Passion that spans a lifetime

From many years on horseback to the comfort of watching it in her home at Hawthorn Retirement Living in SA, Helga Tong’s passion for equestrian sports hasn’t wavered.

The 91-year-old started at the age of six, competed as an amateur and said she didn’t have to look far for inspiration with her father and grandfather being keen equestrians.

“I’ve done it all my life and I always liked doing it, it was exciting and a good way to challenge myself” Helga said.

“The biggest challenge was to get your horse fit, so once your horse is fit and you get fit it’s alright."

“But if you and your horse don’t get fit it’s no fun - so there’s a certain amount of knowledge to complete”

Helga has ridden with the great-grandparents of those competing in the Tokyo Olympics, and joked that she recognises they make the same mistakes their great-grandparents made.

Three years ago a stairlift was installed in the stairs adjacent to her apartment to help Helga and her neighbour access their apartments.

More recently, after a back surgery Helga started receiving Home Care services to help her stay independent. The services include Transport to specialist appointments and Domestic Assistance for vacuuming and house cleaning, all of which are very helpful for Helga.

“With an appointment in the city, traffic is terrible and parking is very hard,” Helga said.

“And after my back surgery I realised it took me 3-4 hours to do some vacuuming and taking pain relief tablets, so I thought there had to be an easier way.”

“So it’s a relief knowing there is help out there, and all the staff who come are just lovely - they’re very nice girls.”