Denise's Diary 

June More Heat and Visits

The weather was the hottest June in five years, the air conditioning was turned on in Banou's and Mahaba's stables a whole month early this year and the horses dozed in their stables during the day. They became rather more active when turned out at night.

Dr. Sathish came over on 6th June on Bint Al Khair, to check on Sharif and rasp down teeth for Noura and Jahra. Sharif has made a full recovery from the operation and is he usual boisterous self again, praise to Masoud and the team for taking such good care of him during the post-operative period. As both Noura and Jahra are "hot" mares Dr. Sathish administered a sedative before the rasping. Using a gag to keep the mouth open he used a heavy duty electric rasp. The gag may look like a piece of medieval torture equipment but it is humane.

Jahra having her teeth rasped gag in place

A better view of the gag and electric tooth rasper

Dr.Sathish's visit was brief and I drove him back to the Catamaran after forty five minutes so he could get back to another horse on the mainland.

Astrid and some friends visited us for the weekend of the 12th June to make a presentation to the stables, these gifts included a new saddle from Abdullah Al Adwani at National Equestrian with the following letter.

Attention Madam Denise

Dear Madam,

We would like to gift you one saddle.We do trust you will accept this gift from the National Eqyestrian Messilla. Really, we appreciate your equestrian team and their spirit.

We wish you all the best for you and your stables team on behalf of the National Equestrian Team.

We hope that we will have the opportunity to cooperate with you in the future.

Thanks and best wishes

Abdullah Al Adwani

Apart from the saddle we were also presented with riding helmets, safety jackets and safety stirrups by Diana Beidoun to help us with our Riding for the Disabled Programme. Noelle Alyagout also donated a riding saddle and Astrid Poirier a hoof knife and File.

Astrid making the Presentation with Masoud, Tawfiq and our smallest friend

RIDING FOR THE DISABLED

In the past I have always offered disabled visitors free riding but now I intend to expand this aspect of our activities and with the equipment so generously donated, Failaka Stables can now move forward.

Those that we set out to help are adults and children residing in Kuwait who have disabilities of varying degrees. Their infirmities may have been caused by accident or they may have been born with cerebral palsy, spina bifida or muscular dystrophy. Other who can benefit by riding might include stroke suffers, those with learning difficulties or visual or hearing impaired.

The above are only examples - if you feel unsure of your suitability as a rider just send an e-mail to me at denise@safirhotels.com or telephone on 66982244 and I will advise as helpfully as possible. Groups are most wecome.

The benifits are numerous, riding presents a stimulating challenge to the disabled, helping to improve co-ordination and balance. When newly found capabilities begin to take precedence over previously acccepted disabilities, a greater degree of confidence and happiness is attained. Additionally, relationships, both with the helpers and other riders provide the first step to an exciting world outside their normal life.

Riding is an excellent recreational sport in its own right and offers many positive benefits as a non-weight bearing exercise, for example:

• Improves circulation and stimulation.
• Stronger and more efficient muscles
• Increased activity leading to better posture, balance and co-ordination.
• Symmetrical exercise encouraging equal use of both sides of the body.
• Increased confidence, independance and self esteem.

Failaka Stables are part of Masharee Al Khair, a Kuwait charity and as such all riding for the disabled participants as shown above are entirely free of charge.

As one wheelchair-bound young man told me after his ride, "It's great looking down on other people for once, that was fabulous!" Some benefits can be surprising....