NEW Riding for the Disabled coach Livi Kay says her new job ticks all of the boxes - working outside, with children and with horses. PHOTO: BRIANNA STEWART
THERE’S a new face running around at Ōtorohanga Riding for the Disabled.
Livi Kay, an ex-Aucklander who gave up city life to move to a Waitomo farm, has taken up the role as the RDA’s new coach.
Her time with the organisation locally started as a volunteer setting up in the mornings, but her affinity to the RDA has roots in her childhood.
“My parents and I used to graze RDA ponies when I was little, when I lived in Taranaki, so I’ve always had a connection to the RDA and I’ve always wanted to work with them,” she said.
Livi saw the coaching role as an opportunity to combine passion and education – a “no-brainer” for her.
She said she’s both extremely passionate about horses and loves working with children.
“I think [horses] are amazing and I think that they’re just the best teachers.
“I’m really passionate about the difference that horses can make for people.
“They just never hide their emotions and they are the way that they are, and the only way you can build trust or respect from a horse is by showing it kindness and respect and patience.”
Livi thinks adults and children alike can learn from those principles.
As much as she was “super excited” about the opportunity to facilitate that education for children in her new role, Livi said she was also keen to take the opportunity to learn more herself.
“I think with anything in life, but especially with horses, you never stop learning, you never know everything.
“The RDA is amazing with all the training that they offer.”
Previously, Livi worked in a healthcare company with a team delivering care in very hard to access places, rural communities, lower socio-economic areas and with people who may not have access to a general practitioner.
She hopes some of her experience working with people in vulnerable situations will help her at the RDA.
“It’s definitely not the same,” she said.
“But I think maybe there are some similarities.”
Livi’s move from a corporate and urban environment in Auckland to rural Waitomo was a decision made for love. She’s married to Ollie Kay, coach of the Waitomo rugby team.
For a while after moving, she continued to work in an office environment and said she felt disconnected from the area she was now in.
“I really wanted a job where I could make the most of living rurally by being able to be outside, rather than just in my weekends.
“I’m also really looking forward to learning more about the community because I’m not from here; my husband’s from here.”
A big focus for Livi in her new role is to make more people aware of the volunteering and community-building opportunities at Ōtorohanga RDA.
“Especially through Covid, I think a lot of people have felt quite isolated so being able to reach a new group and trying to get them involved to come and learn about it and see how rewarding it can be.”
She is also keen to continue the work of outgoing coach Gwen Buckley, who is staying on through the transition period and will continue to be involved in the RDA in a reduced capacity.
Being led around during classes was a physical job for the horses, Livi said, especially with different riders.
She wants to continue to give them as much variety as possible for their mental stimulation.
“I know Gwen tries to get them all off the premises and out on farm rides and treks, and doing a bit of jumping, and doing a bit of everything.
“I know that’s been really important to her and that’s really important to me to carry that on from her; to make sure the horses are as happy as possible.
“Because that’s got the best outcome obviously for the horses, but also for the kids and everybody involved.”
The RDA recently hosted a fundraising trek out on Kāwhia Rd, and with 70 people registered to attend, Livi said it was a seriously fun experience.
With two-hour and four-hour options, there were riders of varying backgrounds and abilities there.
“For everyone to rally around such a great cause and show up, everyone was in high spirits; it was just really fun more than anything.”
Three RDA horses were taken on the trek for an opportunity to cross rivers, interact with other horses and improve their fitness after a summer break.
Lessons at Ōtorohanga RDA are back in session for the year, and as always, the group would benefit from the support of volunteers.
