Written to b105 :) Dear reader, I write to you regarding an amazing story that I feel would interest your station. In January 2012 I began the journey to start an equestrian centre with a difference, So the Calisto Park Equestrian Centre Inc. (CPec) was born. We started with a small committee with no land, no horses, no idea how big this centre would come to be. Now we have 5 acres, an indoor arena, office, storage areas and 8 horses that provide lessons to over 20 clients per week. But it is the story behind this centre and what it does that I truly inspirational and if this letter does not eventuate to anything I hope that you, the reader, finds some benefit to reading this which will inspire you. I was a horse rider that was competing in dressage at local events when I was told that I could go to the para olympics if I trained hard and did well in the Riding Disabled Associations dressage competitions. I won the state championship that year. In 2010 I competed for the last time on my little arabian, Calisto Cosmo, at the para equestrian national competition where we placed 6th. After that I got married and had been searching for a job throughout this time with no results. I went for interviews constantly, was told that my attitude was great, they were keeping my resume on file, etc etc. In 2011 I began a course in business administration and it was this time in my life that was set to change my path completely. I sat in the front room of the TAFE as I had arrived early as usual. I was about to flick my phone onto silent when it rang. I had about 20 minutes to spare so I answered it. The caller was from the Riding Disabled Associations office and she asked if I could do a talk at their national volunteer dinner. As no stranger to public speaking I accepted, having no idea how much this opportunity would actually change my life. My husband and I sat near the president of the Queensland Riding Disabled Association on the VIP table. Nancy, my seeing eye dog was also there and Im sure she stall the show when we walked up to the stage area together. After my talk the president asked why I didnt work for the Riding Disabled and I explained that our local centre was over 3 hours away via public transport. Within this discussion I was asked to consider setting up my own centre within my local area. After much consideration I began to set up the centre however I wanted to provide services to people that didnt quite fit into the disability sector but who would benefit from animal therapy. So the journey began. Now the centre is truly amazing and I am so thrilled to be working with such a wonderful team. We all say that we are part of a family. 80% of our committee have a disability also and we have been able to employ 3 people who also have a disability. Currently we provide Animal therapy, Horse riding and Diversional therapy to people with a disability, kids at risk, the elderly and those with a mental illness with visions to set up a program for returning soldiers. There are so many wonderful and inspiring stories to be told about this place it is truly remarkable. I thank you for your time and I have attached the link to our video. I do apologise for the pour quality of the film. I filmed and edited it from my iPhone as we do not have the funds to get a professional video done. On this video you will be able to see what we do and hear some of the fantastic stories which our clients and volunteers have to tell. https://youtube/watch?v=onfnnmXl2Wk We would appreciate any assistance from b105 to put the word out about our centre so that we can help more people and connect with potential sponsors. I personally appreciate your time and thank you for reading my story. Kindest Regards Claire Byrne, President.
Posted on: Thu, 05 Jun 2014 09:48:54 +0000
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