Three riders were selected to represent the Algarve at the Special Olympics Portugal in Lisbon
Algarve 41 Club continue their support of Riding for the Disabled Barlavento (RDB), Bensafrim, Lagos, and recently presented them with a donation of €1,000. The presentation was made by the current Chairman, Barry Gordon.
Riding for the Disabled was started 16 years ago by Frank Bulmer, a past Chairman of Algarve 41 Club, and is totally dependent on donations from many different sources.
RDB have achieved great things over the years and demonstrate a level of commitment to give others less fortunate than most a better life experience, which is why Algarve 41 Club continue to support them and would encourage others to consider donating.
As well as helping disabled riders to experience activities not normally available to them, there is also a competitive element that allows them to participate in specially designed competitions at a level to suit their abilities and ambitions.
This month, three riders, Cristina Silva, Mateus Rias and Ricardo Menezies, were selected to represent the Algarve at the Special Olympics Portugal (Jogos de Portugal) held in Lisbon.
Cristina and Mateus were challenged in their ability to understand and carry out the instructions from the judges in the dressage events, and Ricardo in remembering the sequences of the obstacles he had to manoeuvre around. In addition to these challenges, the riders were on horses they were not familiar with.
However, with the dedicated guidance from Riding for the Disabled Barlavento instructor Sue Wilson, all three riders were up to the challenges and competition they faced from approximately 38 athletes from 11 different institutions/centres/groups from the rest of Portugal.
All three riders put in a great deal of effort and their dedication and focus gained them the following medals:
- Cristina Silva – C Level Dressage – Bronze (3rd)
- Mateus Rias – B Level Dressage – Bronze (3rd)
- Ricardo Menezies – CS Level Working Trial – Gold (1st)
In July 2023, Cristina Silva, who was trained by Sue Wilson, was one of four riders selected from across the country to represent Portugal at the Special Olympics “World Games” held in Berlin. She was on unfamiliar horses for her events but overcame the challenge and won for Portugal: Gold for Working Trail competition; Silver for English Equitation; 4th for Dressage.
Riding for the Disabled Barlavento hold three sessions per week, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings, and can accommodate multiple riders per session. Most riders require three helpers – horse leader and two side walkers. Volunteers are very welcome and, if willing to offer their services, will be given full training. Each session is conducted by a fully qualified instructor.
The therapy on horses utilises the rhythmic, three-dimensional movement of a walking horse. A rider appropriately positioned on the horse experiences and responds to significant sensory input. This positions them ideally to develop postural control, equilibrium reactions, balance, co-ordination and spatial orientation. There are also psychological, speech, language and cognitive benefits.
Horse riding is particularly beneficial for pupils who have profound and multiple learning difficulties as it provides a multi-sensory experience which is hard to replicate in any other environment.
Becoming a member of Algarve 41 Club
Initially, membership of 41 Club was restricted to Ex Round Tablers, but the association is now happy to welcome those who have never been in Round Table, of which current Chairman, Barry Gordon, is one.
If you are resident in the Algarve, have a property here or are an Ex Round Tabler, or 41 Club member in the UK, who frequently holidays in the Algarve, come and visit the Algarve 41 Club at one (or both) of its monthly meetings.
You will be made very welcome and may even decide to become a member of this very special and unique 41 Club.
For more information on the Clubs’ activities, contact the Secretary at mike.trice46@gmail.com
