NZRDA Annual Awards for 2009

Emma Bennett - Rider of the Year 2009

Tauranga Group RDA

Emma is a lovely young lady who has an intellectual disability, is on the autistic spectrum and has a range of medical conditions, the most dominant being a chronic cardiac condition.

Emma has been riding at Tauranga RDA over the past year. She is very enthusiastic in attending the sessions and her progress has been astounding. Riding has improved Emma’s capability in following instructions; she is now able to follow more than one instruction at a time, without confusion.

Emma’s concentration has improved since beginning riding. She is able to focus the entire hour on the task at hand. She has a more positive attitude towards attempting new tasks. Emma previously had an “I can’t” attitude but is now more willing to give things a go. Emma enjoys riding and has progressed well, she feels a great sense of achievement and likes to talk about this with others.

Emma’s co-ordination has improved. Emma is more aware of her body now, and her balance has improved. It is wonderful to see, or perhaps hear, how quiet Emma is on a horse.

Tauranga Group RDA are delighted at the progress Emma has made in riding and how this has spilled over into her everyday life. Most of all Tauranga Group is delighted to see how happy she is riding, she has a place there where she fits in, and they can see it on her face.

Martyn Chew – Chair Award 2009

Tauranga Group RDA

Martyn Chew first came to RDA through our Therapeutic Care Pilot Scheme.  This is a self-esteem course for at risk and socially disadvantaged youth.  Martyn was referred by CAMHS as a boy with serious behavioural problems and aggression. Through the course of the programme, Martyn developed an incredible bond with one of the horses Toby, and started on the path of an amazing personal journey.

Compassion, empathy and trust were all created through the love of this horse, and Martyn has worked really hard to turn his behaviour around. He now volunteers at RDA once a week, and helps out at the local SPCA centre.

As well as volunteering, Martyn has become an integral part of our fundraising and publicity team and he has represented RDA on many occasions. As a child with a history of anxiety issues, it is a phenomenal achievement for Martyn to be able to stand up in front of a crowd of 700 adults, and speak proudly and truthfully about his experiences at RDA.

He is a shining example of a rising star in out community.

Rosina Ellen - Volunteer of the Year 2009

Hawera Group RDA

Rosina joined RDA in August 1980.  She became secretary in 1982 and a short time later became treasurer as well.  The two positions she still holds today, 30 years later.

In the early years, Rosina would phone all volunteers on the Tuesday night prior to riding on Wednesday, and provide volunteers with cups of tea from thermos flasks. Today Hawera Group RDA operates from their own excellent  facilities.  Rosina was a part of the fund raising team that raised the funds to make this achievable for Hawera Group RDA.

Rosina co-ordinates schools groups, clients, horses and volunteers. She manages to keep a diverse group of volunteers focused on the individual client needs. Rosina is also secretary and coordinator of regional meetings of the New Plymouth, Central (Stratford), Hawera and Wanganui RDA Groups.

Hawera RDA feel that they have a unique volunteer in Rosina, whose service would be hard to match anywhere.

Ruth Meltzer - Volunteer of the Year 2009

Auckland Eastern Suburbs Group RDA

Ruth has been a volunteer and committee member since 1997 and President since 2001.

Ruth is an inspiration to all because of her commitment and constant cheerfulness. Ruth’s many qualities have truly made a lasting difference to Auckland Eastern Suburbs Group RDA – organisation, dedication to improvement and communication – these have earned her enormous respect and trust from volunteers, caregivers and supporters and will ensure the Group continues to go from strength to strength.

Ruth takes care of administration of our riding days. She is in the clubrooms every week without fail, to make sure everything runs safely and smoothly. Upon arrival Ruth greets each rider, fits their helmet and finds out what they have been doing since their last ride. Ruth ensures that all volunteers know what their job is and how to do it. Her organisation skills on riding days ensure that each volunteer is able to play their own role to the best of their ability. Ruth has enabled our Group to gain a higher level of achievement through organising us so effectively. Ruth keeps everyone in the Group informed about news, changes and upcoming events, this makes our Group feel valued.

Ruth is truly devoted to RDA and the riders, she is 110% dedicated to the RDA cause and has the trust and respect of everyone who is proud to work with her for RDA, meaning our volunteers will do the best job they possibly can for the Group.

Carol Penman – Coach of the Year 2009

Te Awamutu Group RDA

Carol Penman has had continuous service to the Te Awamutu Group RDA for the last 25 years and has also volunteered at Ride Hi. Carol is currently a coach at both Te Awamutu and Cambridge Group RDA’s.  Carol has been the Treasurer and Secretary of the Te Awamutu Group RDA for many years.

Carol has excellent people skills which helps gain the riders confidence within a short period of time.  Carol arranges regional games at Te Awamutu and encourages riders to participate at the highest level of their ability and enjoyment.

Carol makes sure the health and welfare of the RDA horse is of the highest level.

Carol suffers from arthritis, but her never give up attitude makes her an asset and inspiration to all.  Te Awamutu Group regard her as their treasure and without her knowledge and can do attitude Te Awamutu Group RDA would not have the thriving club it has today.

Christine Bridle – Chair Award 2009

North Shore Group RDA

Christine had been involved with North Shore Group RDA since she first joined as a rider in May 2006.

After riding with North Shore Group for one year Christine had achieved so much that she was nominated for, and won the NZRDA Rider of the Year award in 2007. Her achievements at that point were outstanding; she had formed an excellent relationship with our volunteers and had become an accomplished horsewoman, learning horsemanship and showing respect and care for the horses she rode. After riding with North Shore Group for 3 years Christine became a volunteer in 2009, giving her time on each of their three riding days.

Christine has formed good relationships with North Shore’s three Day Leaders who say she always arrives early to help groom and tack the horses and is always willing and able to carry out any tasks asked of her. Christine is an active member of a team of volunteers who exercise and train North Shore Group’s horses each week.

Most importantly Christine shows respect, empathy and care for North Shore Group’s riders. Her cheerful personality shines through and she is always happy and a willing member of the North Shore Group RDA.

Bilbo – Horse of the Year 2009

Wellington Group RDA

Bilbo was 5 years old when he was donated to Wellington Group RDA by his owner. Before RDA he was privately owned and had been western trained.

Bilbo has a “can do” attitude. He is responsive to his riders, respectful of their abilities and always works hard to ensure his riders experience helps them learn and grow. Bilbo has an active gait and is hard working and dedicated.

Bilbo is an intuitive pony who offers his rider’s space to experience all they possibly can for themselves, and he loves what he does.

Bilbo is a solid and dependable mount who gets as much out of the ride as his riders.

Taupo Group RDA

Our family, and many other families from Taupo, are deeply indebted to RDA, and its' staff. We consider wider community recognition of their efforts is long overdue.

Airin is seven, and has learning challenges resulting from a medical condition called Aspergers Syndrome, which is a form of Autism. As reported by the media, Aspergers Syndrome is increasingly prevalent in our community, and manifests in various forms – in our daughter's case, it includes difficulty developing personal relationships and expressing her feelings; panic attacks, particularly reacting to unexpected noise, new situations or strange surroundings; but also great sensitivity and caring nature, and terrific artistic skills. Whilst many highlight the creative traits of those with Aspergers Syndrome, our daughters' learning challenges are compounded by having English as a second language, as she is half Japanese.

Earlier this year it was suggested we give Airin a chance to experience new opportunities, and raise her confidence level, by interacting with horses and a new group of children (with a variety of learning and behavioural issues), and interested, engaging and enthusiastic carers in the RDA organisation.

The positive impact on Airin by her participation in the RDA programme, particularly on her increased level of confidence and her emotional wellbeing by participating in the RDA horse riding experience has been outstanding, and very easy to see before, during and after every riding session. Airin has developed a close bond with “Sophie”, the horse assigned to her – and writes about her in her school-writing classes (e.g. “I love Sophie”, is a frequent theme!). As a consequence, Airin is “bouncing” and so enthusiastic both prior to her riding, and interacting better than ever with staff and other students at RDA, and through class participation, and interaction with her teacher at Hilltop School. It is no surprise that many of her classmates wish to come along and watch her ride!

Key to their success is the years of experience and leadership in the RDA team, and terrific support of a large team of helpers and office staff. Indeed, it is a team effort, which for Airin has had benefits far beyond the enjoyment she tells us she has, and that we see she feels, every Wednesday, when she rides “her” Sophie. We can only thank RDA for all they have done to support and encourage Airin, and recommend them for the recognition they deserve.

Greg Bignall and Aki Kurimura

For more information on Taupo Group RDA, please see Taupo Group RDA