A THORNLANDS equestrian centre providing animal therapy for children and adults with disabilities is calling for new volunteers.
Calisto Park Equestrian Centre is recruiting horse sponsors and on-the-ground volunteers to help run its services.
Claire Byrne, who has osteopetrosis and founded the centre with her husband Peter with the help of their disability pension, had a personal reason for creating the service.
"I created this centre because I could see a great need within our community for the services we provide," she said.
Karen Howe's son Dylan, who has the neurodevelopmental Williams syndrome, said the service helped his development and broader understanding of the world.
"When we heard about [Calisto Park] it opened up possibilities for our son in terms of the therapy animals provide," she said.
"Dylan didn't notice anything in his external world, which has now changed."
The volunteer positions include working directly with the horses or helping in other ways.
For those stretched for time but who want to contribute, sponsorship of horses costs up to $5 per week.
Calisto Park also provides diversional therapy such as craft, music and other activities.
Volunteers are allowed free horse rides as part of the program.
Anyone interested can contact the centre by emailing info@calistopark.com.au.
