General News
19 June, 2025
Hanging up the saddle
MORTLAKE’S Heather Rowe has called time after spending the past 17 years as a volunteer to support students with a disability through equine therapy.
Mrs Rowe has hung up her boots after being recognised at last week’s final session of Riding for the Disabled Association Victoria (RDA) of the season, surrounded by the fellow volunteers and participants she’s supported over the years.
She said she had originally volunteered after a friend asked if she could bring along one of her horses to support the program – and from the first session, the benefits of the program were apparent.
“A friend asked me to come and I brought my horse – that’s how it started almost 17 years ago.
“It was so rewarding.
“Every week you see the children do something a bit better, or achieve something new.
“I’m sad to leave but it’s time – I’ve done it long enough, and the next group can start up.
“But it’s the kids who have kept me going over the years.”
Mrs Rowe, an avid rider and horse owner, has brought along three horses over the years for the students from Hampden P-12 to work with.
The RDA program aims to improve the lives of participants through physical, social, psychological and educational benefits.
From improving balance and coordination to making new friendships and earning a sense of achievement, the volunteer-led organisation has supported hundreds of students who flock to the equestrian centre at Glenormiston College.
Mrs Rowe said seeing the children grow their confidence – from the first timid steps to eventually riding independently – gave her more than her volunteering could ever give back.
“One day we had a child who wanted to get on the horse but just couldn’t bring himself to do it,” she said.
“We were there to help him but he was half getting on and half not, so we just encouraged him.
“He got on and the horse moved, and he let out a yell of excitement, which was just beautiful.
“He was so scared of being so high up, but it just took that one step across – and he never looked back after that.
“You get those kids sometimes who are hesitant but they go on to achieve so much – they just have to get that first step of bravery.”
RDA Terang head coach Sally Watson said Mrs Rowe had proven an invaluable presence over the years.
“Heather’s blood has been worth bottling,” she said.
“She’s been absolutely remarkable and, without her, there’s been times we haven’t been able to run at all.
“She’s been right on the ball with the riders – she’s been fantastic.”
Mrs Rowe has been a vocal supporter for the program and hopes to see more volunteers put their hands up in years to come to ensure the next generation of children have the opportunity to benefit.
“What you get out of it is what it’s all about,” she said.
“It’s not even what you do – it’s what you can do to help people, and what you get out of it is an immeasurable fulfilment.”
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