and to have a sense of control
over their movements.
 To
finish off the day the ‘Company of the Lance’ did
a wonderful display of jousting and skilled horsemanship.
This
was very exciting and capped off a fantastic day. Thank you
to them and to all our sponsors – who helped towards the
success of the day.
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