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Well, what a great start to the year!
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We are delighted to acknowledge the recent publication of Horses & Us by Johanna Emeney, author of Sylvia and the Birds. This book shares 23 true stories from across Aotearoa New Zealand, highlighting the unique and powerful relationships between horses and people. One of the stories in this book features the true story about one of our own riders Lily Nicholas who later returned to CRDA as a young volunteer. This is a beautiful book that celebrates the connection we have all come to understand here at Riding for the Disabled. Not only are the stories captivating but there are many beautiful paintings, poems and drawings. I would encourage anyone reading this newsletter to purchase a copy of this book and enjoy. I would like to thank Jo for sending us our own copy to have here at CRDA.
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Our poor building needs some major maintenance on the roof, and we were faced with quite a large amount of money to raise. Where there is a will there is a way. Thanks to very generous funders, Kiwi Gaming, Lotteries Community Facilities Grant, Malcolm and Dianna Gillies and some in-house fundraising from CRDA we have achieved the full amount to get the job done. We are very grateful to FHS Roofing who are coming in during the school holidays, as this will mean no disruption to session dates.
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Welcome to some new faces at CRDA. We are thrilled to have Emma Burden join us as the new Horse care coordinator. The fantastic news is that Emma knows us all so well and has held this position here before. Emma left to start a family five years ago and has now returned as her little girl is starting school. Great news is that the lovely Laura who was part-time in horse-care has decided to become a volunteer.
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Our equine team has also grown, with the addition of several new horses — Kit, Zion, Beetle, and Bessie. Each is being carefully introduced into the programme, with appropriate time and training to ensure their successful integration. Keep an eye out for them when you come and see us.
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The horse sponsorship programme is an important source of support for CRDA. These sponsorships play a vital role in maintaining the health and wellbeing of our horses, covering costs such as veterinary care, farrier services, feed, dentistry, equipment, and training. We are grateful to acknowledge our new sponsors:
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● Holmes Solutions – Platinum sponsor for Arthur
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● Rosemary Pringle – Platinum sponsor for Rocco
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● The Golden Mile Tavern – Gold sponsor for Kit
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● In addition, we have 4 existing silver sponsors
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We sincerely thank all our sponsors for their ongoing support.
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As we move into the term break, I would like to extend my best wishes to all riders, families, volunteers, staff, and supporters for an enjoyable and restful holiday period. We look forward to welcoming everyone back for Term 2.
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Hi, I'm Nathan. I like going to RDA. When I arrive at RDA, the volunteers help me to warm up in the therapy room. Then I get on Tiger the horse. He makes me feel strong. I get to learn lots of horsemanship skills. I love Tiger so much I want to bring him home.
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Emma is back - doing what she loves!
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After five years away it feels incredibly special to be back at CRDA. Life took me on a different path for a while. I had a baby and ran a hotel - what an experience it has been. It’s so grounding being here again, surrounded by these amazing horses and the hardy, dedicated volunteers who give so much. It’s a privilege to work alongside both! It’s great to be amongst exciting progress and the many positive changes while reconnecting with familiar surroundings. When the volunteers ask me in the paddocks “Emma is the power off?” I felt at home straight away. One of my favourite parts of the day is bringing the horses in with the volunteers every morning, and especially putting them out on a Friday – it’s as if they know the weekend is here too. I enjoy watching the new horses grow into the programme (or not!). I was lucky enough to arrive around the same time as Beetle and Bessie. Both have successfully completed their trials and it has been very rewarding to watch their progress.
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Emma Burden, Horse Care Coordinator
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Recognising our Volunteers
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We want to acknowledge and thank all our volunteers for their tremendous teamwork, supporting our riders and each other. CRDA relies on volunteers to enable our riders to experience the life-changing therapy provided by our 12 plus equine team. We have around 50 to 80 volunteers every week, assisting eighty riders per week reach their goals. Depending on availability, volunteers pick a day or two each week to volunteer. They arrive at 8.30am to help bring in horses and then assist our coaches with up to three riding sessions each day finishing at about 2.30pm.
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Celebrating long term commitment So many of our volunteers have been part of our CRDA team for over 5, 10, 20 and even 30 years. Last month, one of our volunteers, Andy Cox, retired after 19 years assisting CRDA riders. Thank you, Andy, for enabling many riders to achieve their physical and emotional goals through your dedication and safety support while using our horses. Some volunteers may stay with us for only a few weeks. For example, vet students join us for 20 hours of work experience before returning to their studies, and University of Canterbury students often have short-term involvement due to changing study schedules and work experience visits.
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Supporting major events More than thirty volunteers showed their loyalty by giving days and hours to assist CRDA host the New Zealand National Special Olympic Games in December 2025. Here is a photo of some of the team - not all volunteers fitted into this photo!
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Welcoming new volunteers! We always welcome new volunteers. Comprehensive training is provided and there are ongoing learning opportunities with workshops and webinars which are full of useful information to support our riders’ abilities.
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The next volunteer induction workshop is on Thursday 30th April, 9.30am to 12.30pm.
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Please contact Gabi or Annette at volunteers@chchrda.org.nz or 0211744096 for more information on volunteering, 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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Annette Shier and Gabi Humphreys, Volunteer Coordinator and Volunteer Support
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As the Riders' Representative on the CRDA committee there is generally not too much for me to do. I read and collate all of the client survey forms that the riders and their carers/parents fill out and return - yes, please fill those forms out as they help us to stay focused on our riders’ needs. And every now and again I pop in to say hello and check that everyone is happy. If you are not happy then please, do let me know elizabeth@chchrda.org.nz.
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I have been working on a new project for the CRDA committee for almost 12 months and am delighted to say that we are now ready for the big reveal. A big thank you goes to Eli Williams one of our multi-talented volunteers. Eli has taken photos of our RDA horses and turned them into the most amazing images and with his technical knowledge set us up on Digitess NZ. The original brief was to make t-shirts for our riders however they are so good that they are available on T-shirts, drink bottles, coffee mugs and cushion covers. I hope you love the designs as much as I do.
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There were two objectives of the T-shirt project. Firstly, they are a great way of letting your rider know that today is 'RDA day.' Secondly as a fund raiser for RDA.
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The T-shirts are not just for the riders; they are for anyone who would like to support Christchurch Riding for the Disabled. They will make awesome gifts for riders, family and friends. To purchase – go online and order directly https://rdachchmerch.digitees.co.nz
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Elizabeth Smith, Rider's Rep
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25-29 Sponsored Rider's Week
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1 King's Birthday. RDA CLOSED
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A huge thanks to our funders, sponsors and donors
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Bishopdale/Burnside Rotary Club
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Rotary Club of Christchurch
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G and B Davies Charitable Trust
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Lions Club of Christchurch South
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Geoff and Julie Stevenson
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A very special thankyou to Rob and Lynne Paterson for donating the proceeds from their farm auction to Christchurch and North Canterbury RDAs.
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Plus a big thanks to all our participants in fundraising events this term including the Winterslow trek, the firewood raffle and pinecone sales, senior citizen visits and knitted beanies and mittens, book sales, entertainment book donations, gear donations, calendars, volunteer expertise and services.
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Mā mua ka kite a muri, mā muri ka ora a mua.
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Together we make a difference.
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Office
Diana Saxton, Administrator
03 3484374 admin@chchrda.org.nz
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Sarah Ritchie, Ops Manager and Funding
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027 4538180 funding@chchrda.org.nz
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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 elizabeth@chchrda.org.nz
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Physical Address
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Northcote Drive, inside Canterbury Agricultural Park, Wigram
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Arena Hire Enquiries
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Jessica McCarthy, Arena Coordinator
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022 6757755 arenahire@chchrda.org.nz
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