Nor'West News: September 29, 2022

Thursday September 29 2022 7
GOAL: Harry Priestley marked his second participation in a dressage event at Christchurch Riding for the Disabled last week.
Young Harry happy to be back
in horse riding programme
• By Natalie Pham
SIX YEARS ago, Harry Priestley
got frustrated and walked away
from his horse riding programme.
However, the 11-year-old has
marked his second participation
in a dressage event at the Christchurch
equestrian centre last week.
Harry was among 10 riders of
varying ages and disabilities taking
part in the event organised
by Christchurch Riding for the
Disabled.
Because the event focused on the
rider achieving the goal of completing
the test and getting marked
on the completion, each participant
received a certificate and a score
sheet.
Said CHCHRDA president
Philippa Parker: “We make it as
fun and relaxed as possible.”
All participants have been
attending weekly sessions prior
to the event, with each session
tailoring to their specific needs and
personal goals.
The Christchurch South
Karamata Intermediate pupil was
diagnosed with autism when he
was three.
Said his mother Rachel: “For
Harry and the way that his brain
works, it’s about what Harry wants
and what Harry needs. But as
humans, we need to learn how to
work with other people.”
Harry is enrolled in two programmes
– education and sport
and recreation, where he gets
to learn about horse riding and
challenges himself with exercises
require teamwork.
“Everyone has helped me in all
different ways,” he said.
“I used to get really, really angry
but now I don’t get angry at all.
Well, I’m better at managing my
anger than I used to.”
The organisation also offers a
therapy programme for riders who
have higher support needs, ranging
from building muscle strength to
improving walking ability.
Harry began the riding sessions
with New Zealand Riding for the
Disabled at five-years-old. However,
his sessions have been on and
off due to high demands.
Like many riders, he started with
a small pony and worked his way
up. After many years, he is finally
paired with Zeus - a ‘big and tall’
horse.
When Harry first walked in
with his new horse, Parker said he
looked proud of himself.
“Zeus challenges Harry to
work with it. That horse can be
independent if it wants to, so Harry
has to make sure that the horse is
listening to the instruction.”
SUCCESS: Harry was proud when he finally got paired up with his new horse Zeus.
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