Firstly, I would like to say thank you to all the staff, volunteers, and supporters for bringing so much joy into my daughter’s and all the participants’ lives. What you all do at Tall Timbers is so very much appreciated by all your participants and families, especially mine. We have been involved now with Tall Timbers for seven years with Layla’s first riding sessions when she was just 3 years old. Over these years the staff and volunteers have watched Layla grow and shine in many areas. They have gotten to know and love all her personality and quirkiness including her shyness, excitement, stubbornness, and of course her cheekiness.
Horse Riding by Layla Pantaleone
I like horse riding at RDA Tall Timbers because horses are my favourite animal. I like doing it and it is fun. Horse riding is the best. Horses are my favourite animal because you can ride them like I do and there close to a unicorn. I love doing horse riding, its very fun.
On the horse I ride in circles and do heaps of different things. I ride off lead now but before I rode on the lead. When I was little, I would have three people helping me mostly Kim and Chanida, one would be on either side and one leading the horse. Now I only have one person with me. What I would do when I was younger was blow bubbles, put coloured hoops over the pole with the same-coloured flags and change over pegs from one flag to another. I would also find mermaid toys that are hidden and sometimes I would find them before I knew I was going to play it. Now what I’m learning is dressage. I learnt how to salute and things to do in dressage.
The things I have done at Tall Timbers have help me grow stronger and love horses more. I have learnt to clean the bridle, brush the horses, feed the horses, do the mounted games, ride the horse, and guide the horse through poles and over poles. I’ve also learnt to move around the horse to the sides and to the back. Because of RDA I also got to be in play school. I love going to Tall Timbers to ride horses every week my coaches Kim and Chanida are the best. Thank you for sponsoring tall timbers so I can keep horse riding.
I hope from Layla’s words you can all tell how much Layla loves horses, riding, unicorns, and Tall Timbers. I certainly enjoy our car ride home after her sessions every week and hearing all about the things she learnt and enjoyed.
At the age of 16 months Layla was diagnosed with episodic Ataxia when it was apparent that she was struggling with her balance and walking. She had to wear a helmet for a period to protect her from all the falling she would do. At the age of 3 her Neurologist encouraged me to seek out activities that will help improve her balance and core strength hence our journey with Tall Timbers began. A journey that Layla, my husband Peter, and I have thoroughly enjoyed and are so very grateful to have the opportunity to be involved with Tall Timbers.
Under the guidance and support of Layla’s coaches Kim and Chanida, we have seen Layla achieve so many positive things. We’ve had the joy of watching her body grow in strength from all that she learns on the horse, and watching our shy girl communicating and building bonds with her coaches is priceless. We are now enjoying seeing her confidence on the horse build each session as she starts her off lead journey.
Watching Layla participate last year in the mounted games was such a proud moment for both her coaches and family and we look forward to all the new challenges she has ahead of her this year.
We are forever grateful for Laylas two coaches Chanida and Kim and so blessed that they are in our lives and a part of Layla’s Journey. They have both invested seven years into Layla’s wellbeing and riding journey. Their support and that or all the staff and volunteers at Tall Timbers have all contributed to who Layla is today.
Being a parent of a special needs child can bring many challenges and at times can be isolating. Tall Timbers give endless benefits to the participants and their families. They give us a place where everyone can be themselves and feel complete inclusion. A place that people understand the challenges that we all face and work with us to help improve those challenges. A place where there are no judgements. A place that celebrates the small achievements as well as the big achievements. A place that parents can be endlessly proud of their children. A place that most importantly brings fun and joy to all involved.
Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to talk about our journey with Tall Timbers and thank you so very much for supporting such a fantastic place which in turn supports so many in the disabled community.
Lorelle
Layla began riding in the Tots and Tiny Tackers program which has been proudly supported by the Community Bank Galston and Community Enterprise Foundation since 2022.
