Riding Passion

“When I started, Paint, one of our older horses, would get a bit bored at the end of a session and nibble me gently in the bum – but he usually only got my mobile phone in the back pocket!” laughed Samantha, 40, recalling some of her initial experiences when she first became a volunteer at the RDA. That was in 2007, when the “dutiful trailing spouse” came to Singapore with her husband, who works in logistics and had relocated to the Republic from the United Kingdom.

Today the horses know who’s boss. As the new general manager at the RDA, Samantha oversees the administration and management of the organisation’s therapy services and fundraising activities. “In the UK, I worked for the local government in various rehabilitation projects and services for people with physical and learning disabilities for over 20 years,” Samantha explained. “So when I came to Singapore I was looking for something meaningful in which to invest my time and skills. I wanted to be able to give something back to the local community whilst meeting people and gaining an insight into the new country I was living in.” For Samantha, the RDA “ticked all those boxes”. Founded in 1982, the RDA provides free therapeutic riding sessions for people with physical and learning disabilities.

She started volunteering the very week she arrived in Singapore as a Side Walker, a volunteer who supports the riders to help them engage with the horses and benefit from each riding session. Soon, she became a Leader and took up an active role in caring for the horses. During a session, she would groom, tack (set up the saddles and bridle), and be responsible for managing the horse’s behaviour.

When she got a full-time job with a recruitment firm, Samantha learnt even more about local culture and the fast-paced nature of the corporate world. At the same time, she revelled in learning about Singapore. “My Singaporean adventure included introductions to chili padi (tiny but fiery hot chilies), durian, television on buses and escalators on the outside of shopping malls, not to mention geckos in the kitchen and self-flushing toilets!”

But working full-time meant she had to stop volunteering with RDA – and she missed it terribly. So it was with great excitement and joy when she found out about – and landed – the RDA’s vacant post for a new general manager.

“Since I started full-time work with the RDA in June 2009, the roller coaster has not let me off!” she told Singapore. In less than a year, she has led the search for new instructors, organised five fundraising events, hosted VIPs such as Zara Phillips, daughter of Princess Anne, and is planning an annual charity ball in May.

There are now 108 riding sessions per week and about 650 disabled children and young adults benefit from the service. Apart from therapeutic riding, the RDA also conducts independent riding classses for disabled riders who have reached competition level.

Samantha explained that hippotherapy – horse riding therapy that employs the natural movement of the horses – helps in improving balance and coordination. “A horse’s gait mimics the rolling of the hips and helps the rider engage their pelvis and core muscles,” she said. In addition, horse riding also helps to build self confidence, focus, trust and attention span. “Therapists outside RDA have given us feedback that the riders usually develop better social skills and confidence.”

“I love being rewarded by beatific smiles when a session goes well, taking part in fundraising events and meeting new friends over coffee and cake after each session.”

All in all, working at RDA is a happy confluence of her work experience and passion. And, she smiled, there’s the added benefit of being around animals – especially one as graceful and beautiful as a horse.

WANT TO HELP?

Volunteer with the RDA as a Side Walker or – if you have riding experience – as a Leader. You’ll be bringing joy to disabled children by helping them to build social skills and self-confidence.

Contact the RDA at mail@rdasingapore.org.sg
Visit their website at www.rdasingapore.org.