Napier Group Riding for the Disabled

Napier RDA is a charitable organisation, based at Papakura Domain in Meeanee, Napier and for the last 36 years has been providing services to members of our community living with disabilities. Our Mission Statement is “to provide interaction with horses, to develop increased ability, independence and self-esteem for children and adults with physical, intellectual, emotional and social challenges”.

The physical and psychological benefits gained through RDA are many and varied, well recognised and well documented. RDA can effect positive changes in relation to coordination; posture; gait; perceptual motor skills; sensory integration; stimulation of body systems such as circulation, respiration and metabolism; exercise; concentration; cognitive skills such as memory, problem solving, decision making, orientation to reality; communication; social skills; and self-confidence. Individualised goals are set for each client, and the scope for development, gains and achievement for each person is vast!

At Napier RDA, we consider ourselves lucky, for many reasons – we have an amazing team of volunteers, and an awesome herd of therapeutic horses and ponies. We have wonderful facilities, in an ideal location. And, most importantly, we have a group very special people who show up every week, entrust us with their safety and well-being while they embrace huge challenges and tackle significant goals, and work really hard to succeed – they are our clients.

Unfortunately, like most charitable organisations, the one area in which we are not so blessed is our finances. The costs associated with providing our services, such as caring for our horses, maintaining our facilities, and other routine operational expenses, are necessary but challenging – we need your help!

We are grateful for any assistance you may be able to offer - with the support of our community, we look forward to continuing to grow and expand our services, and to continue to make a difference in the lives of our clients.