Youngsters' fun mounts

North Otago Riding for the Disabled is creating cowboys.

The organisation has 40 clients who ride the horses to gain balance, muscle strength, patience and confidence, among many other benefits.

Volunteer Sylvia Grasmueck said the reaction from the clients varied, but when many of them hopped on a horse they wanted to be a cowboy.

Taylor Ball, 8, has been riding with the organisation since she was 5 and her mother, Yvonne, said the youngster had benefited from it in a number of ways.

"It's completely across the board. She gets enjoyment from being around the animals," Yvonne said.

The organisation was always on the lookout for more volunteers to assist on a Tuesday and Thursday, Mrs Grasmueck said.

"The more volunteers we have, the more we are able to do it and that's the main goal.

"There is always something to do."

The criteria to become a volunteer is simple: You must love people and horses and you must be able to have a good laugh.

Volunteer Vinnie Lister said the volunteers themselves benefited from being able to assist the clients.

"It's very rewarding to know that it's a therapy for them," he said.

"It's definitely worth it and it's very enjoyable."

North Otago Riding for the Disabled was also looking for quiet horses, Mrs Grasmueck said.

They could be hard to come by. The ideal horses would be "bomb-proof", she said.

If you would like more information about volunteering or know of a horse that may be suitable, contact Mrs Grasmueck on 03 434 9066.