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From the President
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Welcome to Spring everyone!
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Despite the challenges this term has brought with both weather and health, Term 3 has been fantastic. Once again, I am reminded how fortunate we are to have such incredible support from our funders, our horse sponsors, and the businesses who step up to keep our much needed machinery running. A special thank you goes to Mike Becker from Carrodus Trucks, who works tirelessly to keep Toot (our wee truck) rolling and safe; Marty Kennett from Kennett's Machinery, who has taken on the job of caring for and maintaining our RDA tractor. It needed significant work when we first acquired it, and his help has been invaluable; and Paul Banks from Banks Upholstery, who has made it possible for us to sit on our vehicles in comfort with new seating.
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This term we also welcomed visitors from several retirement villages, including our life member Greta Mora. They were delighted to see our riders' progress and thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere of the sessions. Their praise is a wonderful reflection of the dedication shown by our coaches and volunteers. To all of you - thankyou for the time, care, and skill you've given over the 10 weeks of Term 3. The outcomes of the riders speak volumes.
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I hope you will enjoy reading in this newsletter about the Special Olympic equestrian events being held here at the CRDA Equestrian Centre. You can get to know the riders from CRDA who are part of the Canterbury team. This is truly something special, not only for CRDA but also for Canterbury Special Olympics as a whole. December promises to be an exciting month, and we wish the Canterbury team every success with their training.
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Our Awareness Week Bake Sale was another highlight! What a success - raising over $1,500 towards our roof. Not only were there delicious cakes, but also other wonderful items donated. A big thankyou to our talented bakers, staff, volunteers, parents, and riders - your contributions were very much appreciated.
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As we came to the end of term, we had the pleasure of having a fantastic volunteer team from Holmes Solutions. They rolled up their sleeves and got to work - cleaning tack, refreshing sawdust in the horses' pens, painting our entrances, and even providing morning tea for our volunteers. Beyond this, Holmes Solutions have generously become our first Platinum Sponsor. They are sponsoring Arthur for a full year's upkeep, along with an additional donation for new tack - including a much needed saddle. This generosity is such a boost for CRDA, and we thank them sincerely.
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As Term 3 draws to a close, I want to extend my gratitude to everyone who makes CRDA such a special place. Have a healthy and happy spring break, and I look forward to seeing you all in Term 4.
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What are the Equestrian Special Olympics?
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The highly anticipated 2025 Equestrian Special Olympics National Summer Games event will be held at Christchurch RDA on Friday 12th and Saturday 13th of December. It involves athletes competing in events like Dressage and Working Trails, judged on rider skill and control, with categories based on the athletes' abilities. The programme focuses on skill development, self-confidence, and a spirit of fun. Athletes are typically given a horse at the competition rather than bringing their own, which means they must adapt to a new animal and form a quick connection which is quite an amazing feat!
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Becky Hadfield coaches the sport and recreation groups on a Tuesday morning and has been given the role of Technical Director for the equestrian competition. Together with the help of her brilliant co-director Jenny Nichol, they will be organising the event. Last year two regional qualifying events were held at our facility with riders attending from as far away as Manawatu. The Canterbury Equestrian team has 12 riders and three of those riders are from our Christchurch RDA Sport and Rec group.
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Becky has been lucky enough to coach these three athletes for the past 18 months, and is super proud of her mini team. Becky says 'these three riders are my champions, and together with my team of dedicated volunteers Di, Ally and Fiona who work alongside them, we have seen Kathryn, Alex and Ben flourish. And let’s not forget the wonderful families that bring their riders to session each week and nag them to practice their Swiss ball exercises and run through their dressage tests at home. It takes a village to create a Special Olympics athlete, and I am proud to be part of that village.'
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Our Special Olympics Riders - Kathryn, Alex and Ben
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'When I started coming to RDA, I was in the therapy side of things, and I got to experience different horses and different things. The most challenging part of horse riding for me was when I got put on many different horses because every horse is different from the last. But horse riding has helped me in so many ways - from mental health to coordination. It has helped me look at things differently and relate to others better. One thing I love about coming to horse riding is all the people who put their time and effort into helping different kids with different backgrounds. I loved it when I got to be in the Sport and Recreation group because I developed skills that I wouldn’t have if I didn’t do horse riding. When I got invited to the Special Olympics, I found a team who I could rely on. Thank you to all the people who have helped me along the way'. Kathryn Hollis
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'I started RDA with the Kimi Ora Unit at Papanui High School. My school physio and RDA coach recommended me for the Special Olympics team. I have learnt to be firmer with my horse, to be faster, to use my legs more and I am going to the gym and doing exercises to help.
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I enjoy horse riding because it’s really fun and I like spending time with the horses. My favorite horse is Zeus.
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I am excited to be in the Special Olympics and be part of something big, meet new people, just ride my horse and have fun.'
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'I enjoy going to the Riding for the Disabled because I get to ride horses and have fun with Alex and Katherine, so we can practice for the Special Olympics. It was easy at first, but it became harder as I had more to learn and more to remember. I like Becky, my coach, and Diane because they help me, and Diane always asks if I am okay. I like it when my dad comes to watch me ride the horses.' Ben Scurr
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We are thrilled to introduce some of the incredible horses that have been selected to be part of the Special Olympics equestrian event. These amazing animals have been carefully chosen for their temperament, skill, and unwavering ability to connect with riders of all abilities. The horses selected represent a wide variety of breeds and temperaments, but all share the key qualities that make them perfect partners for their riders: reliability, trustworthiness, and a love for their work. They are companions, providing strength, encouragement, and confidence to riders as they face challenges and celebrate triumphs.
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Sonny is a homebred horse, born on New Year’s Day 2011, so his birthday is always special. He was an easy natured baby for his crossbred quarter Clydesdale, half Quarter Horse mother. Training was all in the paddock at home and it was easy as getting on and riding him. He has excelled at being a ‘casual’ horse, easy to train and ride but not looking like an eventer or dressage horse. His strengths are being able to go on any trek or ride at any time without any bad behavior or fuss. When I took him mustering at Glen Lyon Station, he was great at going under bushes to chase cattle and through big rivers. Our most fun times have been cantering around farms and jumping fences with the Christchurch Hunt during the hunting season with hounds hunting hares. The rest of the year these days he enjoys being loved by new riders getting to know him with the RDA. I count Sonny as one of my best friends. He will never leave my ownership but it’s nice to be able to share his special talents. Sue Harrison
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Billy is a 14.3 hh Quarter Horse x Arab gelding. He slotted in easily when he joined the CRDA herd, quickly becoming a favourite of riders and volunteers alike. Billy has a big personality and never failed to make Aimee, his previous owner, laugh. She has shared with us: 'There are not many things he hasn't done in his lifetime, from cowboy challenge, hacking, pony club, cross-country, and showing just to name a few. His can-do attitude and intelligence meant he would give anything a go and excel!
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Lulu was a surprise pony who popped out of her mother one November day. From that day on she has been a queen, living off molasses sandwiches and carrots from the little boys next door. Her early years were spent living on the hills with her buddy Mojo and going for walks with me and Monty in the pram. Lulu is a Gisborne station bred and we assume, Appaloosa cross (by her colours). I started Lulu myself with some help from a skilled horsewoman friend. Lulu has always been keen to be busy and learn. If you leave something in her paddock she will investigate it. Lulu has tried lots of different activities with me from a career trekking around the North Canterbury region, to cowboy challenge where we won ribbons in a number of different events. Lulu’s favourite things are little children and food. She has always shown a caring and soft nature when around children and the RDA has been a perfect fit for her. Kate Wallace
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Zeus came to live with us when he was three years old. He comes from impressive bloodlines - his sire was Salutation, a talented Oldenburg dressage stallion born in Germany and imported to New Zealand.
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Like his father, Zeus was bred to dance, and he began his dressage career in the Waikato before we moved to Darfield ten years ago. Unfortunately, during the move south, Zeus was injured. While he recovered well, the injury meant he could no longer compete at the level he was used to. But that never stopped him from doing what he loves - getting out for a good hack and connecting with people. Zeus has always had a super temperament. He’s incredibly friendly, loves the company of other animals (dogs, cats, calves), and genuinely enjoys being around people.
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Being a volunteer with CRDA gives you the
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- opportunity to work with horses
- satisfaction from helping our riders
- challenge through learning new skills
- knowledge from our training workshops
- companionship from a great team of volunteers
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Our next New Volunteer Induction Workshop will be in 2026. Please click the Volunteer button below or go to the Volunteer page on www.chchrda.org.nz to enrol and receive more details.
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Gabi and Annie, Volunteer Support
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We thank all our hard-working volunteers for their dedication and many hours spent supporting our riders, coaches and horses.Our mission is to provide goal-based riding activities to increase the ability, strength and confidence of people with physical, intellectual, emotional and social challenges. Our focus is to make a positive difference enriching the lives of our riders through our horse’s movement and interaction.
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12 - 14 CLOSED for Show Week
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12 - 13 Special Olympics Equestrian
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A huge thanks to our 2025 funders and donors
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Annabel and Celia Allison
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In Memory of Kathryn Ward - Odel Morshuis
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Canterbury Education Trust - Odd Socks Day
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Rotary Club of Christchurch
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G and B Davies Charitable Trust
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Rubicon Valley Horse Treks
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Physiotherapist Jax Crutchley
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Lions Club of Christchurch South
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Connect Chiropractic Ferrymead
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Geoff and Julie Stevenson
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Plus a big thanks to all our participants in fundraising events this term including the inaugral Christchurch RDA Awareness Week (cake bake, raffles, t-towel and pinecone sales), senior citizen visits, book sales, entertainment book donations, gear donations, volunteer expertise and services.
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Office
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022 1761632 or president@chchrda.org.nz
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Elizabeth Smith - Riders' Rep
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027 2376974 or eliric@xtra.co.nz
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Physical Address
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Northcote Drive, inside Canterbury Agricultural Park, Wigram
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Arena Booking Enquiries
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