Pupils at the International School in Vilamoura raised monies to help Riding for the Disabled in the Algarve to continue to offer riding therapy to all disabled people who would, through riding therapy, benefit in their mental and physical health and happiness, be given the opportunity to do so, and to achieve maximum ability from disability.
The monies were raised through the School’s Red Nose Day when pupils participated in sponsored sports activities and, this year, they also cooked red foods and cakes to support the cause. Before presenting the cheque to RDA, some of the pupils came to Albufeira Riding Centre to help with the riding therapy session with children from the Special Needs Unit at the Almancil School.
Riding therapy works as a complement to other therapies and deals with neurophysiological aspects and may also be used with people with cerebral palsy, autism, Downs Syndrome, mental disability or other neurological syndromes. The different goals are defined in relation to the needs of each rider and the horse is used as a tool to help attain these goals.
Riding therapy is not only enjoyable but it gives the opportunity to develop self awareness, independence and confidence as well as to develop the social skills needed to communicate with a new group of people.
Currently, Riding for the Disabled in the Algarve, (Associação Equitação Deficientes do Algarve - A.E.D.A) ... which is the only recognised and registered charitable association in the Central Algarve providing riding therapy for young Portuguese adults and children with various mental and physical disabilities ... hold riding sessions at Albufeira Riding Centre, Vale Navio, and Vilamoura Riding Centre.
If anyone would like to sponsor riders or volunteer to help at the riding sessions, please contact Sandie Skevington on 919 060 604.
