New Zealand Riding for the Disabled

Changing lives in every region of New Zealand

Providing specialised therapeutic riding

Growing strength, ability and confidence

Making a positive difference in your local community

Assisting more than 3,000 special Kiwis every year

Reach more riders, Change more lives

Welcome to New Zealand Riding for the Disabled Association (NZRDA). We are a registered charity, with over 50 affiliated Riding for the Disabled (RDA) groups located throughout every region of the country.

RDA is all about providing goal-based riding activities that increase the ability, strength and confidence of people with physical, intellectual, emotional and social challenges.

Our focus is to make a positive difference. Our vision is to reach more riders and change more lives.

Riding High with Lucia at Wellington RDA

Volunteering at RDA - Anne from Wellington RDA

Volunteering at RDA - Phil from Hutt Valley RDA

What's Happening

News

Niu is becoming braver

“There’s something magical about a horse. He has developed a warmer relationship with people. You can see the love for the horses and for riding in his eyes. He adores the horses. Niu has been using great vocabulary – Gorgeous, Brilliant, My Best Friend.”

The fortune teller can answer your questions about volunteering!

If you would like your very own fortune teller, you can download one here for free.

Jack gets a lot out of riding

Jack goes for walks on his horse. When he is outside, he laughs and giggles. The horse walks under the trees and Jack can see the fresh green leaves up close.

Anne is achieving her goals

“My name is Anne. I am an adult rider with one of the local RDA groups.

In October 2015 I fell while jumping my young horse and sustained a spinal cord injury which has left me a T4/5 paraplegic.

I have been a horse rider since the age of 12. Before my accident I was a competitive rider competing mainly in Eventing. When I left the Burwood Spinal Unit in February 2016 I was determined to ride again, but unsure if it was even possible.”

Riding has given Destiny the confidence to try new things!

Riding mirrors the movement of walking, and strengthens and stretches the leg muscles”, says Coach, Anne.

Resources to help you learn New Zealand Sign Language

If you want to learn New Zealand Sign Language you can download an NZSL alphabet poster.

Bradley goes riding by the river

Bradley requires 24-hour care, and can do no tasks independently. But with the assistance of two side-walkers and someone leading, he can ride a horse!

Are you riding a hoiho or a hōiho?

We are asking if you are riding a penguin or a horse!

Thank you to our volunteers!

Our volunteers are amazing. They are dedicated and knowledgeable. Thoughtful and giving.

20 Feb 29 Ambury 2 Claudia Akld Regional Training

Qualifications you can do

Did you know NZRDA offers a range of qualifications to support volunteers and coaches in their roles?

How coaches help riders

The value of a coach is enduring – the benefit continues for years into the future.

Jake – A Self-Assured Young Person

While Jake is mostly a wheelchair user, riding has helped him to maintain his ability to walk for short periods from his chair.

Check out News in full »

Make a donation

We rely greatly on the generosity of people like you. Your donation helps us to provide safe and effective goal-based riding activities for children and adults with a disability.