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, made up of 54 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

Training Carries On

What is everyone doing when all RDA groups are closed? Our volunteers are continuing to study for their NZQA qualifications and online training has been increased.

Caring for Horses during Lockdown

Let’s look at how to support our equine friends’ wellbeing during this time.

Donation receipts

We are not able to send postal receipts for donations during the lockdown period, but we are able to send email receipts.

Our volunteers help our riders to shine!

Check out these videos to see two of our volunteers, Anne and Phil, in action.

You can make a donation and get a tax refund

The end of the tax year is soon and many donors like to make a donation before the end of the tax year on 31 March 2020.

Riding brings Confidence and Community

Will you please make a generous donation and help more riders like Lucia shine?

How does riding support individuals with autism?

Riding offers many benefits for riders with autism, such as the ability to work on communication, social interaction and life skills to support their lives at home and at school.

RDA helps Harper to meet his goals

Harper was only three when he came to RDA for his first ride. He always has a big, beautiful smile for everyone when he arrives for his riding session.

More Independence? Yes please!

Learning to ride a horse has enabled Hunter to join in on family walks, because riding has strengthened his muscles enough for him to be able to push the pedals on a trike.

Sam Hayes: Dancing for good

Dancing with the Stars winner Samantha Hayes explains how she reconnected with her horsey roots through Riding for the Disabled, her chosen charity for the show.

Who is a TV star?

Tye was recently featured in an episode of What Now!, along with his friends and coaches from RDA.

Young Volunteer of the Year 2019

Who always has a smile, has worked hard on her qualifications and is loved by the riders?
It’s our Young Volunteer of the Year 2019 – Ruby Knightbridge!

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.