To Andrew Shellum, a former head coach at the Riding for the Disabled Association, the most memorable experience was seeing how a seven-year-old girl with autism and who had never spoken much before changed thanks to her riding lessons. After some time, she began to talk unprompted and fell in love with riding horses.
"Horses have taught me a lot. They are very sensitive to human emotions," said Andrew Shellum, former head coach at the Riding for the Disabled Association of Hong Kong (RDA Hong Kong). "When we are unhappy, they get nervous. But they relax when we are happy. Being around horses helps people better deal with their emotions." Over the years, Andrew has dedicated himself to helping people with disabilities learn to ride. Most of his students are children with special education needs, such as those with autism and Down syndrome. Adults also come to his classes.
Born and raised in Hong Kong, Andrew learned to ride as a child. He later studied equine management in the UK, earning a British Horse Society Stage four Senior Coach qualification. He also did a degree in psychology. He wants to harness his experience with coaching riders and working with horses to give back to society. RDA Hong Kong has provided the platform for him to realise his dream.
Founded in 1975, RDA Hong Kong is the only charity that offers free therapeutic riding classes in the city. Since its inception, the association has been supported by The Hong Kong Jockey Club. Based at the Club’s riding school at Beas River in Sheung Shui, it started off working with horses and ponies from the Club.
Today, RDA Hong Kong benefits from the support of more than 10 volunteer instructors and many volunteers who assist during lessons. In every therapeutic riding lesson, two or three volunteers are assigned to accompany each student to ensure their safety. The association currently has 22 horses, all imported and selected for their character and build.
A large body of research has shown that therapeutic horseback riding brings many benefits to disabled people with different needs. These include improved muscle coordination, stronger balance, better emotional well-being and a greater sense of confidence.
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Athlete Karen Kwok says, “You must accept your own limitations. Do not overthink. Seize every opportunity, discover your interests and strengths, and do your very best in everything.”