We have been attending Christchurch Riding for the Disabled for two years now and we are very fortunate to have a regular time space for our students to attend.

This term we have five students attending. We have students with many different needs and know that they will be safe with the volunteers and coaches who get to know each student and what they need to succeed in their programme or goals.

Our students report that they love going to see their horse each week and chat with volunteers. The great thing is they don’t see the hard work that they are doing while riding. They get so many benefits for their body in core strength and balance that they may not be keen to work on in the school space. Each student is encouraged to extend themselves each week and the expectations are set high so students will push themselves.

We would highly recommend RDA to anyone who is eligible to participate. Animals are a great tool in helping people manage their emotions without them realising. RDA offers well trained staff and horses who can work with people with various needs. We always turn up feeling confident the staff know our students and they can offer a programme that caters for each of their individual needs.

One of our students, Alex Skinner, is competing in an Equestrian competition in a few weeks’ time. This is in preparation for qualifying for Special Olympics National Summer Games which will be held next year in Christchurch.