Reach more riders, change more Lives! Check out our volunteer and donation options.
What We do
New Zealand Riding for the Disabled (NZRDA) is New Zealand’s leading provider of therapeutic horse riding, supporting disabled children, young people and adults experiencing disability, or who have specific challenges or needs. Through a network of 48 local groups across Aotearoa, we deliver individually tailored programmes that use the unique movement of the horse to improve health, wellbeing, confidence and independence, helping people participate more fully in everyday life.
Every NZRDA programme is delivered by qualified coaches, supported by trained volunteers and specially selected therapy horses within a nationally governed framework of quality assurance, training and continuous improvement. Every rider receives an individual assessment and a programme designed around their unique goals, giving riders, families and communities confidence that therapeutic horse riding at NZRDA is safe, evidence-informed and focused on achieving meaningful, life-changing outcomes.
It's Not Just Pony Rides in Paddocks
Riding helps Kate
sleep through the night.
Riding helps Jack
tackle everyday adventures.
Riding helps Nyah
keep up with her classmates.
Fundraising
You can help more children and adults with disabilities access the life-changing benefits of therapeutic horse riding. Your donation helps riders build confidence, gain independence and achieve goals they never thought possible. The need for Riding for the Disabled continues to grow, and we can’t do it without you.
Donate today and help more people experience the life-changing impact of therapeutic horse riding.
Latest News
Finding Freedom Again: Anne’s Journey Beyond Injury
Finding Freedom Again: Anne’s Journey Beyond Injury. Riding Helps Anne move beyond her injury. It’s Not Just pony rides in paddocks Through therapeutic horse riding, Anne is building the strength, balance and resilience to move beyond the limitations of her injury. Every ride strengthens her independence, reconnects her with the life she loves and reminds […]
Growing Confidence One Milestone at a Time
Growing Confidence One Milestone at a Time Riding Helps Livvy tie her shoelaces. It’s Not Just pony rides in paddocks Therapeutic horse riding helps Livvy build the strength, coordination and confidence to do more for herself every day. Every ride develops the motor skills she needs to achieve everyday milestones, like tying her own shoelaces. […]
How Therapeutic Horse Riding Helps Children Participate More Fully in Everyday Life
How Therapeutic Horse Riding Helps Children Participate More Fully in Everyday Life. Riding Helps Thomas sit at the table with his family. Its Not Just pony rides in paddocks Therapeutic horse riding strengthens Thomas’s core, improves his posture, helps him control his movements, and helps him with his communication. The progress he makes each week allows him […]
Finding Focus Through Every Ride
Finding Focus Through Every Ride. Riding Helps Christopher to focus on Minecraft. It’s Not Just pony rides in paddocks Therapeutic horse riding helps Christopher strengthen the attention, memory and planning skills needed for everyday life. The focus he develops in the saddle helps him at school and when enjoying activities like Minecraft. Christopher has always […]
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