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Start riding with us

Riding is open to children and adults with any kind of disability. No riding experience needed.

A rider on a black horse in the arena reaching towards a red barrel

Who can ride

We welcome riders aged four and over with cerebral palsy, autism, Down syndrome, brain injury, sensory impairments, learning disabilities and many other conditions.

Each horse has a weight limit, so tell us height and weight on the form and we'll match the right horse.

Send a referral

What happens at a session

Every session follows the same pattern, so riders know what to expect. You can share this with your rider before their first visit.

Choose a part of the session

Arriving

You park beside the main entrance and come into the foyer. A volunteer says hello and takes you through to the warm-up room.

Warming up

Your rider stretches with a coach and puts on a helmet. The horse is brought in, already groomed and tacked up.

Riding

Your rider mounts from the ramp or the steps. A leader walks with the horse and up to two side-walkers walk beside your rider. Sessions are 30 minutes.

Saying goodbye

Riders can pat and thank their horse before leaving. Families can watch the whole session from the viewing area.

A young rider on a pony, led by a volunteer and supported by side-walkers in the arena

How enrolment works

  1. Step 1: Send a referral

    Fill in the form below. A parent, carer, teacher or health professional can do this.

  2. Step 2: We talk with you

    A coach calls to learn about the rider and answer questions.

  3. Step 3: Come for a visit

    Meet the horses and see the arena before your first session.

  4. Step 4: Start riding

    Sessions run weekly during school terms.

Common questions

What does it cost?

$XX per session (placeholder). Funding help is available.

What should my rider wear?

Long trousers and closed-toe shoes. We provide helmets.

Can I stay and watch?

Yes. The heated viewing area looks over the arena.

Is there a waitlist?

Sometimes. Send a referral and we'll tell you how long the wait is.

Session times

Days
Monday to Friday
Times
9am to 3pm
Terms
School terms only
Length
30 minutes

Rider referral

Tell us about the rider. We'll be in touch within two weeks.

Fields marked (required) must be filled in. This form goes to admin@chchrda.org.nz.

About you

We'll only call if email doesn't work for you.

About the rider

Diagnosis, mobility, communication, and anything that helps them feel calm.

This helps us choose a horse that can safely carry the rider.

Demo only: this form does not send.