Whangarei Riding For The Disabled Incorporated

About Whangarei RDA

We are a not-for-profit organisation that provides sensory therapy services to disabled children and young adults in the Whangarei area through interaction with horses.

There are 3 paid staff – Business Manager, Coach , and Horse Coordinator.

Our herd of 7 horses, which the RDA owns or lease, range in from 5 years to  over 20 years old.

We have over 100 riders on our books and are able to ride 80 each term. 

People apply from schools, physios, occupational therapists, doctors, hospitals and parents/grandparents.

Each rider has a programme worked out according to their particular goals and each term we reassess these goals and make new ones. 

We have the support of a dedicated committee, wonderful volunteers and financial support from public donations and grants from around the community.  We also raise funds from the hire of our Arena and function room.

Our Vision​

Reach More Riders, Change More Lives

Our Values​

Safety, Teamwork, Respect, Quality, Enjoyment, Empathy​

Our Core Purpose​

Our core purpose is to provide interaction with horses to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for people experiencing disability, or who have specific challenges or needs.

We aim to enable and support them to achieve good lives including meaningful participation in, and contribution to, important life activities and roles in their community.