Friends and FUNctional Therapy - SA

21/01/2026

Shaking off the holiday feelings 🕺🏽💃🏽 are you ready for a fantastic 2026? 🎊

25/12/2025

Each year on Christmas Eve, for the past few years, we tend to the horses. After cleaning the paddock and putting out the feed, we find a quiet spot among them. We sit down. We find the stillness of the moment. Then we play Silent Night and simply breathe — taking in the simplicity, yet the deep power, of that space.

I often imagine that the night Jesus was born was a late summer night. Shepherds were out in the fields tending their sheep. Wise men travelled on foot after noticing the Bethlehem star shining unusually bright. The night sky was clear. No one was cold. Everyone moved toward a humble stable — surrounded by horses, donkeys, sheep, and maybe even a few chickens. Simple. No grand gifts, only what they carried with them, each item filled with meaning and intention.

It wasn’t loud. Not even Mary and Joseph’s extended family were there. They were surrounded instead by people who understood what the moment was about — like-minded souls, present and aware, sharing something truly significant together.

December 25th is a human-chosen date to celebrate the birth of Christ. It’s known not to be the exact date, but as humans we need reminders. We need traditions and rituals. Whether born from faith or culture, we need something tangible to practice what we believe. So if the chosen date is December 25th, then let it be so.

But let the celebration remain authentic. Let it reflect the origin story. Let Jesus’ life and teachings remain at the center — what His story means to you personally, and the principles He left behind.

When things become too loud or overwhelming during this season, step outside. Breathe the air. Sit with your dog or cat, or rest beneath a tree. That’s where Jesus also found peace — in nature. God spoke often through animals and the natural world. You will find the true Christmas spirit there.

Remember how you believed when you were a child. Look through the eyes of children. Play. Laugh. Return to simply being.

In the end, the specific date doesn’t matter. What matters is that it happened. 🎄✨

23/12/2025

✨Merry Christmas everyone! ✨Our FAFTASA team wishes you and your family many blessings and a fantastic festive season as we celebrate Jesus' birth 🎉🎄🎊

23/12/2025

Our Ubuntu Charity e.V. end of year Christmas party was super fun! 🎄🌟💖 Happy Christmas friends 🎉

22/12/2025

Pony camp! 🐴🦄 Friends & FUN hosted a super fun-filled programme at the farm 🥳 kids loved spending time with the ponies, brushing and riding them, obstacle courses, crafts and games 🌟 we all had a fantastic time 🤩 and are now ready for the holiday break!

🤓Our Friends and FUN events are inclusive - kids are loving them! We love involving children with a variety of different abilities and strengths 🌈
They are also fundraisers to help towards therapy for more underpriviledged children 🙏

21/12/2025

🌈Friends & FUN✨
Our fun inclusive events & groups for children with special needs! 🎉 It's all about learning and growing through fun together 🥳 we aim to provide a variety of groups, catering to different interests and needs🧩🎲🫟🪇
And these are a fundraiser for our therapy groups for underprivileged children : win-win! 🤩

🤠These holidays, we ran 3 role playing games where kids each played a character and enjoyed an adventure in an imaginary world - they had a great time! 🏞️ It was a huge success and a privilege to watch kids growing in social, emotional and life skills in just 1 group! 🤗 They learnt to help each other and play as a team. 1 boy went from being a "lone ranger" to a "team player"! Another learnt to speak up for himself. We look forward to seeing them grow even more as some are keen for regular groups 👀

* These groups were run by a talented Game Master and facilitated by 2 Occupational Therapists who helped with the children's sensory needs and social skills. In the future we are looking at including a group facilitated by a Speech therapist for those who need more of that input.
*Please contact us if you'd like to find out more about future events

20/12/2025

20/12/2025

Many of you may have heard about the land claim matter facing SARDA (South African Riding for Disabled Association). Friends and FUNctional Therapy - SA is based at SARDA and runs from there, where our 2 hippotherapy ponies live. While we are a separate NPO to SARDA, we do some similar work and love seeing how many children benefit from the amazing work SARDA does. There is of course various news articles doing the rounds in the media; please read these press releases directly from SARDA to get your current facts straight. While it's an ongoing matter, we are hoping to assist SARDA in whatever way possible, even if that is just sharing and creating awareness. If anyone reading this is able to support in any way, please contact SARDA directly. Many thanks 🙏🏽

20/12/2025

Delilah sees the farrier

19/12/2025

Why is this so satisfying to watch?
Midnight gets his pedicure - part 1
Part 2 - finishing off - in comments

15/12/2025

Nothing like a good scratch😂

11/12/2025

Stunning days, stunning ponies! ✨