A new disability access ramp at the Serpentine Horse and Pony Club will improve inclusion for riders with limited mobility, says Serpentine Jarrahdale Adult Riders Club (SJKARC) member Carole Indriolo.
Serpentine Jarrahdale Men’s Shed (SJMS) secretary Ray Schmidt said six members were involved in building the ramp, which took about three months to complete due to limited workshop days and scheduling delays.
“At that time, we were ready to go, then they weren’t ready so we put it off. Then when they were ready, we had a few blokes away,” Mr Schmidt said.
“It extended the project out, but the club weren’t in a hurry.”
Mr Schmidt said the small number of volunteers was not an issue, with the team taking a steady approach to the build.
“It’s just all slow,” he said.
“You’ve got to set it all up and then weld it and then you put all the boards on, then you paint it.”
While the project proved larger than expected, Mr Schmidt said completing the ramp was a standout moment for the group.
“In hindsight, it was probably too big a job for us to take on,” he said.
“It was a fairly big project for a bunch of old retired blokes.
“But it was a worthy project to do for the community, so we got stuck in and did it.”
The idea for the ramp was initiated by SJKARC member Carole Indriolo, who contacted the Men’s Shed after recognising the need for more accessible facilities at the equestrian grounds.
“The idea for the ramp came about through conversations within the club and a growing awareness that the existing facilities did not adequately support riders with disabilities or limited mobility,” Mrs Indriolo said.
“While Serpentine has a strong and inclusive riding culture, it became increasingly clear that physical barriers were possibly preventing some people from participating.”
Mrs Indriolo said the project was also personal, as she and several other club members live with disabilities or age-related mobility challenges.
With just the concrete steps left to do, Mrs Indriolo said there was a strong sense of pride and gratitude among those involved in the project.
“To be part of something that will help a significant group of people now and into the future is incredibly rewarding,” she said.
“This ramp isn’t just a structure, it represents inclusion, opportunity and the message that everyone belongs here.”
Mrs Indriolo said the project would not have been made possible without the combined efforts of volunteers, contractors sponsors and community members.
“The importance of the project extends beyond equestrian sport,” she said.
“Accessible infrastructure plays a vital role in ensuring people with disabilities and reduced mobility can remain active, connected and engaged in community life.
“This ramp allows riders to mount safely and independently.
“It benefits not only our club, but the wider Serpentine community and that’s something worth investing in.”
She added that with the new infrastructure in place, the Serpentine Jarrahdale equestrian grounds could be better positioned to host para-equestrian events in the future, further expanding opportunities for inclusive participation in the sport.
