Who do we help?
Riding for the Disabled caters for people of all ages. They may be referred from therapists, doctors, specialists, other health professionals, teachers, caregivers and referrals from parents and riders themselves.
- 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
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
So how does it work?
Riding improve balance: The horse provides a comfortable base of support upon which a person who is unstable on his/her own legs can learn to balance. Changes in the horse's movement, direction or pace challenges the rider's balance.
Riding improves muscle strength: Many activities on or associated with the horse can be used to promote strength and endurance.
Riding improves co-ordination skills: Horse riding involves the co-ordination of every part of the body. On a horse, postural background and gross motor skills are emphasised in support of refining fine motor and other skills.
Riding is good exercise: Riding involves all of the muscles of the body and in addition stimulates all the body systems. It can also be a relaxing activity as it is an enjoyable activity that encourages active muscle work and deep breathing.
Riding helps to relax high muscle tone: The natural warmth of the horse relaxes facilitating stretching and along with careful positioning of the rider helps to inhibit any reflexes that may be present.
... or normalise low muscle tone? The strong dynamic movement of the horse provides proprioceptive and vestibular input that effectively facilitates an increase in low muscle tone.
Riding improves posture: Horse riding gives symmetrical exercise to the body in response to the horse's movement. Muscles on either side of the spine are exercised equally promoting good postural alignment.
Riding can improve a persons walking ability: The movement of the horse causes the rider's pelvis, trunk and shoulder girdle to react in ways very similar to those produced by the human walk. The horse is also invaluable in providing the feeling of proper stride length.
Riding improves communication skills: Riders learn basic commands to get their horse to go and stop. The horse willingly responds to their instructions and therefore provides the positive reinforcement that motivates them to continue to make their requests.
Riding improves social skills: The horse becomes a friend to interact with, care for and develop a partnership with. The horse will accept a rider with no prejudgment. Learning to control the horse encourages the rider to control themselves and become willing to follow the instructions, co-operate, take turns, share and abide by the rules.
Riding improves concentration: An incentive to concentrate and achieve is provided by a horse's willing response to the rider's instructions and success in something can be guaranteed.
Riding improve perceptual motor skills: Riding involves all the senses i.e. sight, hearing, touch, smell and Perception is the recognition of this sensory information.
Riding improve self-confidence: Riding is one of the few activities where people can achieve instant success, they get it right and the horse responds. This motivates them to try again and gradually their confidence grows.
The History
Worldwide
Throughout history, horses have played a significant role in the shaping of peoples existence.
The concept of using horses for therapy began more than 2000 years BC, when the ancient Greeks and Romans recognised that riding horses was valuable in maintaining and improving health and well being.
From the early 1900's through to World War 1, a strong British movement began when horses were used in orthopaedic hospital programmes for the rehabilitation of convalescing soldiers, especially amputees.
In the 1950's and 60's a handful of pioneers explored the use of horse riding to assit people with all types of disbilities, in particular those affected by the polio epidemics of that time. Their cause was greatly assisted when Ms Liz Hartel, who used a wheelchair, rode her horse to a silver medal in dressage at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics. These events laid the foundation of the RDA movement that is now recognised worldwide, and to date over 45 countries are members of "The Federation of Riding for the Disabled International" (F.R.D.I).
New Zealand
RDA was formally introduced to New Zealand in 1962.
Mr Tom Atchison (1909-1999), who was then president of the New Zealand Pony Club Association, brought information back from Great Britian which formed the basis for the development of NZRDA.
Riding began as a sub group at the Pony Club in Waipukurau, Hawke's Bay, and various individuals or groups were also providing opportunities for people with disabilities. It was this interest that prompted the formation of the New Zealand Riding for the Disabled Association (NZRDA) in 1972. Retiring Pony Club President Mr Atchison was invited to head the new organisation. Travelling around the country targeting particular people involved in the equestrian world, encouraged and enabled the formation of many Groups throughout New Zealand over the next eight years.
RDA International - FRDI
The Federation for Riding for the Disabled (FRDI) was founded in 1980. It forms worldwide links between countries and centres, offering equine activities and assists in the development of new programmes worldwide. They have members form over 45 different countries around the world.
The FRDI is actively involved in establishing international standards of safety and competency in instruction and in encouraging high standards of protection and training of horses for therapeutic purposes. The organisation liaises with the relevant bodies for the promotion of equestrian sport for riders with disabilities. NZRDA is a full member of the FRDI.
Every three years FRDI sponsors an International Congress for Therapeutic Riding, which features the latest reserch and development results. The congress is a unique apportunity that brings the world together to spearhead the promotion of equine assisted activities.
Staff Profiles
Board Members
Sarah Haydon Chair and Treasurer
Cilla Bell Vice Chair RDA Member, Area 1
Belinda Jackson RDA Member, Area 2
Jayne Findlay RDA Member, Area 3
Tina French Riders' Representative
Gavin Whiting Co-opted Member
Stephen James Co-opted Member
Staff
Guy Ockenden
Executive Director
Rachelle Perkins
Finance & Administration
Louise Robinson
Administration
Colleen Wright
National Training Coordinator
Training Team
Debbie Freeman
Auckland
Dna Wells
Hamilton
Bronwyn Hussey
Wellington
Vicky Melville
Nelson
Pam Harwood
Nelson
Roslein Wilkes
Blenheim
Jenny Nicol
Christchurch
Effie Deans
Christchurch
Maxine Hooper
Mid Canterbury
Maxine Cates
Northland
Mark Inglis, ONZM, Para-Olympic Adventurer - NZRDA Ambassador
“The word ‘disabled’ to me, has always been about two things:
the lack of access to resources and constrained thinking. RDA solves both of those. For many of us, just walking can be a trial - inelegant and clumsy, but the moment you sit on that horse you are transformed by the movement, speed and feeling of freedom. This is what you see in the face of every rider. RDA provides the opportunity for many to achieve the freedom of movement and thinking that goes far beyond just riding, affecting their whole life and sense of wellbeing.
Many people ask me who I find inspirational - for me it is the riders and the volunteers that put so
much of their energy into ability, not disability”.
Mark Inglis ONZM, Para-Olympic Adventurer
Melainie Kerr 
Here is a bit of history on one, Melanie Kerr!
(Most of what you are about to read is true!)
I grew up on the back of a horse in Taneatua and Ruatoki (where Tame Iti shot the flag!) in the Eastern Bay of Plenty. Living on a dairy farm, ‘beyond the confiscation line’ I developed an understanding of Maori language and culture, and am able to relate easily to folk from different backgrounds.
After leaving high school, I lived for four years in the outback of Western Australia, where I worked on a gold mine, drove trucks and helped to run a 1.3 million acre cattle station.
Upon returning to New Zealand I worked as Puppy Development manager for the Royal NZ foundation for the Blind, Guide Dog Services. I was responsible for the placement and monthly assessments of puppies and their puppy-walking families.
I then swapped dog-poo bags for air-sickness bags when I became an international flight attendant for Air New Zealand. It took a few years to realize that a fear of flying cannot be overcome by spending extended periods of time hurtling through the air in a Boeing 747. A change of vocation was needed!
It came in the form of motherhood, when my two sons, Fletcher and Pierce, were born within a blink of each other (not twins, but nearly!) This saw our family returning to the BOP to “raise our boys rural.”
Whilst living in Opotiki, I stumbled upon a career in radio, thanks to the ever trusting owner/manager of Whakatane’s, One Double X, who afforded me the position of announcer in the ten-till-two slot. This job was to be the basis for the work I do today at TVNZ.
During this time I became involved with establishing ‘Kiwi Can’ in the Opotiki area. Kiwi Can is a values based programe that has been running in primary schools throughout NZ, for over ten years. I was the coordinator for the Opotiki area and am proud to say that programe is still running, enhancing the lives of many children in the district.
I now live on the Hibiscus Coast, and am currently into my forth year as a presenter for TV One’s Good Morning show. I still dabble in radio and am regularly working as an MC at various community functions and corporate events.
My career took an unexpected twist when I was appointed as a Marriage Celebrant. It is such a privilege to be part of people’s special day. I have even married my brother!! (Not many can say they’ve done that and not been arrested!)
I am an ambassador for the New Zealand Riding for the Disabled and volunteer at the North Shore Branch.
Over my time as a volunteer I have seen visible differences in the lives of the children who come to ride. I have been moved to tears by the strength and courage displayed by children, that if you were to pass them in the street, you would not believe what they are capable of.
My perception of what is possible for those living with disabilities has been shattered. Smashed by some kids on a pony!
I love the work I do and am grateful for the many opportunities that come my way. People are my focus and so long as I am able, I will endeavor to use my powers for good, not evil!
I look forward to our paths crossing soon.
Till then, be happy! Melanie.
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