LIFES GOOD WHEN YOUR 93 AND STILL RIDING YOUR FAVOURITE HORSE

In the word of United States President Olbama "YES WE CAN"....... Yes we can make a difference in the lives of our residents. On April 18th Saturday the "Great Kilkivan Horse Ride" was held. Diversional Therapist Lainie McInerney from Southern Cross Care Castra Retirement Home, Murgon did just that. Lainie made 93 year old resident Eric Cridland's dream of participating in this prestigious annual event become "a reality".

2 years prior when Lainie took Eric along with other residents to view the Grand Parade of 1000 horses from 5 trails coming together to ride down the main street of Kilkivan. Eric was overwhelmed with excitement and emotion, expressing his wish to be a participant. Lainie noted this wish. The following year the Ride was cancelled due to Equine Flu, but Lainie made sure that Eric was fit and healthy enough for this year's event by organising weekly practise rides for three months prior to the event.

Eric was given the honour of leading the parade of 750 riders down the main street of Kilkivan, after completing a 10 km leg of the annual Great Kilkivan Horse Ride. A busload of his friends from the retirement home proudly watched the parade, cheering him as he waved to the crowd from astride Joker his bay Australian stockhorse.
"He was so excited and overwhelmed” said Lainie. The best part was the whole lot. I was so thrilled to be in it. When we rode in the lead with the banner, I was so excited. All the way through the town there were hundreds of people lining the streets, people outside their homes waving, cheering and encouraging us. They gave us a wonderful reception. My best mate, Joker was faultless. He didn't put a step wrong" Eric said. " Lainie organised the whole event ensuring that I was safe. She rode on one side of me while she organised for Megan Manthey who looks after Joker to ride on my other side. "

Eric love of animals and horses in particular, is well ingrained. Joker the horse he rode, was a gift from his son-in-law and a surprise one at that. Eric had seen the foal that Reg had bred to sell, and remarked that this one would be a beauty, so Reg broke it and presented it to Eric on his 81st birthday. Joker and Eric have a strong bond that is beautiful to watch, and even to-day Joker knows that when Eric is around, there will be a snack of bread forthcoming.

When Eric was shown photographs of this auspicious day, presented with a television dvd of the event, presented with an Excellence Award from Southern Cross he was grateful and overwhelmed. He was determined that no fuss be made of his achievement but rather recognition go to those that made his dream possible.

We pay tribute to a true country gentleman who lived his dream, and to those who made it possible. It is living proof that age is no deterrent when you have an inspiring goal and believe that those around you can make it come true.