Why I am involved with SARDA – Shirley Thurbon
I retired a few years ago after lecturing mathematics at a local university for many years. Although I absolutely loved teaching I have found life as a retiree to be full and satisfying. I can now set my own daily routine and do everything for sheer joy and not because my job/ boss requires it.
One of the things I was looking forward to when I retired was volunteering with an organisation that involved people and animals helping each other.
SARDA is the ideal one for me. I have always had a passion for horses and enjoy working with young people. It is a win win win situation for all. A win for the children as horse riding promotes self confidence and independence both psychologically and physically. On the back of a horse, a disabled child is not different, he is simply a rider and physical, mental or emotional differences are levelled. A win for the horses as they are sentient beings and I believe are aware that they are helping their riders and respond to the challenge with patience and gentleness. A win for the volunteers as watching a child’s face light up when they are on the horse is a priceless blessing.
“… it’s understandable that we sometimes think the world’s problems are so big that we can do little to help. On our own, we cannot end wars or wipe out injustice, but the cumulative impact of thousands of small acts of goodness can be bigger than we imagine.”
Queen Elizabeth II, Christmas Message 2016