Gunnedah Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) has cancelled lessons for the rest of the year because of COVID-19.
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While the RDA did not have to shut-down, president Max Small said the current restrictions made it too difficult to continue in 2020.
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Information from head office indicated that only two riders could participate in activities, which wasn't realistic for the volunteers.
"For us, 20 people to gather there for two wasn't going to work out; it's too much work," Mr Small said.
"The biggest problem is that we can't stand five feet apart and help them.
"We had a meeting and made the decision to cancel the remaining days this year and hopefully start from scratch next year with a full program.
"It's disappointing, more so for the kids. They get a lot of enjoyment out of it and we get a lot of enjoyment out of watching them and helping them. It gives them something to look forward to."
The biggest problem is that we can't stand five feet apart and help them.
- Max Small, Gunnedah RDA
In good news, the RDA now has a defibrillator. Tracey Reid from Jobs Australia helped the branch to apply for funding under the Aurizon Community Giving Fund and the submission was successful.
"We're dealing with children with disabilities, and even us volunteers, we're up around our 60s, 70s, 80s, and if someone did have a little bit of a problem, we would have it at hand there to use before an ambulance gets there," Mr Small said.
"I've been there 20 years and never needed it but I suppose I don't know when it will come up."
Mr Small said while the defibrillator is designed to be user-friendly, the association would organise for a paramedic from the Gunnedah Ambulance Station to demonstrate its use. The device will be stored in the RDA office in the Gunnedah Showground.
