No horseplay: new riding simulator therapy in Hong Kong offers disabled entry into sport
- Leong Pui-yee, who has cerebral palsy, shares benefits of horse riding as a long-time participant in Riding for the Disabled Association activities
- In partnership with Operation Santa Claus, association hopes to bring new simulator programme to more people to help them with fitness and confidence
Taking part in active sports such as swimming, running, or fencing is not easy for Leong Pui-yee, 36, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
The condition, involving movement disorders, restricts some of her motor ability, especially on the left side of her body.
Leong, who works long hours as a full-time employee in the technology industry, has always wanted to pursue a hobby that would keep her active.
While browsing for sports activities online, she stumbled on Riding for the Disabled Association’s (RDA) therapeutic horse-riding programme. Leong started with that and has been riding horses for the association for seven years.
Founded in 1975, the association offers a unique horse-riding programme, also known as equine therapy, for those with mental or physical disabilities.
Equine therapy, involving real horses, allows riders to overcome challenges, such as improving their balance, posture, muscle tone and coordination, as well as to feel a sense of achievement by engaging in sports and meeting new friends, according to the association.
“Riding the horse has allowed me to stretch out my muscles and has helped me with my daily life as well,” Leong said. “Before I would often fall down while walking but after joining the programme, I have improved throughout the years.”
