Welcome

NZRDA Mission Statement

"Confidence, independence and well being for people with disabilities, through therapeutic horse riding and horse care."

New Zealand Riding for the Disabled

NZRDA is an association of 54 Member Groups. Groups offer varying services according to the needs of their Riders. The three general fields covered by RDA in New Zealand are:

• Therapy and Rehabilitation
• Education, Behaviour Modification and Social Contact
• Horse Riding for Sport and Recreation for People with Disabilities

Some Groups also incorporate Driving for the Disabled into their programme.

Benefits of Riding

Our Riders attend riding to achieve a specific goal, whether it is therapeutic, educational or sporting. Riding develops, improves and promotes:

• Balance and coordination, posture and muscle tone
• Concentration, self discipline and self-esteem
• Perception and spatial awareness
• Communication and social skills
• Independence and encourages decision making

Types of Disabilities

Riding for the Disabled caters for people of all ages who:

• Are physically challenged with cerebral palsy, spina bifida, paraplegia, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, traumatic brain injury, stroke or have visual or hearing impairment
• Have intellectual disabilities or multiple disabilities
• Have learning disabilities