Shumbashaba NewsLetter December 2008
DECEMBER 2008
Dear All,
We are rapidly approaching the end of the year and it is time to reflect on the happenings of this past year as well as plan for the coming one. Thanks to the support from all of you the Shumbashaba riding therapy programme continues to grow; providing increased quality of life and opportunities to reach new therapeutic goals for many people with disability.
This year has seen the integration of an equine assisted learning and therapy programme to the Shumbashaba service offering. In order to clarify what we offer it has been decided to change the programme name from Shumbashaba Therapeutic Riding Centre to Shumbashaba, as the EAL and EAP programmes work with the horses from the ground and do not involve any riding at all. The plan for the future is that this aspect of the programme will grow to incorporate Corporate Team Development programmes; a number of which have been conducted this year with fantastic results.
The business plan is that funds generated through the Equine Assisted Team Development programme will assist Shumbashaba in offering more community based programmes. At the moment Shumbashaba runs community riding therapy programmes with Selwyn Segal, Cresset House and Maple Tree School, where all the riders pay a significantly reduced fee towards their riding. In addition during 2008 we introduced a riding therapy programme to the pre-school children with disability who attend the Bona Lesedi disability project in Diepsloot. Should anyone wish to get involved as a volunteer then please contact me >>
Another wonderful opportunity that came our way this year was the selection of both Anton and I on to the SA Paralympic Equestrian Squad. The learning from this experience has already impacted the programme in many positive ways. The standard of riding skill was inspirational and I hope that out of our programme a future Paralympic equestrian rider will arise in the future.
Renae and I are committed to the ongoing skills development of ourselves, the staff and the volunteers. We have facilitated a number of in-house trainings for staff and volunteers; as well continue our own development with the international Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association. Renae will be completing her training as an equine specialist in February next year and I hope to complete my Advanced Certification by the end of this coming year. A new recruit to the programme is our behind the scenes bookkeeper Paul Denton and some of you may meet him; we wish him a warm welcome.
The programme would not be possible without our wonderful horses. Many of the horses have been in the riding therapy programme since the beginning in 1992; Rosie and Thyme were retired this year due to old age and unsoundness and the really old men Tibet and Merry had to be put down. Sage and Suzie the other “oldies” are still doing some work and next year may see them having to retire, depending on their health and soundness. In order to meet the requirements of the equine assisted therapy programmes two new equine members of staff were recruited and they are Lonestar and Sir. Ohm. Lonestar is already a much loved member of our team and Sir. Ohm, the baby on the block, is starting his training career and will be seen under saddle next year. The rest of the horses namely Sparkie, Cotton, Caravelle, Mr.Watt, Beanie and Timmy will be joining the others in enjoying a few weeks off to graze in the lovely green paddocks during the heat of December.
Attached is the rates and registration sheet for 2009 and I would appreciate if you would complete this and the indemnity form and return to either Renae of I as soon as possible.
From the team at Shumbashaba we wish you a safe holiday season and a blessed Christmas. We look forward to seeing you all back in the stableyard from the 12th January 2009 when we resume for the new year.
I wish you all a Happy Christmas and a blessed New Year!
Love, light and happiness,
Sharon
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To download our 2009 rates sheet click here >>
To download our indemnity form click here >>
