Vicki gets back in the saddle with NDIS supports

Published On: 3 May 2022Categories: NDIS, News

 Vicki is utilising her National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) supports to get back in the saddle to compete in Para Reining.

Vicki, who has tetraplegia after an accident 12 years ago, is continuing her horse riding goals with the assistance of support workers who help her at horse training.

The Kulgan local said she wouldn’t be able to ride and compete competitively without the support of the NDIS.

“I have trained support workers who help me interact with the horses, including getting me on and off the horse so I can ride and train for the shows,” Vicki said.

“I have qualified for both the state and national finals; if I didn’t have the capacity for my support workers to help with riding, I probably wouldn’t be competing.”

Together with her other supports, Vicki also uses a custom-made saddle cushion to make it easier to ride and prevent pressure sores, as well as accessing an occupational therapist and an exercise physiologist, all funded through her NDIS plan.

Having the support of the NDIS has also allowed Vicki to continue to work.

“I have an indoor horse arena which we hire out to riders and different horse organisations for clinics, so I’m responsible for the bookings, invoicing and making sure the arena and amenities are ready for use,” Vicki said.

“My husband, Cliff, and I also have a hay contracting business for which I do all of the administration.

“Having the support enabled us to take on more work as Cliff can now leave me alone. It  helps my husband to be able to work and not be in a carer role as much as before, which in turn helps us to have a more husband and wife relationship.

“Our family do not need to be as involved with my care so we can enjoy each other’s company more.”

Vicki received assistance to implement her NDIS funding from Carers Queensland’s NDIS Local Area Coordination Partner in the Community Program for the Ipswich region.

Carers Queensland can support you to find out more about the NDIS, to apply for funding and to help you get started with the NDIS.

If you have a disability but are not eligible for the NDIS, Carers Queensland can help you identify and link to options for support in your community.

You can also contact Carers Queensland on 1300 999 636, or cq.enquiries@ndis.gov.au