Visit by NZRDA’s Patron HRH The Princess Royal

New Zealand Riding for the Disabled was delighted to host Princess Anne for a visit to Wellington RDA on 16 February 2023.

New Zealand Riding for the Disabled liaised with the Palace and the NZ Defence Force to ensure a showcase occasion for Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal. A huge thanks to the team at Wellington RDA for hosting and helping to organise the logistics of an extremely well-executed performance by the coaches, volunteers, riders, and the horses.

HRH last visited an RDA in New Zealand in 2008 at Christchurch RDA. NZRDA were thrilled to have the opportunity to host Her Royal Highness and Sir Tim Laurence for this visit at Wellington RDA.
There was a large media contingent present, and the event was featured across the media including the TV news, radio, and online news articles.

Royal patronage is such a privilege, and New Zealand Riding for the Disabled is very grateful to The Princess Royal for her interest in RDA. This is a great reminder that RDA is part of a much larger international network. In fact, RDA is New Zealand’s only internationally affiliated and recognised therapeutic horse riding provider in New Zealand. RDA groups must meet high standards with qualified coaches to ensure the disabled community receives the best service.