John, the organiser, wanted to share a quick update with everyone in the sports community.
At Whangarei RDA, they recently celebrated Ruby's progress alongside her therapy horse and her supportive family. It was a special moment recognising the strides Ruby has made.
Whangarei RDA’s mission is clear: they provide therapeutic riding and horsemanship programmes aimed at boosting abilities and self-esteem for children and adults with various challenges. They believe in the healing power of horses and their positive impact.
The facility, located at the Barge Show Grounds in Maunu, features two covered arenas, stables, yards, an admin block, and a caretaker's cottage. This setup ensures a safe and supportive space for riders and their families.
Operating four days a week, they welcome up to 80 riders. Each programme is tailored to meet individual needs, focusing on building strength, coordination, and confidence. The experienced volunteers play a crucial role in supporting and assisting riders, ensuring a positive experience for everyone.
As a non-profit, Whangarei RDA relies heavily on community support. They fund their operations through grants, donations, rider fees, rent, arena hires, plant sales, and advertising, covering over $180,000 in yearly operating costs. This excludes repair and maintenance expenses, capital works, or new horse acquisitions.
Affiliated with the New Zealand Riding for the Disabled Association, Whangarei RDA benefits from valuable information, training opportunities, and national fundraising initiatives, such as Gingerbread Horse Week. This connection helps them stay engaged with other RDA organisations across New Zealand.
John is proud of the achievements of the riders, volunteers, and therapy horses. The dedication and commitment of the team are evident in the riders' progress and the positive impact of the programmes. They’re grateful for the community’s ongoing support, which makes it possible to continue offering life-changing services at Whangarei RDA.