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
Ruby gets strong

What's Happening

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Hey Hay! Hay Challenge!

The challenge is to build the haystack as high as we can!Hey hay! Federated Farmers and New Zealand Riding for the Disabled have partnered...
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Donate Virtual Hay!

If you want to support RDA riders and horses, we would be over the moon if you donated a virtual bay of hay! Local RDA...
Check out What's Happening in full »

News

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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.”
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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.
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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.
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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!
Horse and Penguin

Are you riding a hoiho or a hōiho?

We are asking if you are riding a penguin or a horse!
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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?
Coaches Article

How coaches help riders

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

Caring for Horses during Lockdown

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

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

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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.

make a donation