Over the past years the Vodafone Malta Foundation (VMF) has been a tremendous supporter of two local leading NGO’s in the field of disability, namely Razzett tal Hbiberija and Eden Foundation, which have benefited on numerous occasions.

Now, working as one under the banner of Inspire, the new organisation has recently welcomed VMF’s generous support which has part-sponsored the embellishment of their unique Therapeutic Horseback Riding Area located at their Marsascala Centre. The sum of €13,980 has been donated towards the project.

Therapeutic Horseback Riding is having a huge impact on the lives of people with disabilities. It involves a physical, occupational and speech-language therapy treatment strategy that utilizes equine movement as part of an integrated intervention programme to achieve functional outcomes. Physical benefits are achieved through postural re-education, limb strengthening and balance while intellectual benefits are achieved through interaction in a social setting and learning through enjoyment.

Lidwina Schembri-Wismayer, Inspire’s Head of Services added; “It’s sort of infectious. You see the children who experience Therapeutic Horseback Riding here and you see the joy they get out of it, but you also see what it does for them not only for the hour they’re on the horse, but also for the rest of the week. It affects their self-esteem, their self-confidence, their sense of achievement as well as helps them improve their physical abilities”.

The Horseback Riding Arena was previously open to the elements, operating at the mercy of the rain, wind and extreme heat. Due to this, sessions were being cancelled to the effect that the children were missing extensive periods of riding time especially in summer.

An overflow of rain water was previously flooding the riding arena, paddock and grooming area and also affecting the animal park. With the aid of VMF, drain pipes, covered with a special filtration membrane that allows the water to pass, are now installed along the length of the arena. This draining system will facilitate the flow of the water in a much faster and efficient manner.

A tent has also been set up to cover the arena from excessive summer heat while the pony area has been extended and a second stable has been built. The water draining system has also been upgraded in the pony area. Moreover, a permanent shade has been fitted in the waiting area to protect the children and their carers from the sun and rain and a ticket booth has been re-built at the entrance. The co-ordinator’s room has also been repaired while the previous hay-stack area has been converted into a grooming area where the children learn all about caring for the horses in a safe and well equipped environment.

“It is so rewarding to see the children ride and interact with the horses,” said Gemma Mifsud Bonnici, Chairperson of Vodafone Malta Foundation. “We are convinced that the return of the Foundation’s investment will be priceless, and that the source of comfort and healing power that the safe and gentle horses give the children will provide invaluable physical and emotional therapy in an atmosphere of fun and sport”.