Able the Disabled Foundation
Riding for the Disabled, Thailand
Horseshoe Point Resort & Country Club, Pattaya
INTRODUCTION TO: ABLE THE DISABLED FOUNDATION, THAILAND
(Riding for the Disabled Association RDA)
For thousands of physically handicapped and mentally disabled people, in a least 30 countries, riding horses and ponies has become their first step away from the protective shelter of home, or special school, to the hustle and bustle of the outside world. This has led to new occupations, careers, friendships and a more full and useful life in the community.
Riding for the Disabled started a long time ago. The Greeks wrote about “Hippotherapy” (Hippo=horse) in the 5th century as a way of rehabilitating wounded soldiers. In 1901 it was being used in Britain, by a small group of enthusiasts, but a surge in interest worldwide came in the 1950’s. This was inspired by Madame Liz Hartel, a Danish polio victim, who through determination and willpower won the silver medal for Dressage (the classical art of riding) a the 1952 Olympics in Helsinki.
From modest beginnings, the RDA has spread internationally. In our own Asian neighbourhood there are groups in Japan, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Thailand (Able the Disabled Foundation), Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia.
Visit RDA Malaysia website
Able the Disabled Foundation at Horseshoe Point Resort & Country Club, Pattaya, Thailand, was started in 2005. The founders Khun Chaikiri Srifuengfung, Khun Chanya (Cherie) Srifuengfung and Mrs Sally Jones, had a vision to create a therapy riding programme and work towards the international standards of other Asian countries. Sandra Cooper contacted Sally to offer her help to create this programme. Two visits were made to Sally's centre and Able the Disabled Foundation was registered 22nd August 2006.
Many disabled people benefit from riding; some from the therapy it gives, others by actually learning to ride. The benefits can be enormous and wide-ranging. They include improvements of balance, co-ordination, muscle tone, concentration, co-operation and behaviour. A feeling of independence and “I can do it” is achieved. For many riders, their visit to the stables is the thing that they look forward to most in their week and, in some cases, it may be the only therapy they receive.
