Former Paralympian named NSW volunteer of the year
Horse riding changes Jan Pike’s shaky legs into something sturdy and strong. She has worked for almost 40 years to give that feeling to others; gaining the title of NSW Volunteer of the Year.
Parramatta
Don't miss out on the headlines from Parramatta . Followed categories will be added to My News.
The first time Jan Pike got on a horse in 1977, she fell in love.
The Winston Hills resident has been riding for more than 40 years and has been a part of the charity group Riding for the Disabled (RDA) for just as long.
The former Paralympian has spent her life helping people living with a disability experience the joys of horse riding and last week was named the NSW Senior Volunteer of the Year and overall NSW Volunteer of the Year for the Sydney Central region.
Being nominated was more than the 65-year-old Mrs Pike expected.
“I was truly honoured and extremely surprised,” Mrs Pike said.
“(I was) feeling like I am not really deserving of this nomination as I get much more pleasure from my involvement with RDA (NSW) than I give this amazing organisation.”
Mrs Pike started as a rider, instructor and coach with the charity group and is now the executive officer. She said she got enormous satisfaction helping change lives.
“Once when coaching one of my young riders who had autism and was non verbal, he threw his arms around his horse’s neck and spoke his first words ‘I love you Bobby’. Still brings tears to my eyes,” she said.
Mrs Pike was diagnosed with cerebral palsy quadriplegia at a young age and has lived nearly six decades with her arms, legs and speech impaired. She said everything changed when she got on a horse though.
“Instead of two wonky legs, when I’m riding I have four strong, powerful legs beneath me. I can walk with my head held high instead of having to watch the ground. I can run and dance with my horses,” Mrs Pike said.
“I’m free from the confines of my disability.”
Mrs Pike won a bronze and silver medal in dressage at the 2004 Athens Paralympics and has a wealth of knowledge to pass on as a horse riding teacher.
“It was through my involvement with RDA that I was identified as a potential Paralympic Equestrian and was privileged to represent Australia many times internationally,” she said.
“As someone with a significant disability volunteering enables me to give something back to the community. It allows me to feel worthwhile and contributing to others enjoyment.”