L'Arche Group Special February Feature:

This month we thought that we would photographically feature some of the members of the L'Arche group and others who take part in our "Riding for Therapy " programme and also show some of the activities that make up the program.

Special courses are run every Tuesday and Friday afternoon for those who may have varying degrees of disabilities. Fridays now include a local college special needs group. The programmes feature a range of exercises and games that will suit most levels of disability and  not only develop skills on the horses but also on exercise barrels, swings, exercise bars, bouncers etc,  all designed to build confidence, balance, well being, general body strength and most importantly to make the whole exercise fun and enjoyable whilst gaining the benefits.

We are thrilled to see the continuing improvement in nearly all levels by the participants and certainly the huge increase in confidence that is acheived by this interaction with the horses, our helpers and indeed each other.

A real vote of thanks must go to the volunteers who give their time to assist us with these programmes, it really is wonderful that people make their time available to help others and hopefully the involvement is just as rewarding for them as it is for the participants. As the group sizes grow of course we are always looking for additional helpers, so if you know of anyone who may like to give a helping hand for a couple of hours on Tuesdays or Fridays it would be appreciated.

SO LET'S HAVE A LOOK AT SOME OF THE ACTIVITIES!

Tony on Anton with Katharina,Ruth and care giver.          Trish performs knee stands on the barrel watched by Val

Stephen gives a vaulting display.            Leanne on Anton whilst Carol assists         Julie really enjoying riding Flash

Kim considers the paralell bars...........  gets ready........................Hey that wasn't so hard!          A cup of coffee after that!

Being spectators                                       Emmet playing up for the camera                        Afternoon tea!

Time to enjoy the sun                             L'Arche helpers also enjoying the sun          Trish gives Abbey a helping hand

We hope you enjoy these pics and look forward to keeping you up-to-date with these programmes as we move through the year. We're also looking forward during 2009 to increasing the activities we offer at the club and are always looking for ways to encourage sponsors to join with us to assist growing the facility we have. We will be endevouring to acquire items such as special confidence course equipment, a commercial closed in safety trampoline, more tumbling mats, aerial trapeze & harness's, along with the myriad of other improvements we endevour to continue making at the club property. It all takes time, energy and of course money...................so if anyone knows of any company or person who can help please let us know.