Desperate plea for Harvey Riding for the Disabled Association volunteers or closure imminent

A Harvey not-for profit that brings joy and positive experiences to those living with disabilities, mental illness or in-need children, is at-risk of permanently closing its doors if it can’t attract new volunteers and committee members.

The Harvey Riding for the Disabled Association’s lack of executive committee members risks its legal operation rights. So without new volunteers the closure of their equine therapy services is “highly likely”, according to RDA president Sharlene Ward.

She said executive volunteers didn’t need to contribute an excessive amount of hours to the operation, but said office bearers could save the organisation.

With the RDA set to celebrate its 11th year of operation next week, Ms Ward was brought to tears by the prospect of its closure.

“If we can’t get office bearers and committee members, we can’t operate,” she said.

“There are many people who can come in and be president, vice-president, secretary or treasurer and only ever have to come down here two to four times a year.”

Ms Ward said she was aware of how difficult volunteering can be with people working longer shifts and having less time for volunteering.

“But without a committee and without executive, we will fall,” she said.

Long-time volunteer Donna Gunnell said simply being around the horses helped build confidence for people, and as a volunteer, watching that was gratifying.

She said many of the new clients arrive feeling nervous especially during their first rides, but after a month they are “running to the horses”.

“It just puts a smile on your face,” she said.

“Being around the horses is probably the most enjoyable thing.”

Whilst the RDA is desperate for new committee members, new general volunteers were also welcomed, Ms Ward said.

The group meets every Monday to take clients out on the horses. Some Mondays the RDA can be packed with activity with about 10 volunteers all servicing clients, but there have been many mornings where it was just Ms Ward and Mrs Gunnell on site.

Beyond working with clients, the horses need to be fed and cared for everyday and the RDA needed help managing their property — but volunteers don’t need to come with horse-related experience.