The activity offered the children a memorable opportunity to get close to animals, experience nature and try something new outside the classroom. Mr Lee Hong-nin, the Deputy Director of Drainage Services attended the event to show his support and encouraged the children throughout the programme.

During the stable tour, the children eagerly asked questions about horses’ feeding habits and anatomy. Coaches explained that horses consume about 3% of their body weight in food each day, with an adult horse requiring around 15 kilograms fodder and 25 litres of water daily. When they perform well, they may also be rewarded with carrots or apples. Coaches also shared an interesting fact that a “white horse” in general is a grey horse that has “greyed out” over time.

When volunteers demonstrated how to approach the horses, the children carefully stretched out their hands and soon found that the horses were gentler than they had imagined. Their initial hesitation gradually gave way to curiosity and confidence as they began to interact with the animals.

The pony riding session was the highlight of the day and the part the children looked forward to most. With encouragement from the coaches and volunteers, they mounted the ponies one by one, moving from nervousness to relaxation and eventually beaming with delight as the ponies walked gently forward.

The children later fed the ponies with carrot treats and took photos with them, leaving with treasured memories. Through this activity, the children not only learned how to safely approach and ride horses, but also understood the importance of respect for life and care for animals.

The DSD Volunteer Team will continue to work with different partners to promote diversified volunteer services and bring care and positive energy to every corner of the community.