Denise's Diary

January - welcomes and farewells

First the sad news, Dr. Sathish came out to see Jack. His off hind leg had shown no sign of improvement and even though he was on pain relief he was not happy. He had damaged the hip joint, we think, when he had cast himself and in a panic to get up had injured the hip. After a discussion with Dr. Sathish it was decided that the kindest thing to do would be to put him to sleep. This was done quickly and quietly, Jack passed away peacefully in my arms. He was one of our first rescue donkeys, arriving with Jenny in the back of a pick-up, both too weak to stand and with extremely long hooves. Both made remarkable recoveries and Jack went on to pull the garbage and baggage carts in the village. He was photographed and fussed over by many of our guests as he worked and was a firm favourite with all those who met him. He will be sadly missed by not only the stable staff but also the housekeeping staff who worked with him.

January was also the month we welcomed the rains and Ria. The rains were heavy at times but cleared the air and tuned the desert green. Last winter was so dry we did not get the sping flowers so this year we are waiting for the desert to bloom again.

Ria has joined the stable staff from England, she has a degree in French and Arabic and is also an accomplished equestrienne. Ria has started to help me schooling the youngsters and excercising our school horses.

Ria with Faisal, Safir, Pairis, Banou,Masoud and myself.

Ria out with Burgan.

Wafi was gelded by Dr. Sathish in January and recovered well from his ordeal, within ten days he had fully healed and was back with his friend Wasim in their paddock.

Wafi and Wasim in the paddock.

   RIDING FOR THE DISABLED

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 welcome.

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....