Motueka Therapeutic Riding (Riding for the Disabled)
Welcome to Motueka Therapeutic Riding (Riding for the Disabled.) We are one of over 50 groups throughout New Zealand that provide therapeutic riding for children and adults who are physically or intellectually challenged or have learning or social disabilities.
Although all RDA groups are under the umbrella of the New Zealand Riding for the Disabled Association, we are independently managed and financed. We receive no government funding and rely on the local community and donations to provide a quality service.
Our group is run by a dedicated core of volunteers under the direction of the RDA Manager and Instructor.
We cater for people of all ages who:
- Are physically challenged eg. brain injury, spina bifida, paraplegia, stroke, visual or hearing impairment.
- Have intellectual disabilities or multiple disabilities.
- Have learning disabilities.
Our riders are referred from schools, private homes, ACC, IHC, Early Intervention Centre and doctors and therapists.
Therapeutic Riding Sessions are held on Tuesday and Thursday during school terms. Each rider is assessed by our NZRDA-trained Coach (and physiotherapist if necessary) and an individual programme is planned. The rider is assisted by up to 3 volunteers who act as leader or side-walkers. Our Coach, Felicity, has over 25 years of equine involvement and has an NZRDA Coach Certificate and NZQA Certificate in Equine.
For more information, phone Jennifer Doyle at or email or visit our website »
We also offer an Adult Horse Care Programme. This programme is aimed at former riders and horse owners who would like to get back into riding without the cost and hassle of owning your own horse. You will have the opportunity to care for and ride a horse for a minimal weekly charge.
Anyone who undertakes this scheme has the added benefit of knowing they are assisting with the charity work of RDA by sharing the workload of feeding, grooming and exercising the organisation's horses. For more information phone Jennifer Doyle at .
