Robert Eagles with son Jack Eagles, 8, at the Riding for the Disabled competition in Hastings. Photo / Warren Buckland
Robert Eagles with son Jack Eagles, 8, at the Riding for the Disabled competition in Hastings. Photo / Warren Buckland
Eight-year-old Jack Eagles travels an hour and a half each week for his Wednesday class with Hastings Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA).
But this week's session was slightly different.
Jack was one of about20 competitors to enjoy the continuous flow of applause and ribbons at the RDA arena.
The multi-event showcase of the abilities of riders and their trusty steeds was held in lieu of the A & P show, which was cancelled due to Covid restrictions this year.
Jack, who is non-verbal and lives with cerebral palsy - a physical disability that affects the body's movement and posture - is just like every other kid, except for his remarkable affinity with his four-legged friend, Tonto.
"Jack's been riding every Wednesday for about three to four years with Tonto at the Hastings RDA," Jack's father Robert Eagles said.
"Jack's paediatrician suggested he try horse riding, as it can be beneficial for people with cerebral palsy's muscles and core strength," he said.
Physiotherapist and judge of the event Karen Busch said she was amazed by what the kids could do with the horses and in turn what the horses do for them.
"There are not only physical benefits, but the endorphins released from the exercise also increase the riders' mental wellbeing, which contributes to their general wellbeing.
"The vestibular input from the horses' gait is similar to that of a human, so it's a lovely way to get kids to feel the different qualities of movement," she said.
Jack Eagles, 8, of Central Hawke's Bay rides on Tonto at a Riding for the Disabled competition in Hastings. Photo / Warren Buckland
Jack has developed a long-lasting friendship with station-bred Tonto, whose temperament and movement have proved the perfect match for the young rider.
RDA coach Shona Brown said Jack's ability as a rider has fluctuated over the years with his health, but he has improved incredibly throughout his time at the riding school.
"He is as bright as a button and he loves trotting. We get two people on either side of him to help him balance and then he trots away and just laughs and laughs and laughs," Brown said.
The atmosphere at the event was calm and encouraging, with ample rewards for riders in the form of a sausage sizzle and plates of assorted baked goods.
"The helpers here are amazing. It's a real community for the riders.
"The volunteers sort everything out for the kids and nothing is an issue. It's all very easy," said Jack's grandmother, Karen Eagles.
Jack Eagles watches his peers competing at the Riding for the Disabled competition in Hastings. Photo / Warren Buckland
The mannerisms and facial expressions of riders conveyed a sense of pride and comfort, to be astride their four-legged friends for their friends and family to see.
"It can make a huge difference, getting to interact with the horses.
"You can't always tell what Jack's thinking but you can see in Jack's eyes how he's feeling," grandmother Karen said.
There had been a big improvement in Jack's core strength with his riding, said his father, but the most important thing has been interacting with his peers, which makes him feel like any other kid.
Coach Brown agreed and said that most of all "Jack just likes to be the same as everyone else."