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

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!

Your Digital Life after Lockdown

So you think that you are more organised now that Lockdown has finished? Well, have you thought about organising your digital life?

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.

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.

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.