A NEW BEGINNING In 2004 the idea of relocating was bought forward, our previous location was no longer a suitable and viable home for us. After countless hours (and 3 years on) of research, consultation and negotiation we came to an arrangement with the A&P association to lease grazing land and build new facilities. We relocated to the Makaraka site in November 2006 and over the next 12months built and developed the location, all the time still operating RDA sessions. In September 2007 we proudly opened our new indoor arena, a great assent for the RDA and the whole community. We now have full use of a wonderful full sized covered arena with all the amenities and park like grounds for our riders to enjoy hacking around.

About us

HISTORY
The Gisborne Riding for the Disabled (RDA) was founded by Mrs Judy Adams in 1969, the club used horses and facilities lent by Miss Winifred Lysnar at Wainui.
In 1972 the club became an incorporated society and in 1973 with help from CCS the club purchased the location at 1 Oswald St.

RDA IN NEW ZEALAND
There are over 50 RDA groups running in New Zealand. Each group is operated as a separate entity under the guidelines of the NZRDA.
As an affiliated group we are obligated to maintain certain standards these include an Operations certificate (health and safety) audit every three years and training from the NZRDA.

RIDERS
Our primary service is to disabled community. This service also extends to those with learning, social and/or behavioural difficulties and the underprivileged. The benefits of participating in activities at RDA are broad and varied. As a therapy, recreation or sport benefits include improved balance, speech and self-esteem to name a few. Our forecast rider numbers for 2008 is 70+ per week.

OTHER SERVICES
Holiday and after school programmes for the general public are run on a resource availability basis, these are very popular and a good way for the public to gain a greater understanding of what the service is about.
The indoor arena is available for hire for equestrian, sport groups and events. The Gisborne RDA aims to benefit the wider community.  

LABOUR
The volunteers are an essential and valued part of RDA, these generous people complement the 2 full- time staff that are currently employed at RDA.
The club is always seeking more volunteers; the RDA is a great place to work and a commitment to a morning or afternoon or even an hour a week is a great help. Volunteers can take on varied roles, base on their interest and skills Training is provided for volunteers.

SOURCES OF INCOME
The RDA gets minimum funding from government agencies. The club runs after school riding and a school holiday riding program as well as fundraising ventures such as B-B-Q’s and a charity ride.
Local trusts, gaming societies individual and businesses make generous contributions to the club.

HORSES
RDA horses are one of our most treasured assets, for they are the tools that make this service what it is. Gisborne group has horses on loan, some get donated and the club also purchases horses.
It is a common misconception that the RDA is run using horses that are nearing the end of their days. A RDA horse or pony needs to be fit and have good conformation to benefit their rider; it will also need to have a kind a patient nature.
It takes up to six weeks to train a new RDA horse ready to integrate into a RDA riding programme.
We have up to 14 RDA horses and ponies in work.