For much of her young life, seven-year-old Xayah Rampal has struggled with anxiety, poor social interaction, concentration and coordination. Since beginning equine-assisted therapy through the South African Riding for the Disabled Association (SARDA) in Shongweni near Durban, her family has seen a marked improvement in her confidence, focus and overall wellbeing.
Globally, Equine Assisted Therapy has been recognised as a powerful and magical way to reach out to youngsters struggling with social, emotional, physical, cognitive, and behavioural problems and has become an integral part of psychotherapy and mental health treatment backed by medical professionals worldwide.
However, for Xayah and other children like her, this life-changing support would be completely out of reach had it not been for the generous support by the Hollywood Foundation and other benefactors. The Hollywood Foundation has contributed R250 000 to SARDA Durban to help ensure that children like Xayah can continue receiving these therapeutic riding sessions for free.
To help ensure this vital service continues uninterrupted for Xayah and many other local children, the Hollywood Foundation has stepped forward to secure the long-term sustainability of SARDA Durban’s therapeutic horse-riding programme.
Hillcrest, SARDA Durban provides free therapeutic riding lessons to children with physical and intellectual disabilities. While the impact on the children is profound, running an equine assisted therapy programme comes with immense financial and operational demands. From specialised gear to the meticulous care, feeding, and medical upkeep of the horses, the financial and physical strain on a non-profit organisation such as this is constant.
The continued partnership between SARDA and the Hollywood Foundation will assist in alleviating the annual costs of both specialised therapy and rental of the riding arena.
“At the Hollywood Foundation, we believe in the profound power of community and connection,” says Devin Heffer, brand and communications manager at Hollywood Group.
“Seeing the sheer joy and physical progress of these children when they are on the horses makes it clear that this is so much more than therapy. It helps them build strength, confidence, and independence. Securing their premises and the arena costs for the entire year is incredibly close to our hearts because it allows the focus to remain entirely where it belongs on the children’s development and well-being,” he adds.
The day-to-day reality of the programme is a massive collaborative effort. Because of the complex needs of the riders, the organisation relies heavily on a dedicated, capable team of local volunteers who form the backbone of every session.
Libby Durk, chairperson at SARDA Durban, says the support from the Hollywood Foundation means the world to SARDA and each family that benefits.
“To give an idea of the scale of our work, each individual rider requires a minimum of three volunteers to guide and support them. With about 10 children in each session at a time, the logistics and running costs are extensive. This partnership brings immense relief, giving these children a reason to believe in their own potential and ensuring that we can keep providing these lessons entirely free of charge.”
Before starting SARDA’s weekly equine-assisted therapy sessions, seven-year-old Xayah was not only terrified of animals but struggled with people.
Her mother Arthi has noted a marked improvement and growing confidence. “We struggled to help her with her anxiety. She was unable to interact at a social level as she was unable to manage this,’’ she remembers.
These sessions are not only limited to horse riding but also broader equine therapy as learners learn how to interact with the horses.
“It could be anything from brushing to saddling up. This helps with her coordination. When she comes back from these sessions, my daughter is calm and can concentrate fully,” says Arthi.
She welcomed the generous donation from the Hollywood Foundation, saying the initiative has thrown struggling children a lifeline. “Raising an autistic child comes with a fair share of challenges. I am even more happy that more children will now stand to benefit from such an initiative.’’
School teacher Maxine Spalding, who teaches at The Browns’ School, a school for children with special educational needs, has witnessed first-hand the positive impact of the SARDA equine therapy programme on learners who participate. She is pleased that the Hollywood Foundation’s support will ensure current participants can continue receiving meaningful therapy, while also creating opportunities for more children to benefit from the programme in the future.
“I have seen firsthand the positive impact that equine assisted activities have on children with autism spectrum disorder. This funding will help SARDA continue to expand the incredible work they do in our community,” she says.
She explains that children who have participated have grown in confidence, improved their communication skills, balance, coordination, social skills and focus.
“Many children who were hesitant to participate in other activities become engaged and motivated when working with horses. The environment is calm, supportive and encourages success at each learner’s individual level,” says Spalding.
The therapeutic benefits of horse riding are well-documented for young riders. They include improved mobility, strength, balance and coordination. For young riders at SARDA, Durban, the experience symbolises freedom, strength, and joy.
