Riding For The Disabled

The Tauranga Riding for the Disabled (RDA) is a renowned horse riding school and therapeutic centre located in Tauranga, New Zealand. Established in 1974, Tauranga RDA is a charitable organisation that provides goal-based riding activities to individuals with physical, intellectual, and social challenges.

Their primary focus is to improve the ability, independence, and confidence of their riders, making a positive impact on their lives. Each week, Tauranga RDA offers life-changing opportunities to riders in the community and plays a crucial role in their development.

Unlike many other organisations, Tauranga RDA does not receive any government funding. Instead, they rely solely on the generosity of the community and donations to sustain their operations. These donations enable them to provide safe and effective goal-based riding activities for individuals with disabilities.

Tauranga RDA is an incorporated organisation, and it operates as one of the 54 independent RDA groups in New Zealand. It caters to disabled, at-risk, and socially disadvantaged people from Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty regions. The organisation offers equestrian therapy, horse care, and equine-assisted therapy.

The organisation is registered as a charitable entity with the Charities Commission, and its registration number is cc29867. Tauranga RDA is governed by a board of six trustees, ensuring effective management and decision-making. The dedicated team at Tauranga RDA consists of nine part-time staff members and over 120 volunteers who selflessly contribute their time and assistance.

Situated on a spacious 15-acre facility at 44 Ngapeke Rd, RD 5 Welcome Bay, Tauranga, Tauranga RDA is home to more than 20 therapy horses. These horses are a valuable asset to the organisation, but their care and training can be costly. Since Tauranga RDA does not receive government funding, they rely on annual horse sponsorship to cover some of these expenses. Interested individuals or organisations can support Tauranga RDA by sponsoring one of their therapy horses.

Tauranga RDA takes pride in its dedicated and compassionate staff members who work tirelessly to support their riders. The organisation's team includes Elisha Olds, the General Manager, Jo Grace, the Fundraising and Marketing Manager, Angela O'Donnell, the Volunteer Coordinator, Sharon Aldersley, the Coach Therapist, Megan Jones, the Horse Coordinator and Coach, Michelle Watson, a Coach, Tracey Smith, the Farm and Horse Manager, Catherine Rutland and Candice Booyse, both Coaches, and Lila, the Holiday Programme and Riding Instructor.

The horses at Tauranga RDA are carefully selected and trained to cater to their riders' specific needs. They are a crucial part of the therapeutic process and the success of Tauranga RDA's programmes. The organisation is immensely grateful for the ongoing support of individuals and businesses who sponsor their horses. Some sponsored horses include Blue, sponsored by Bay Podiatry, Chester, sponsored by Allan and Dell Lawon, Flicka, sponsored by Marge and Doug Bassett, Henry, sponsored by Bay Orchard Sprayers, Santa, sponsored by Mark and Louise Cairns, and many more.

Tauranga RDA continues to be a pillar of support and empowerment for individuals with disabilities. Their commitment to providing life-changing opportunities through horse riding and therapy is fueled by the dedication of their staff, volunteers, and the generosity of the community. By supporting Tauranga RDA, individuals can make a significant difference and help improve the lives of those facing physical, intellectual, and social challenges.