Riding for the Disabled, Cobram, had a visit from Santa at its Christmas break-up event.
Photo by
Barb Love
The year has been a great success for everyone connected with Riding for the Disabled in Cobram.
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The participants, who come from the Cobram Specialist School, Better Care, PALS and Finley High School, excitedly head to the showgrounds every fortnight during the year to enjoy their favourite activity.
They love nothing more than being seated upon a special horse, improving their skills and gaining confidence in the saddle.
RDA celebrated its year with a Christmas break-up for students with a barbecue lunch, followed by festive treats.
Black Betty driven by Richard Vincent took RDA youngsters for a ride at the Cobram Showgrounds.
Photo by
Barb Love
Each was also presented with an achievement award for the skills they gained throughout the year.
Santa, in his stylish red suit, was undoubtedly the most popular person attending the party and presented a gift to each student.
Always in need of additional funds to help provide equipment for the students, RDA Cobram secretary Carol Doherty said the group was extremely grateful to Strathmerton Lions and Yarrawonga Garden Club for their generous donations during the year.
“(We have also) received an amazing donation from somebody quite unconnected to the group who had learnt about how being with the horses was helping build students’ confidence,” Ms Doherty said.
“We are so very grateful to everyone for their help, both financially and physically.
Makaya Sutton celebrated her 13th birthday at RDA Cobram's Christmas event.
Photo by
Barb Love
“Volunteers are extremely valuable as they come along each fortnight to help set up for the days’ activities, and we couldn’t do it without their continuing support.”
Before lunch, participants and family members were given a fun wagon ride around the cricket ground driven by Richard Vincent and pulled by his sweet and gentle 20-year-old mare, Black Betty.
Regular RDA student Makaya Sutton celebrated becoming a teenager with her 13th birthday celebrations at the end-of-year barbecue.
She was thrilled to have everyone sing Happy Birthday while she blew out the 13 sparklers on her birthday cake.
Riding for the Disabled will re-commence on March 5, 2026.