Riding for the Disabled Daylesford has received a $10,000 centenary grant from the Commonwealth Bank of Australia.
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The club, which takes place out of Boomerang Ranch in Daylesford, has been operating for more than 20 years.
The far reaching impact of the work undertaken by Riding for the Disabled Daylesford was a crucial factor for its receiving the grant.
Daylesford Branch Manager Leonie Watson recently made the presentation to Riding for the Disabled.
“We’re thrilled to be able to support organisations like Riding for the Disabled in the important work they do for our local community,” Ms Watson said.
“It’s especially meaningful that we are able to celebrate 100 years of employee giving, by nominating an organisation to receive a Centenary Grant in our local community.”
Club President Wendy Hogben said the money would mean the club is able to buy one or two suitable medium sized horses.
She said the funding was “huge” and meant a lot to a club which is run by volunteers and raises all of its funds through fundraisers.
Riding for the Disabled Daylesford has 10 riders and 12 volunteers.
Ms Hogben said the volunteers get “huge satisfaction” from helping out with the program and the time spent with horses had a whole range of benefits for the people that participate in the program.
“People come to the club to learn to ride, but it becomes so much more than that because it extends out into all areas of their lives.
“We see immense social, physical and behavioural improvement in the riders and a boost in their self-esteem,” she said.
She said the program does not just help the people participating, but also provided support for parents who may be feeling isolated.