About Riding for the Disabled

New Zealand Riding for the Disabled (NZRDA) is an association of 53 Member Groups. These groups offer varying service according to the needs of their riders. The three general fields covered by RDA in New Zealand are:

1. therapy and rehabilitation
2. social contact
3. horse riding for sport and recreation for
   people with disabilities.

Echoing the objectives of the national and international movement, Marlborough RDA was formed in 1972. Funding for the facility was provided by TrustBank and local businesses.

Initially, Marlborough RDA catered for just a few riders a week, all of whom had learning difficulties or special needs. Today, there are over 70!

Marlborough RDA’s facility is on Taylor Pass Road, just opposite Wairau Hospital. We have 25 acres of land on lease, a full-size outdoor arena and an indoor arena.

RDA relies on donations of both money and time in order to provide its valuable contribution to the community. Volunteers are vitally important as it is they who learn how to lead and care for the horses and help the riders get the most from the opportunity that riding offers.

A number of the local schools send pupils to RDA once a week to help in their development. Taxis or willing parents bring the children who then have an hour brushing, preparing and riding a horse before dismounting and helping put the tack away. The children also have special booklets where they can record their progress against set goals tailored to their needs. Plenty of stickers are handed out!

Marlborough RDA currently has 16 horses. Some were recently retired but there are some new ones too. The centre runs from Tuesday to Friday but of course someone has to feed and care for the horses everyday!