Finding her stride: Seven-year-old Xayah Rampal, who has autism, has found confidence, connection and joy through her weekly equine-assisted therapy sessions at SARDA Durban.
For seven-year-old Durban resident Xayah Rampal, Thursdays have become the highlight of her week, as she eagerly packs her gear to visit Peanut, her favourite horse at the South African Riding for the Disabled Association (SARDA) in Summerveld.
Xayah is among dozens of children whose weekly therapeutic riding sessions have been secured thanks to a R250 000 funding injection from the Hollywood Foundation.
The contribution covers essential operational costs to ensure SARDA can continue offering its specialized horse-riding sessions free of charge to families who cannot afford costly private care.
Since beginning equine-assisted therapy earlier this year, Xayah's mother, Arthi Rampal, has witnessed a remarkable transformation in her daughter's confidence, focus, and overall well-being."
