Bundaberg Riding for the Disabled to host delightful fundraising event

Bundaberg’s Riding for the Disabled Australia group will soon fundraise in the hopes the non-profit will be able to buy more comfortable riding gear.

Vice President Talitha Mulvena said the charity dreams of purchasing their own grounds one day as they can be limited on hiring out the Bundaberg Recreational Precinct due to other major events booking the space.

The team behind the volunteer-run Bundaberg Riding for the Disabled will soon host fundraising in the hopes the non-profit will be able to afford more suitable gear for disabled riders and go towards their end goal of purchasing their own grounds.

The charity is known for its ability to connect disabled people of all ages with horses, offering therapeutic and recreational horse riding programs to boost confidence and abilities.

On Sunday, April 28 the Bundaberg charity will host a Hooves and High Tea afternoon at HSG At The Gardens, with author Alienor Le Gouvello and RDA member Layne Auer appearing as guest speakers.

Vice president Talitha Mulvena said the charity was hosting the event in the hopes of raising funds for its riders, each with individual and specific care needs, on top of the ongoing expenses of caring for the horses.

She spoke of the charity’s desire to buy jockey saddles for those with cerebral palsy, whose tight muscles struggle to stretch over more conventional saddles.

Bundaberg Riding for the Disabled often supports rider to state and national competitions, boosting confidence and social skills. Pictured here is Talitha Mulvena leading young Darnie, at the RDA Queensland State Championships in 2023.

However, Miss Mulvena also spoke about the bigger dream; buying their own land for future events.

She said during the earlier months of the year the group is limited on how often they can run sessions due to the Bundaberg Recreational Precinct, which they rent for classes, often being booked out for larger events such as shows and rodeos.

As someone who first volunteered with the charity group in support of her brother, Miss Mulvena has a unique insight into just how beneficial the program can be for those with disabilities.

“We have changed so many lives in our program,” she said.

“We have had riders who have been with us for three years who when they started never spoke a word and now can form a full sentence,” she said.

“We try to achieve a lot with our riders and it’s very, very rewarding watching them reach their milestones and their goals,” she said.

Anyone interested in purchasing tickets can do so here, with the $54.26 ticket price purchasing high tea treats, a beverage and a raffle ticket, along with a photo opportunity with the miniature ponies.

The Bundaberg Riding for the Disabled’s miniature ponies will attend the High Tea for a photo op with guests.

Originally published as Bundaberg Riding for the Disabled to host delightful fundraising event