A fundraising campaign to build an arena roof, to shelter our young riders who are challenged by disability.

The roof installation was completed over the September school holiday and ‘raising the roof’ took place on Wednesday last week. The newly-covered arena provides us with the opportunity to have year round riding which increases time in the saddle and associated benefits for our riders, resulting in much better outcomes for all. In the past, operating a disabled riding programme that was hampered by storms, wind and rain significantly impacted our ability to provide consistent and reliable access to programmes. The arena development is only possible thanks to our very generous donors; New Zealand Community Trust, Lottery Grants Board, Pub Charity Limited, North and South Trust, Foundation North, and the donations from a number of wonderful private donors who gave via this page.

We provide therapeutic riding programmes to 80 riders, over four days each week. With the unpredictable and wet Auckland weather over the past year riding has been postponed 21 days. Covering the arena has been on the long-term building and maintenance plan for the NSRDA for three years. This plan finally coming to fruition gives our riders a richer experience and means they can ride each week during the term. For some of our riders this is the highlight of their week. They build a special bond with the horses and volunteers and to be able to keep up a consistent riding schedule is just brilliant. Thank you so much for helping us.