SEVEN-YEAR-OLD Xayah Rampal has made a huge progress since beginning equine-assisted therapy through the SA Riding for the Disabled Association (SARDA).

Xayah struggled with anxiety, poor social interaction, concentration and co-ordination for much of her young life. Her family said they have seen a marked improvement in her confidence, focus and overall well-being.

Globally, Equine Assisted Therapy has been recognised as a powerful and magical way to reach out to youngsters struggling with social, emotional, physical, cognitive, and behavioural problems and has become an integral part of psychotherapy and mental health treatment backed by medical professionals worldwide.

The Hollywood Foundation has contributed R250 000 to SARDA Durban to help ensure that children like Xayah can continue receiving these therapeutic riding sessions for free.

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Operating from the equestrian hub of Summerveld in Hillcrest, SARDA Durban provides free therapeutic riding lessons to children with physical and intellectual disabilities. While the impact on the children is profound, running an equine-assisted therapy programme comes with immense financial and operational demands. From specialised gear to the meticulous care, feeding, and medical upkeep of the horses, the financial and physical strain on an NPO such as this are constant.

“At the Hollywood Foundation, we believe in the profound power of community and connection,” said Devin Heffer, brand and communications manager at Hollywood Group.

“Seeing the sheer joy and physical progress of these children when they are on the horses makes it clear that this is so much more than therapy. It helps them build strength, confidence, and independence. Securing their premises and the arena costs for the entire year is incredibly close to our hearts because it allows the focus to remain entirely where it belongs, on the children’s development and well-being,” he added.

Libby Durk, chairperson at SARDA Durban, said the support from the Hollywood Foundation means the world to SARDA and each family that benefits.

“To give an idea of the scale of our work, each individual rider requires a minimum of three volunteers to guide and support them. With about 10 children in each session at a time, the logistics and running costs are extensive. This partnership brings immense relief, giving these children a reason to believe in their own potential and ensuring that we can keep providing these lessons entirely free of charge.”

Before starting SARDA’s weekly equine-assisted therapy sessions, Xayah was not only terrified of animals but struggled with people. Her mother Arthi said she has noted a marked improvement and growing confidence.

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“We struggled to help her with her anxiety. She was unable to interact at a social level as she was unable to manage this,’’ she remembers.

These sessions are not only limited to horse riding but also broader equine therapy as learners learn how to interact with the horses.

“It could be anything from brushing to saddling up. This helps with her co-ordination. When she comes back from these sessions, my daughter is calm and can concentrate fully,” said Arthi.

She welcomed the generous donation from the Hollywood Foundation, saying the initiative has thrown struggling children a lifeline.

“Raising an autistic child comes with a fair share of challenges. I am even more happy that more children will now stand to benefit from such an initiative.’’

Educator Maxine Spalding, who teaches at The Browns’ School, a school for children with special educational needs, said she has seen firsthand the positive impact that equine-assisted activities have on children with autism spectrum disorder.

“This funding will help SARDA continue to expand the incredible work they do in our community.”

She explained that children who have participated have grown in confidence, improved their communication skills, balance, co-ordination, social skills and focus.

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