FCRT stands for the Fortune Centre of Riding Therapy and is a charity organisation that works with children and young adults with mental and physical disabilities. For the past year I have been volunteering every Saturday morning helping with children aged between three and eight who have mental disabilities such as Downs Syndrome, Autism and general Learning disabilities; and physical disabilities such as problems with leg alignment and similar problems (I can't give much detail due to confidentiality contracts). Therapy through horses is offered to students. We find that students identify well with the horses, speaking to them through the horses boosts communication with children who have linguistic difficulties, while the motion of horse riding only on a pad (instead of a saddle) helps improve balance skills and improve muscle tone in weak children.
I find my volunteering so rewarding because I have been involved for quite a time and have seen the children improve so much. We have had children who would scream upon seeing the horses and refuse to go anywhere near them, patience and determination are needed to keep going. It is so amazing to see progress in these children, and know that you helped to make that possible. Also, it is lovely to see the children really develop relationships with the volunteers and see the anxious learn to trust helpers and the weak grow stronger both outside and inside. Parents seem to really value the work we do with their children, it gives them a break as well as a chance to witness first hand the progress their children are making.
Anyway, the first week since Christmas has gone well, and its lovely to see that all the children remember all of the names of the volunteers and the names of the ponies, their weekly riding sessions must make an impact on them too!
Have a look at what goes on! http://www.fortunecentre.org/
Charlie
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