Thirty years of horse healing

Cindy Bloxham and daughter Emma, 9, enjoy the company of pony Phantom at Clutha Community Riding...
Cindy Bloxham and daughter Emma, 9, enjoy the company of pony Phantom at Clutha Community Riding recently. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Clutha Community Riding celebrated its 30th birthday last month.

About 50 people attended the anniversary of the group, which developed out of the widespread Riding for the Disabled movement, to make the benefits of "equine therapy" available to a wider range of people.

"Right now we have about 12 volunteers and trainees and 14 active riders," occupational therapist and board member Cindy Bloxham said.

"I’ve been involved with Clutha Community Riding since 2019, when we first moved here.

Mrs Bloxham said she looked into riding when was looking for the right kind of help for her child.

"Emma is almost walking now. She went from being a child some said was going to be a paraplegic to thriving in life.

"Riders are usually Clutha kids with disabilities or things like bad anxiety or social challenges.

"Riding is a safe place and it was great to be able to do something to thank the community and our sponsors like Sport Clutha."

Clutha Community Riding has sessions from 8.30am to 2pm at its facility in Johnston Rd, Balclutha and community open days during the year.