When seven‑year‑old Xayah Rampal began riding at the South African Riding for the Disabled Association (SARDA Durban) in Summerveld, her parents noticed changes within weeks: less anxiety, sharper focus and greater ease in social situations. Without external support, however, the specialised therapy that helped transform her confidence would be unaffordable for many families.
Funding secures free therapy for local children
That changed this month after a donation of R250 000 from the Hollywood Foundation. The contribution will help SARDA Durban continue offering free therapeutic riding lessons to children with physical and intellectual disabilities at its riding arena in Summerveld, Hillcrest.
Equine‑assisted therapy—also called therapeutic riding—uses the movement of a horse to support physical, emotional and cognitive development. Medical professionals internationally recognise it as a complementary intervention for a range of conditions, including developmental coordination difficulties, sensory processing issues and anxiety.
“At the Hollywood Foundation, we believe in the profound power of community and connection,” says Devin Heffer, brand and communi
SARDA Durban operates as a non‑profit and relies on volunteers, donated equipment and the goodwill of the local equestrian community. But the costs of keeping the programme free are substantial: specialised tack, ongoing veterinary care, feed, insurance and arena rental all add up. The Hollywood Foundation donation is intended to help offset these annual operating costs so children who need the therapy are not turned away because of inability to pay.
What the funds will help cover
- Specialised therapy sessions tailored to children with physical and intellectual disabilities.
- Care, feeding and medical upkeep for therapy horses.
- Rental and maintenance of the riding arena in Summerveld.
- Specialised gear and safety equipment required for therapeutic riding.
Local therapists and SARDA volunteers say the benefits extend beyond physical gains. Many families report improved communication, reduced behavioural outbursts and increased confidence in children who may otherwise have limited access to structured therapy.
Local impact and sustainability
For communities on the outskirts of Durban, accessible child development services are thin on the ground. SARDA Durban’s decision to keep lessons free removes a financial barrier for parents already managing the extra costs of care. The Hollywood Foundation’s grant is being framed as a step toward long‑term sustainability rather than a one‑off fix, with SARDA continuing to seek corporate sponsors, donors and volunteer support to maintain the programme.
One parent, whose child has been attending lessons for several months, said the change in their child’s posture and calmness after sessions has been remarkable. Such anecdotal improvements are backed by a growing body of international research that documents gains in motor skills, attention and emotional regulation among children who take part in equine‑assisted interventions.
How local people can help
SARDA Durban remains dependent on the community for volunteers, in‑kind donations and small fundraisers to bridge gaps in funding. People with riding experience, equine‑care skills, or a background in child therapy can make a practical difference by volunteering time. Donations of feed, tack or contributions toward veterinary bills are also valuable.
The infusion of funds from the Hollywood Foundation will allow SARDA Durban to plan ahead for another year of uninterrupted sessions, but organisers stress this does not remove the need for continued local support. The programme’s leaders say they will continue to work with donors to ensure the lessons remain free for families who cannot afford them.
For many parents in Hillcrest and surrounding communities, the donation means one less barrier to accessing care that builds independence and hope for their children. For Xayah, and other youngsters like her, a seat in the saddle has become a steadying presence in a life that was, until recently, dominated by anxiety and uncertainty.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Donor | Hollywood Foundation |
| Amount | R250 000 |
| Beneficiary | SARDA Durban (Summerveld, Hillcrest) |
| Purpose | To sustain free therapeutic riding lessons for children with disabilities |
Organisers say they will publish details about volunteering and donation opportunities on SARDA Durban’s usual community channels. In the meantime, the donation provides a timely reminder of the role that local philanthropy and community partnerships play in keeping essential services accessible to those who need them most.
