Page 135 - JPGS Magazine 2018-2019

OPEN SKIES

Grammar School pupils from JPGS are once again
contributing to the success of therapeutic horse-
riding for the disabled, organised by Lisa Robinson
of the Open Skies Riding Stables. Following an initial
meeting at school, over 20 volunteers attended the
training session at the AL Asseel Stables in Jeddah
before the volunteer sessions started.

Pupils are engaged in preparing horses for riding,
escorting children to the horses, leading the horses
around the paddock and supporting riders as they
navigate the course, engaging in the different physical
and cognitive challenges that they must navigate such
as scoring baskets from horseback and finding their
way to different stations to spell out words.

Participation has also led to the development of close
friendships between volunteers and riders who look
forward to their weekly meetings. It is a significant
commitment from our students who sacrifice their
Saturday afternoon every week to help out with the
programme. When asked why they do it, volunteers
are quick to say that not only is it fun, but that
there is a enormous sense of satisfaction seeing the
happiness and joy that developing a relationship with
a powerfully animal gives to youngsters who, due to
their disabilities, have felt marginalised and relish this
opportunity to gain a sense of control and pleasure
that interactions with volunteers and horses bring.

On their behalf, we thank our volunteers for their
contributions.

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