Thanks to a contribution of R250,000 from the Hollywood Foundation, the therapeutic riding program remains free for children with disabilities.
Finding Her Rhythm
Seven-year-old Xayah Rampal, who lives in Durban and has autism, has gained confidence, connection, and joy through weekly horse sessions at SARDA Durban. For Xayah, a resident of Durban, Thursdays have become the most anticipated day of the week, as she eagerly prepares her gear to visit Penny, her favorite horse at the South African Riding for the Disabled Association (SARDA) in Summerveld.
Xayah is one of dozens of children whose weekly therapeutic riding sessions have become possible thanks to a financial injection of R250,000 from the Hollywood Foundation. This contribution covers basic operational costs, allowing SARDA to continue providing specialized riding lessons free of charge to families who cannot afford expensive private care.
Since starting horse therapy earlier this year, Xayah's mother, Arti Rampal, has observed remarkable changes in her daughter's confidence, concentration, and overall well-being. Rampal noted that since starting sessions at SARDA, her daughter has been better able to manage daily routine tasks. Furthermore, her concentration has significantly improved, and she is becoming more independent in performing daily activities such as brushing her teeth and cleaning her room. She has also begun to show initiative in interacting and playing with other children.
Rampal added that Thursdays are now a particularly joyful day for the whole family. She has noticed that her daughter's mood has become noticeably brighter, and conversations flow naturally when she shares her experiences about Penny and her day at the riding club, without needing prompting.
In addition to riding, the children learn to care for horses and saddle them—an activity aimed at improving motor coordination, physical strength, and mobility, as well as building trust. SARDA Durban Chairperson, Libby Durk, explained that the organization currently supports about 50 children through five weekly sessions. Operating solely on volunteers and donations, monthly operating costs range from R25,000 to R30,000 to cover expenses for horse care, equipment, insurance, and lessons.
Durk emphasized that the donation allows them to run the program, and volunteers do not need prior experience with horses; a passion for working with children with disabilities is sufficient. Vuyi Ngobese, Marketing Manager for the Hollywood Foundation, stated that this partnership reflects the foundation's commitment to supporting local community development and specialized therapy.
Special needs professionals have also confirmed the tangible benefits of the program. Maxine Spolding, a teacher from The Browns' school, personally witnessed how horse riding helps children develop vital skills. According to her, students who are shy in other settings become engaged and motivated when working with horses. Spolding also noted that participating children grow in confidence and improve their communication skills, balance, coordination, and attention.
Rampal stressed the critical importance of this free service for parents, as specialized private therapy is often prohibitively expensive. She expressed immense joy that more children will be able to benefit from an initiative that has had such a positive impact on her daughter.
With the funding secured, SARDA hopes to expand its presence to other communities across KwaZulu-Natal to provide more children with the joy and growth that therapeutic riding brings.