Being around horses has improved Julian's quality of life

ArkStar Kidz Club is a registered non-profit organisation located in Walkerville South Africa.

The elite sport of equestrianism robs children from disadvantaged backgrounds as well as those who cannot financially afford to compete of coaching, competing, being part of a team, learning skills, and kept away from "negative recreation" (drugs, violence or sexual activities).

ArkStar Kidz Club was borne as a private youth equestrian sport and education organisation serving ages 4-25, focussing on promoting youth equestrian sport participation, promote healthy development and increase access to equine career qualifications. ArkStar Kidz Club raises funds for bursaries for career courses, competition fees funding to accomplished riders and to grow dedicated equestrians in the sporting and career sector.

Julian Grobler (12), a young ArkStar Kidz Club NPO beneficiary is a cancer survivor. He joined us with very low self-esteem, shy, demotivated and no interest in making friends. Building his confidence with horses has improved all the traits he was lacking in and has completely come out of his shell. His academic marks have improved, he has no trouble interacting now and even has a best friend in class. Achieving in the horse arena, representing Gauteng at the SANESA Newcomers this year, is just the beginning of what this young boy, who was named the "miracle baby" due to being declared dead twice during pregnancy and who almost died whilst being born, can achieve.

Clinical studies show that sports and recreation programs can help youth establish lifelong, healthy, physical activity patterns. Regular physical activity can ward off life-threatening diseases; reduce feelings of depression and anxiety; help control weight and obesity; and build and maintain healthy bones, muscles, and joints.

Studies have also shown that the effects of vibrations produced by horses during horse-riding lead to the activation of the sympathetic nervous system, which improves learning in children. These results mean that the act of horse-riding could improve cognitive abilities in children. These are brain-based skills of which an improvement can lead to enhanced learning, memory and problem-solving. This bond between horse and rider creates a deep trust that both the horse and the rider develop and experience. The amount of bravery it takes to ride an unpredictable animal would not be possible without this trust.

Funding is achieved through supporting various rallies and volunteer work. Rallies include breakfast outrides, school trip excursions to The IEA Elite, promotional work at many exhibitions and volunteer work at stable yards and events. An annual membership fee is charged to become an ArkStar member.

To donate, go onto the website at www.arkstar.co.za
or contact the office on +27 16 065 0080

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