November 2005
Dear Lauren,

Horse riding 2005 has been one of the best years yet. Current Staff/management have bought some wonderful skills that we are able to utilize in our twice weekly sessions. There have been some Brilliant highs at the RDA throughout the last four terms. The benefits that the children receive-not only gross motor skills and fine motor skills but balance, social, communication and problem solving skills and a big vocabulary-are identifiable in the class room as well. We have noticed that children also give things a go without hesitation, and put extra effort into tasks as well. These children have become more motivated to succeed and ‘take on the world’. All of the children apply the skills that they have learnt to use, such as co-operation, patience and sensible choices, on a daily basis. This year we have been recording each daily session and the activities each child does, along with stimuli given, behaviour and consequences. Our records have proven to be invaluable in looking back to assess children with learning intention and criteria set at the beginning of each term.

For Mangapapa School, horse riding and its benefits are clear. Our children get so much enjoyment and enrichment out of their weekly session and for most of them, it is the highlight of the week. With support from the RDA staff our horse riding programme is one that we hope to keep running, as the benefits are fantastic.
Beverley Las Vegas
Horse riding Support.

13 october 2004
Dear Lauren and Team
On behalf of the children, parents and staff who came with the foundation of the blind for the horse trek and barbeque on September 23rd, I want to thank you for the rich experiences you provided.

I was very impressed with your marvellous facilities, and the great site where you are based. The temperaments of the horses were all well suited to the work they do with children with disabilities.

What impressed me most of all though was the wonderful way in which you and your team interacted with and encouraged our vision impaired young people.

We appreciated being able to stay on afterwards and use your state of the art barbeque

We are keen to do more activities with you in the future.
Yours sincerely

Richard West
Recreation Advisor.  

5th May 2005
Dear Lauren and helpers 
On behalf of all the children at Kidstart Barnardos we would like to thank-you very much for providing lots of new and exciting challengers for our Pre-schoolers.

Many of these children have had no experience with large animals and to be given the opportunity to ride a horse in a controlled, safe environment is awesome.

Please find enclosed some photos of out visit; we thought you would enjoy them.

Once again thank-you for your time, energy and enthusiasm and we look forward to a continued association with you.

Reguards