About Christchurch RDA
We use horses to help disabled children and adults grow stronger, more confident and more independent.
Riding builds strength you can't get from a gym.
The movement of a horse at walk is close to the movement of the human pelvis. For riders with cerebral palsy, muscle weakness or poor balance, it works core muscles, posture and hip position in a way ordinary exercise often can't.
Every rider gets a programme built around them.
We run four programmes: therapy, education, sport and recreation, and riding skills. A coach works with each rider and their family to set goals, and checks progress each term.
None of it happens without volunteers.
Each session needs a horse leader and up to two side-walkers for every rider. Our 90 volunteers give their time every week, and many have been with us for years.
Our vision
Reach more riders, change more lives.
Torohia te tini kaieke hōiho, whakapikitia te oranga.
We're part of the New Zealand Riding for the Disabled Association, a national network of groups. We're an incorporated society and a registered charity, and we rely on grants, sponsors and donations to keep sessions affordable.
Meet the people and horses
Our coaches, staff and committee, and the 13 horses who do the real work.