Kempsey – Macleay RDA Centre
Year of Commencement – 2006
Venue
Kempsey Showground , Sea St , Kempsey
History
After a year of solid work by a dedicated steering committee the Kempsey-Macleay Centre was finally approved to offer riding lessons to people with disabilities in Kempsey, in May 06,
The initial interest was so overwhelming that we were forced to close our books the second week of riding, with 25 riders registered and 7 on the waiting list.
Preparations for riding start each Monday. The arena is hosed and raked to make sure it is level, by our groundspeople
Then on Tuesday morning, approximately 20 volunteers arrive and tackle the arduous task of setting up. The gazebo, bought with monies raised by our hard working raffle ticket sellers, is erected for use as shelter for the kids while they put on their boots and hats and wait patiently for their turn to ride. Temporary fencing goes in around the marshalling area. Chairs are dragged out, the mounting ramp assembled and the horses are groomed and saddled ready for the day ahead.
The students arrive by bus from the Melville High School or walk up from West Kempsey Primary School or some come accompanied by their parents. Once they come through the front gates of the showground there’s no holding them. They rush down to the arena, a collection of wheelchairs and frantic teachers scrambling with excitement.
The riding lessons are run by our very organized Coach, Chereyll and Assistant coach, Terri. All lessons are planned the night before, riders and horses matched up for compatibility with individual needs of both taken into account.
A private benefactor donated the money for the purchase of a shipping container, so we finally have secure storage on site.
The horses:
• Monty, an elderly grey gentlemen from a dairy farm near Bowraville. He really enjoys the work and you can often detect a little smile of satisfaction on his face. He lives at Harold’s place.
• Jack. A tall bay. Jack takes everything in his stride ‘sept sometimes he finds moving cars a bit of a worry. Jack was donated by his owners from Temagog.
• Scottie. A very stocky appaloosa. He was donated to us from John Scott of Kundabung Stables. He has a lovely lay back nature and laps up all the attention.
• Honey. RDA purchased Honey with money raised from our regular forays into catering. She is a taffy with a blonde mane and tail. Here first outing to the Centre was in May 2008.
Despite all the organisation needed every week to get the riding days together, and our total dependence on the good will of our volunteers and sponsors, somehow we manage to pull it off successfully due to the dedication and commitment of the people of Kempsey and district.
Days of Operation
See the Website Link Below
CONTACT:
Marie Purkis
Phone: 6562 5708
Postal Address
PO BOX 351
SOUTH WEST ROCKS
NSW 2431
Email
kempsey@rdansw.org.au
Website
