The Emmen Horse Riding Disabled Foundation (SPGE) will celebrate their fortieth anniversary next year. But is that milestone celebrated with a farewell party? The foundation is struggling with a shortage of volunteers and sees their survival threatened.
The lazy sound of horseshoes echoes on the asphalt. A group of riders returns after a tour through the Noordbargerbos. This is a lesson group of the Emmen Horse Riding Foundation for the Disabled, which is held every Wednesday and Thursday in De Eekwal in Emmen. The foundation has been making horse riding possible for people with a physical or mental disability since 1985. The riders receive extra guidance and help with riding and practicing.
“These hours are the highlight of the week for the riders,” said board member Josien Wolters-Pierie. “The togetherness, the interaction with the animals, the laps through the forest. You see everyone really enjoying themselves.”
The foundation hopes to celebrate its fortieth anniversary next year. And preferably not in the form of a farewell party. Because the shortage of volunteers is becoming more and more noticeable.
Wolters-Pierie: “We currently have a group of 12 to 13 volunteers. But in previous years that was twice as many. Sometimes we have to cancel classes because there are too few people.” According to the board member, the decline since corona has become really noticeable. “If things continue like this, we will no longer be able to give lessons next year.”
Discussions are ongoing with the sports coaches of the municipality of Emmen. In addition, flyers are distributed, the foundation is on the market and social media is used. Everything to get as many people as possible to join. And that sometimes leads to success. Henriet Groen recently joined the SPGE. “I came here through my daughter. She is wheelchair-bound. We were looking for a sport for her and she really loves horses, so we quickly came across this,” she says. “Because here it is possible.”
According to Groen, her daughter really enjoys her time at the riding school. It is also good for her body, especially her back, abdominal and leg muscles. “Stopping would be a disaster. For many riders. Other places are far away from here and not everyone has transport from, for example, a residential institution.”
One of the riders is Joyce (34), who has been riding for SPGE for 13 years. She would prefer to see activities continue as normal. It would otherwise be a huge disappointment. “But we have to stay positive.”
According to Pierie-Wolters, everything is being done to ensure that the SPGE can continue to exist. People cannot go in the immediate area. If it stops, people will no longer be able to ride horses. And that shouldn’t happen.”