Riding for the Disabled seeks new horses

If a lifestyle of being loved, ridden and having companionship sounds like a good option for your horse then the RDA wants to hear from you. The Whakatu branch of Riding for the Disabled Association has a new venue, a new building planned and now they need some new horses.

President Donna Butler says the new Council-owned site in the Brook Valley, near the Waimarama Community Gardens, is working really well - but some of the horses are past their ‘use by date’.

'Some of our horses are getting on a bit and we’d like to retire them, so we are looking for some young, patient, well-schooled horses that can cope with our therapeutic rides,’ she says.
The mounts need to be 13 - 15 hands high and 10 to 18 years old. As well as being safe and reliable the horses must be sound with no history of injuries. There’s a waiting list for children wanting to join the programme, and with younger horses the RDA could cope with a bigger workload and do more after-school riding to help raise funds.

Riding is remarkable

Donna Butler says the changes in children at RDA are remarkable. ‘ When a child can’t walk, on a horse they are able to imitate a natural gait. They get the sensation of walking through their body, as well as the emotional warmth of being around the horses.’ She says that once a child feels relaxed and safe on a horse they often open up more and respond to those around them.

Contact RDA on +64 3 546 6366 if you have a horse that you think might be suitable or to make a donation towards a new horse.