Australian Defence Force members assigned to Operation Resolute Transit Security Element 119 gave back to the Darwin community by volunteering with Riding for the Disabled (RDA) Top End.

Personnel cleaned the stables, fed and prepared the horses for riding and assisted with school visits.

The visit prompted Warrant Officer Class One (WO1) Pamela Mercer to reflect on her time riding horses and volunteering when she was young.

“It’s been 28 years since I’ve ridden a horse, but now I’ll get back into riding and help out RDA south of Perth when I get home,” WO1 Mercer said.

She also said that it was great to see the younger members of Defence becoming part of the community.

“I haven’t seen anyone out here not smiling; for me, that is the most important thing,” she said.

When asked about the horse-related tools that the rotation donated to RDA, WO1 Mercer said it was a natural thing to do.

“It felt like they were giving to us and letting us be a part of the team, so we wanted to do something nice for them,” WO1 Mercer said.

“It’s like a family out here.”

'We are really grateful to have the Defence members here.'

RDA Top End's horse manager and caretaker Julie Bliss said having the ADF’s support with handling the horses and helping the children was beneficial to everyone involved.

“We are really grateful to have the Defence members here and are optimistic that TSE [Transit Security Element] 120 will return,” Ms Bliss said.

Able Seaman Yoko Kikuchi said it was her first time working with horses, and she found it very rewarding.

“My daughter has worked with horses before; she was a stable hand and loved it, and now I know why,” Able Seaman Kikuchi said.

RDA Top End's volunteer and program coordinator Jennifer Maguire said anyone was welcome to volunteer.

“We provide training on grooming and tacking up, leading and side walking in lessons, along with general horse care. About half of this group haven't worked with horses before and they picked it up quick,” she said.

“We also teach emergency dismount skills in the case of a seizure, heat stroke or [other] event.

“We really appreciate them coming here. It was a win win.”