15/10/2024
I just want to post a follow up post from my last post about Karin's passing. I was going to give a speech at Karin's funeral today, but didn't get the opportunity to, as the funeral director never asked after the main speeches if anyone had a memory to share. That was very disappointing for me, as I wanted to let people know how our little club would never have happened without Karin, and so I thought I'd share my speech on this page.
To all of you who don't know me, I'm Tasch, and I run the local Riding for the Disabled group, HorsePower Midwest.
I would like to take this opportunity to share with you how very grateful I am to Karin for helping me fulfil one of my biggest dreams.
In 1999 I travelled to England on a holiday, and whilst I was there I did a trail ride. One the riders on the trail ride was a young man with autism, and he had the best time! Being a physio by trade and working in paediatrics and disability I thought to myself, wouldn't it be amazing, if we could provide something like this for people with special needs in Geraldton.
When I got back home I contacted the RDA WA head office in Perth, but it turned out that there was a fair bit of red tape involved to start up a group. One of the criteria to get provisional membership was to have a level 1 Pony Club Coach. Unfortunately I didn't know any Pony Club Coaches, so my Riding instructor at the time gave me a name and a number. I rang this person, but they were unable to help me, but they gave me a new name and a number to try. This person was, however, also unable to assist, but this person then also gave me a name and a number, and it was Karin's number. I thought to myself that this was the last person I was going to call, and if they also said no, then I'd give up, as it was obviously not meant to be. I rang Karin and I told her of my plans and the dilemma that I was facing, and she said 'Oh, mum and I wanted to start something like that up, but there was too much paperwork to do!' I replied that I could do the paperwork, that that was the easy bit, and so our journey began. Karin was amazing! She didn't just provide the expertise, but also the ponies, the property and the volunteers, who were all close friends and family of hers, and I provided the clientele and did all the paperwork, and it grew from there. I am so proud, that we are still going strong after 25 years. Karin sure has left a legacy, and she will be sorely missed 💔💜
