Who we help
Greenhithe RDA is a not-for-profit organisation
Greenhithe RDA is a community based voluntary staffed organisation providing opportunities for anyone with a disability to enjoy a safe, healthy, stimulating therapeutic horse riding and/or horse handling activities.
Our Group caters for people who live in the North Shore and Rodney areas. For over 35 years of operation, Greenhithe RDA Inc has made a difference to many children and adults in the community.
We ride during school terms. Please see our Facebook page for dates and times of operation.
Our Riding Programmes Promote
- Increased and improved physical capability
Development of psychological ability eg problem-solving, self-worth and learning concepts
Improvement in communication
Learning appropriate behaviours and social skills
Pathways for sporting activity and competition
Greenhithe RDA benefits both children and adults across a wide range of special needs.
What we do
We provide interaction with horses to develop increased ability, independence and self worth for children and adults who have physical intellectual, emotional or social challenges.
A horse’s three-dimensional movement (side-to-side, up and down, forward and backward) stimulate and aid physical improvement.
The horse is the perfect partner to aid self worth, confidence and social interaction.
Therapeutic riding provides exercise and can be a pathway to competitive sport.
Once referred to us, potential riders follow a defined process, including provision of their medical background, and the agreement of individual riding goals.
Come and ride with us
We welcome and assist people of all ages. A person may be referred to us in a number of ways, including word of mouth or referral from a health, recreational or teaching professional. Over 80 per cent of our riders are children and teenagers. 37 per cent have a physical or intellectual disability while just over a quarter are on the autistic spectrum. Many of our riders live with more than one disability.
Riding is of benefit to children and adults with a wide range of special needs, including but not limited to: Autistic Spectrum Disorders, Cerebral Palsy, Cystic Fibrosis, CVA (stroke), Down Syndrome, Intellectual Disability, Learning Disability, Hearing and Visual Impairments, Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy, Spina Bifida and Spinal Cord Injury (Para/Quadriplegia).
Volunteer
Volunteers are always welcome. No previous experience working with horses or people with disabilities is necessary, as full training is given. There are many opportunities to help within the Group, e.g. administration and maintenance. We ask that you are willing to learn and committed to the Group’s goals and values.
Email us at greenhithe@rda.org.nz or fill in the contact form at the bottom of this page and we shall be in touch very soon.
Support us by donating
Donations give us the opportunity to invest in our staff, volunteers, and horses to enable our riders to achieve their goals and positively contribute to our community
Support our cause by donating via our givealittle page
For information on Sponsorship, Bequests and Gift of Products opportunities, please email us at greenhithe@rda.org.nz
Our Supporters
Greenhithe RDA thanks our supporters and sponsors
News
We send regular updates to those who wish to receive updates by email. Copies of our past newsletters are below.
Meet the horses
Melody
Melody is our sturdy Clydesdale cross mare at 15 hands high. She adores our riders and loves a really good scratch on her back.
Kohu
Our pretty little piebald mare is Kohu, which means ‘Mist’ in Māori. She is 14 hands high, has a lovely relaxed walk and the most gentle personality.
Aladdin
Aladdin is our grey Arabian pony and stands at 14.2 hands high. Aladdin’s favourite game is hoofball and he loves to take riders trotting.
Darcy
Darcy is our little Kaimanawa pony and stands at 14 hands high. Darcy’s favourite outing is to go splashing in the water jump or out for a hack.
Ringo
Ringo is our biggest horse, standing at 16 hands high! He is presently in training and we look forward to re-introducing him to the programme.
Bugs
Bugs is a 15.3 chestnut Thoroughbred and is our newest addition to the team. Bugs is extremely friendly and kind, he is usually the first one to the gate in the morning and will do just about anything for a good head scratch and a rub.
Poppy
Poppy has been an RDA horse for many years, but she has now retired and is privately owned. She remains on RDA grounds as a lawnmower and babysitter for our horses on their days off. Her favourite treats are apple cores and she loves a cuddle.
Sponsor a horse that supports children with special needs
We need your help! In order to provide our life-changing service, we rely on donations, grants and sponsorships to fund our operations. Our horses are our most important asset, and also our biggest expense!