At first glance it may not seem like a big deal, but building a new toilet block has been a very big achievement for the Dunedin Riding for Disabled.
The Otago Community Trust donated $20,000 towards the new facility on their Green Island grounds, which was a huge relief to the Riding for Disabled organisation, the group's fundraisers, the children and their carers, and the schools which use the grounds . "Learning to ride a pony makes an absolutely massive difference in the self confidence, the co-ordination, balance and the muscle development of disabled children. They look forward to it, and it's fun – we know it's popular because we are always getting enquiries, and have over 50 on our waiting list," fundraiser Maree Alison said.
A purpose-built toilet building mean the carers and their charges no longer have to struggle with unsuitable facilities, meaning a distress-free day out – it's then all about enjoying benefits of riding, and the smiles on everyone's faces.
