General News
15 August, 2024
‘Gainsey’ retires after a lifetime of support
BOORCAN pony ‘Gainsey’ has stepped in to retirement after more than two decades supporting Victorian children living with a disability.
Gainsey has been one of the most popular ponies donning the saddle each week as part of Riding for the Disabled Association of Victoria (RDA), which caters to students from Hampden Specialist School.
The program provides therapeutic benefits including fitness, life skills and a sense of achievement for participants.
However, the program would not be possible without ponies like Gainsey providing an opportunity for program participants.
Owner Ross Thomson has been bringing Gainsey to the local therapeutic horse-riding sessions at Glenormiston College for the better part of a decade.
He acknowledged it was bittersweet last Thursday to finish what has been Gainsey’s final season.
“Gainsey has just turned 31, and he’s been a fabulous pony,” he said.
“Not only has he been a part of RDA in the south west, but before we brought him to the region around nine years ago my daughter had him in Melbourne at RDA there.
“So, he’s probably spent more than 20 years helping with RDA programs across Victoria.
“He’s been fabulous during that time.”
Gainsey is nearing the end of his natural lifespan but remains in good health, making this the perfect time to step in to retirement, according to Mr Thomson.
The occasion was a sad day for the program participants, for whom Gainsey has become recognised as one of the most popular ponies to ride.
At last week’s RDA event, the final for the season, Gainsey was sent off in style after he was named the best pony for 2024.
“He’s great with kids, and he could still be able to come back on a one-off basis if they were not able to get ponies,” Mr Thomson said.
“But on a week to week basis it’s a good time to step away, where he’ll retire to his own paddock – he’s treated like a king at home with his own stable.
“He’s a favourite, and over the years everyone has wanted to ride him. He’s been a wonderful pony and the kids just love him.
“It’s pretty special because if they live this long, they’re rarely at this level of health.”