The Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) in Port Pirie is calling for more volunteers and coaches to get 10 people off its waiting list and into the saddle.
Last year the organisation was in jeopardy due to the lack of volunteers and while attempts to attract people were successful, retaining them proved difficult.
Riding coach Joan Lemmon said the RDA was desperately short of day staff.
"We can get through with who we've got, but we've got two more horses accredited and I've got spaces to offer people on the waiting list to ride, but I haven't got enough volunteers," Ms Lemmon said.
"I would be looking for more volunteers, because we've got people on the waiting list who might need three people to support them.
"I've got some riders who would only need one volunteer to help them.
"Four more people would be excellent, however one or two would even help."
The RDA is looking for volunteers who can work on a Monday or a Saturday for a few hours.
Ms Lemmon said all volunteers were trained up.
"I guess if there is a skill, it would commitment," she said.
The RDA has 16 clients and 10 on the waiting list.
'A different kid'
Kylie Walker's daughter Aubree is four years old, has autism and has been riding horses with the RDA since March.
Ms Walker said she has seen huge personal growth in her daughter since she started riding.
"She's a different kid when she's riding horses," Ms Walker said.
"Because she is autistic, she has strong verbal delay, and this is something she can and be happy, free, and successful.
"If it was taken away from her, I don't know what Aubree would do."
Ms Walker appreciates the effort the volunteers put in each week.
"There's a lot that goes on, it's not just our kids jumping on the horse and going for a ride," she said.
"There's all the stuff behind the scenes, getting ready, keeping the horses well, so having volunteers and people to help is essential.
"If people can get it in and help then it's certainly going to help a lot more people in the community, because there is a shortage and there are so many kids on the waiting list."
