Read the feedback from some of the parents of our riders below:

From Duane and Manu Bennett, parents of Emma Bennett

Emma is a lovely young lady who has an intellectual disability, is on the autistic spectrum and has a range of medical conditions, the most dominant being a chronic complex cardiac condition.

Emma has been riding at RDA Tauranga over the past year. She is very enthusiastic in attending the sessions and her progress has been astounding. As parents we bubble with pride at the abilities in riding she has gained. Riding has improved Emma’s capability in following instructions; she is now able to follow more than one instruction at a time, without confusion. Emma was initially dominant and would try to usurp the authority of the leader, but thanks to the great team at RDA she is willing to follow instructions, without questioning the authority.

Emma has never been a lover of animals, nor has felt empathy for them; riding certainly improved her in this matter. She not only understands they can hurt and shows feeling toward them, but she willingly spends time with our dog, petting her. This is something she never did before riding. She has also learnt to care for the needs of animals. She has asked for the chore of feeding the chickens and dog.

Emma’s concentration has improved since beginning riding. She is able to focus the entire hour at he tasks on hand. She has a more positive attitude toward attempting new tasks. Emma previously had an “I can’t” attitude but is now more willing to give things a go. I believe that riding has certainly helped with her self-esteem. It is the only sport she does as there are many things she is not currently able to do, but because she enjoys riding and has progressed well she feels a great sense of achievement and likes to talk about this with others. Emma gave her school speech on RDA; she is very proud of attending riding classes.

Emma’s co-ordination has improved. Emma is more aware of her body now, and her balance has improved. It’s wonderful to also see, or perhaps hear, how quiet Emma is on a horse. We have tried many different methods in an attempt to get Emma to quieten down, all have failed. She initially started riding as the loud Emma we all know, now she rides quietly, sometimes in silence, concentrating on the task; it is so impressive to see.

We are delighted at the progress our little girl has made in riding and this has spilled over into everyday life. Most of all we are delighted to see how happy she is at riding, she has a place there where she fits in, and we see it on her face.

Yours sincerely

Duane and Manu Bennett

From Kim Tapper - mother of Samuel

I have been coming to riding for a year now with my son Samuel and I just wanted to send a big thank you to you all. It is a fantastic place and we are so impressed with Sharon; she does a fabulous job.

Plus our thanks too to the lovely Sarah who leads Red the horse that Samuel rides.

Kind regards
Kim Tapper

Hello this email is to Sharon and the team at RDA. Just want to say thank you so much for the wonderful experience we have had at RDA this year. Rosie-Jo and Billy so enjoyed coming out every week and you did an amazing job. We stopped coming to RDA several weeks ago because we got our own pony at home. His name is Bob and the kids do love him although I am realising now how difficult your job is – you always made it look easy! The good news is Rosie starts school at Kaka St Special School next year which means she will be able to hopefully come back to RDA with the team from Kaka Street.

Thanks so much for all your efforts (I’m sorry I never did manage to speak to you in person), its all very much appreciated.

Warmest regards, Lis Eynon.

From Tracy Martin - mother of Bella

Bella is attending privately - following the suggestion by her physiotherapist to Tracy. Bella has a rare chromosome disorder which affects Bella in various ways. She had no truck support prior to riding and would fall over easily.

“ I don’t think anything prepared me for how much Bella would benefit from riding.”

Tracy says it’s not just the physical effects where Bella has benefited.

“Her other senses are stimulated as well. Bella if very textural and likes smells. Horses being fluffy and having a definite smell, Bella finds them very exciting.”

Bella’s confidence has increased immensely and her weekly sessions are noticeable - not just to Tracy but to those around her.

“People are commenting on how strong she is. Once where, she would fall over, now she’s walking around better and faster - almost running. And she can pick things up herself.”

From Tania Rowe – mother of Emily

“Emily has really grown in confidence in the time that we've been going there, largely due to the support and encouragement of the team, and the nature of the activity, ie being on top of such a big animal and feeling quite secure. And it's been very rewarding watching her try and succeed at the physical activities, as well as learning the skills to actually ride as well.”

From Brian Begley, parent of Jameson Begley who is 13 and autistic and has epilepsy

“It’s been so good for his self esteem, for his confidence and communication and learning to participate socially and take direction. We are so grateful for RDA and to all the dedicated volunteers and the wonderful experience that RDA has provided.

We would love to see Riding for Disabled with an all weather indoor arena that would allow RDA to provide their wonderful service all year round regardless of the weather. Riding for Disabled is such a wonderful benefit for the community, even our daughter who is not disabled has been able to participate in a holiday programme. We totally support riding for disabled and all the wonderful work they do.

RDA is chronically underfunded and undervalued and yet the experience is so beneficial. We as a family encourage the community to support RDA with donations.”

From Karen Williams, parent of Martyn who completed our Therapeutic Care Programme

Dear Kat

When first approached with the concept of Martyn taking part in a new initiative for CAMHS working with horses, I have to say I was particularly sceptical. At 12 years old Martyn was finally under Child and Mental Health Services after years of oppositional behaviour and our family reaching breaking point. Martyn was considered at risk of Conduct Disorder, had huge anxiety problems, prone to depression and had resorted to trying to harm himself. He lacked social skills, was extremely angry and aggressive, lonely and very isolated.

I didn’t believe that working with horses was really going to help him, rather just rewarding his appalling behaviour. Martyn also seemed unenthused and only agreed as it was an afternoon off school, which was becoming a ‘war zone’ by the day. Working for a community not for profit group myself, I also understood how hard funding is for RDA to receive and questioned why valuable resources would be used on my adolescent, unruly child and not a severely disabled rider who would experience the freedom of movement on the back of the horse? The only experience I had seen of my son with animals before this time, was swinging a cat around by its tail and killing insects and bugs in a variety of cruel ways.

Unconvinced I relented and allowed Martyn to take part and watched amazed as the transformation in him slowly unfolded. Suddenly the child who wouldn’t commit to anything and saw nothing through was excited about packing his bag on RDA days, enthusiastic to go to school. He would come home with RDA worksheets and study them intently and report back all of his learning.

He began to forge relationships with a number of horses but in particular with Toby, a large bay horse and for the first time I saw him show empathy for something, even if it was just with a horse. Toby became lame and was unable to be ridden and Martyn expressed genuine concern for his future and cried when Toby left RDA. It was as if he was parting with a friend. He seemed to develop an understanding of the individual horse’s likes and dislikes, fears and quirks and responded to them accordingly. He also began to understand his actions had consequences around the horses and appreciated how they could sense his moods.

By the end of the course Martyn had achieved an overall best student award and proudly escorted me around the centre showing me his ability with the horses, grooming, saddling, walking and caring for these animals. He and all the staff at the RDA were so proud of his achievements and we were sad to see it come to an end.

What did Martyn take from this experience? It is difficult to put into words. He found companionship in an animal and an understanding of consequences and responsibility. He found an environment where he fits in, when elsewhere he stood out as different and not wanted. Martyn began to take chances with school peers and had his first ‘sleep over’ with a mate not long after the course ended. He seemed more confident and comfortable in who he is and less concerned with trying to fit in. He explained to me one day that the horses understood him and he liked to talk to them about his life. To many that may sound strange but to Martyn the horses had become a confidant that didn’t judge him just responded to his kindness. They were a huge comfort to him through a period of transition in his life.

Martyn became calmer in himself and as his confidence grew as he became more competent in handling the horses. Interestingly I observed on the last visit Martyn was wary towards a horse that he wasn’t too familiar with. This in itself was good to see, as one of the characteristics of Martyn’s behaviour was to not to care about repercussions which often led to disastrous consequences.

Since completing the RDA therapy program Martyn has become involved with SPCA fund raising and is now a volunteer for RDA every Saturday, mucking out horses and doing all the dirty jobs for little reward, other than he gets to stay around the horses, which he loves.

I don’t fully understand how RDA and working with the horses has helped to change Martyn but I can honestly say RDA was the focal point from which Martyn's life began to turn around. He has found understanding and a purpose around these animals and as a result we have adopted an SPCA dog. His relationship with animals has helped to guide Martyn to improve his life for himself. Six months on I am very proud of the huge improvements that Martyn has made and I am hopeful for his future. I would thoroughly recommend this course to other families facing similar problems to ourselves.

I sincerely thank you for what you have done for Martyn and my family as a whole. We are indebted to you all. Thank you

Yours sincerely

Karen Williams