Riding for the Disabled Association of Western Australia – Carine (RDA Carine) enriches the lives of Western Australian children of all ages and abilities through safe, stimulating and therapeutic equine activities.
In March 2022, RDA Carine was able to purchase six-year-old Major Survivor thanks to Telethon funding. In recognition of the support, RDA Carine asked Telethon to rename the horse. Credit: Supplied
When Monique Minchin was 20 weeks pregnant, she discovered that her son Cain would be born with health complications. At eight months old, Cain was diagnosed with brain damage and congenital heart defects. He then faced years of ongoing diagnoses and multiple surgeries.
Cain was diagnosed with brain damage and congenital heart defects. He then faced years of ongoing diagnoses and multiple surgeries. Credit: Supplied by family
Monique said: “Life is full on. The hardest part for Cain is all the surgeries, tests and some of the hard therapies. I could never repay or express what RDA Carine has done for our son and family. It has truly changed our lives in the most amazing way. RDA Carine is Cain’s world. It gives him life, and sometimes laughter is all we have to get through a hard day.”
Cain has been participating in RDA Carine’s therapeutic equine programs since he was two years old. Credit: Supplied by family
Cain has been participating in RDA Carine’s therapeutic equine programs since he was just two years old. When he started, due to motor impairments caused by cerebral palsy, he had no core or body strength. Over time, with dedicated therapy focused on Cain’s ability, growth and development, Cain’s family has seen incredible progress. Within just six months of equine therapy, Cain could hold his head up. At age three, he was able to sit, and at four and a half, his family’s world changed when Cain took his first steps towards them.
Cain has built a strong bond with his horse at RDA Carine. Credit: Supplied by family
Now eight years old, Cain continues to participate weekly in therapeutic sessions at RDA Carine. He has a special bond with his horse, has built great friendships with the staff and volunteers, and has achieved what his family once thought was unachievable – he social, brave, confident and strong.
Telethon support enables RDA Carine to extend its reach to enable more WA children to harness the positive effects of therapeutic equine programs that expand horizons, enrich lives and build better and brighter futures.