Latest news with #Shackell
Otago Daily Times
4 days ago
- General
- Otago Daily Times
Volunteers needed to get more in saddle
Dunedin Riding for the Disabled needs fresh volunteers so more riders can build confidence and comfort in the saddle. President Grant Shackell said people using the therapeutic riding service experienced a range of challenges, including Down syndrome, autism and other neurodiverse conditions, communication difficulties, emotional or psychological needs or physical disabilities such as wheelchair use. The charity supported about 40 riders, but another 40 sat on a waiting list because there were not enough hands to lead horses, walk beside riders or feed and rug the nine resident mounts. Prospective volunteers completed an online application and police check before an on-site induction. "All the training is done for you," Mr Shackell said. Further tuition was available through online modules offered by the national body, New Zealand Riding for the Disabled. "But you also get access to training days at the facility as well." Session volunteers must be fit enough to walk beside horses and sometimes support riders with low muscle tone. Each session required about six to eight volunteers, supported by a certified coach. Rider sessions took place at the organisation's Fairfield site, mostly in its large covered arena. Activities were laid out for each rider session such as steering horses over or around obstacles. "It might be stopping at a barrel and picking something up and dropping it into something, depending on what they want." Coaches worked with volunteers to make sure they were working to achieve the set goals of each individual rider, Mr Shackell said. New volunteers were always paired with an experienced colleague familiar with the horses and riders. Session volunteers were needed Tuesday to Friday for roughly four-hour shifts, starting about 9.15am and finishing early afternoon. The role provided a sense of fulfilment and satisfaction, even though the rewards were intrinsic, Mr Shackell said. "We have some riders who are non-verbal and don't really interact with you at all. "But even [with] those riders, you see a smile on their faces and you know that they are in a comfortable place and something nice is happening. "The reward isn't necessarily coming back to you — the reward is seeing what you've done." Volunteers often made friends with fellow volunteers and coaches. "There is quite a camaraderie between volunteers because they are usually there on the same day, so they get to know each other. "There are some quite strong friendships that occur." In addition to session volunteers, the organisation needed horse-care volunteers before and after riding sessions to feed the animals, fit rugs or nose shades and carry out cleaning tasks such as mucking out paddocks. These volunteers were needed daily for two shifts of about 90 minutes, beginning about 8am and 4.30pm. "It would also be lovely if we had volunteers who would help look after the facilities as well. "Because we have got a big facility here, there is a lot of maintenance and those sorts of things." Prospective volunteers can learn more and apply at then clicking the volunteer tab.
Indianapolis Star
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indianapolis Star
Carmel swimmer Alex Shackell named 2024-25 MaxPreps Female National Athlete of the Year
Alex Shackell's dominant run in the past year has earned her the distinction of being named MaxPreps 2024-25 Female Athlete of the Year. Shackell, 18, graduated from Carmel High School in May and will swim for Indiana University in the spring of 2026. Before her senior year at Carmel, Shackell not only qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics but also won gold and silver medals while swimming in the preliminary rounds of two Team USA relays. 2028 Olympic Swim Trials: Indianapolis officially announces it will host trials in 2028 By doing so, Shackell became the second Indiana girl ever to medal at the Olympics while still in high school. While at Carmel, Shackell helped the Greyhounds win their 39th-straight state title in girls swimming. This past season, she won four state titles, which brought her career total to 15. Other athletes to win the MaxPreps award include No. 1 overall 2025 WNBA draft pick Paige Bueckers and six-time Olympic medalist Missy Franklin.
