An idea that I jumped into feet first thanks to my blind friends who wanted to but were not able to have the opportunity to ride properly and off the lead and really wanted to.

Once we had established that I was willing to let them – cos hey what could go wrong – but that I had no clue what I was doing when it came to teaching blind people to ride, what their physical issues would be or how we would get them to orientate themselves in the ring, and did not have a reference in the area that I could go to, were all willing guinea pigs and gamely said we could learn together. And it snowballed from there.

Thanks to a couple of them being very big into blind technology aids and things that were used to allow them to participate in other sports and activities we had a great time trying out eco locations, rhythm counters, audio sensors and the like. As well as discovering where the physical difficulties were for them. (The main one being posting in the rising trot as they have a limited and stiff hip movement due to not taking big strides when they walk). With the biggest and most stressful challenge being getting the grooms to understand that these very capable and able beings, who could tack and walk around and help with chores, must not be let out the gate without me or a staff member as they could not see and could get hurt.

The fun and adventures as well as the friends and memories made both at the stables and out in the world were a great gift.

Bluemoon Equestrian held its first Riding for the Blind clinic back in 2010. The South African Council For The Blind brought 30 “newly blind” (lost their site within the last five years) out to meet the horses, ride, do some orienteering in a non-urban environment etc. And what and amazing experience it was for all involved.

This was a first of its kind event, not just for Bluemoon Equestrian Centre but also for S.A. and is one that no other stable yard or coach has done to this day.

The guys arrived just after 8 am and after a quick intro were taken too individually to meet the herd.

What an experience - Not just for the guys and girls but for me and my staff. To see the fear melt to wonder and happiness was the great experience of my career. I only wish I could explain the smiles.

Shortly after that we had a coffee break and a chat and then it was up and way on the horses. Each rider got an hour’s tuition and we started with some basic balance and physiotherapy exercises and then on to steering.

Needless to say they took to it like ducks to water and we soon had each of them riding on their own. And by this I mean with no one leading them. And not only were they going in round the outside of the ring but changing rein in the figure of 8 and doing circles.

The braver ones tried a trot and were soon unstoppable both trotting and steering.

In the afternoon we did a tactile session with the guys grooming the horses and followed this with a Q and A session and a review of the day.

All I can say is thanks to all those who took part from the staff to the helpers to the amazing guys who showed us all what true spirit, determination and a zest for life are all about.

15 years later and Bluemoon Equestrian is still the only yard that has had blind riders taking lessons and riding out on hacks.

When our riders have then gone to yards with their sighted friends it certainly causes a stir and I have taken more than one frantic phone call asking what should be done. (Apparently put them on the mounting block and line the horse up and lead them to the ring, sit, relax, enjoy your coffee and if you see their horse standing and them looking lost yell out where they are which directions they can choose from is not the helpful advice I thought it was.)

But I am proud to say that we reached a point where it was a normal situation for us and we managed to educate other leading names in the industry as to what these guys and girls are capable of and bring the pleasure we are lucky enough to experience on a regular basis to other coaches and riders.