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What a very chilly end of term. Horses, ponies and humans are all in rugs and big coats and wanting a good breakfast before work! I do hope all our riders are doing the same. A big thank you to Bishopdale/Burnside Rotary Club for funding some brand new rugs for the equine team of ours.
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Some of you may be aware that each year there are some special awards given out by our National NZRDA Board. Some of our CRDA members attend these awards and workshops in Wellington and we were lucky enough to have five attendees sponsored by The Rotary Club of Christchurch. We are absolutely thrilled that Jenny Nicol from Christchurch RDA received the beautiful Tom Atchinson Volunteer of the Year trophy and medal. Jenny has given 32 years of incredible support, expertise, training, schooling horses and training coaches and volunteers and been a committee member. Congratulations Jenny.
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During this term all our riders participated in a fabulous Sponsored Ride Week. This was yet again designed and implemented by the dynamic Liz Hodge and executed by all our wonderful riders and coaches and volunteers. An incredible fun effort with a goal to raise $ 5,000 to purchase a pony, some rainbow reins, a therapy saddle and some new vibrant helmets. What a tall order we all thought. Well, our riders and their sponsors smashed the target, and we have been able to purchase everything. Have you seen our delightful new pony, Ellie? The pony who was paid for by our sponsored ride.
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A big thank you to our coach Annette who has been supporting the Wednesday riders and volunteers for quite a while and has decided to step away as a permanent coach and be on standby as well as continuing her role as Volunteer Coordinator. Coming on board as an established NZRDA coach and new team member is the lovely Lorraine Wilkie from Hawera RDA. Welcome to Christchurch Lorraine and thank you for helping us celebrate Volunteer Week with all the amazing volunteers who give their time so generously, participate so willingly and inspire riders so freely.
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On an emotional note. In May one of our much-loved volunteers Frank Shrives passed away suddenly and very unexpectedly. Frank was very much a team player and much loved by all his fellow volunteers and the staff at CRDA. Frank had an amazing affinity with the equine team and an incredible natural gift working with the riders. He was all about fun and making people feel valued. There will forever be memories and stories told about Frank over a cup of coffee in the seminar room or over an exciting game on the arena.
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Happy Matariki everyone. Have a good holiday and stay warm.
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Rider's Letter to the President
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I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to take a moment to share what I truly love about Riding for the Disabled (RDA).
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Participating in the program has been incredibly beneficial for my physical well-being. The sessions not only help with my stretches but also contribute positively to my overall body strength and flexibility. The rhythmic motion of riding is therapeutic and has made a significant difference in my daily routine. I particularly enjoy attending every Tuesday. It’s a highlight of my week, and I cherish the activities and fun we share. The support from the volunteer team who do an amazing job and the joy of interacting with the horses create a wonderful environment that motivates me to push my limits. It's so much fun when we do the games or when we go outside.
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Thank you for all your hard work in making this program so special. For all of us with disabilities. I look forward to many more Tuesdays ahead!
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P.S. Have a lovely day and please check out my small business page.
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Thanks very much Olivia, Pippa
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Kit's Life After Racing
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In a local pub, a conversation took place between a local standardbred breeder and trainer, and one of our amazing volunteers Frank Shrives.
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Frank has, for a long time, enthused and shared his passion for the work that everyone including the horses do at Riding for Disabled and this particular evening decided to put forward the case of standardbreds at Christchurch Riding for the Disabled (CRDA).
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Here the story moves on to a young Standardbred called ‘Rocket’ (Rocket Banner) who had been turned out, not backed and had a very gentle nature.
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Rocket, an unraced Art Major mare, was offered to CRDA for a trial. Rocket was sent to Chanelle Dickie to be started under saddle. Chanelle says ‘Little Rocket’ or the ‘Pub Horse’ was a very sweet natured mare who deserved a great home and just wanted to please people.
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Upon completion of her time with Chanelle, Rocket was then homed with a local competent equestrian family and given supervised training by the CRDA horse care team and learnt the skills that would be required by RDA. Rocket was given a new name ‘Kit’ purely for rider appeal and confidence, so they didn’t think their horse was about to blast off!
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After a few weeks Kit came for a visit and trial in the CRDA equestrian centre and then returned to the family for more schooling, and then more visits to the centre. Over a 12-month period and only six years old, Kit was introduced properly to Riding for the Disabled and schooled to increase her suitability for the RDA programmes.
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Kit has now completed two full terms and at present delivers Education programmes and Sport and Recreation programmes. She has an active walk, a gentle nature, relaxed trot and patience and understanding towards the rider. Kit has become quite a favourite amongst riders and volunteers. She will continue to undergo more training to cover other disciplines required by an RDA horse, but one thing is for sure Kit has found her happy place and is helping to “reach more riders and enrich more lives in our Christchurch community.”
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New Coach Lorraine Wilkie
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Lorraine is a qualified NZRDA Level 3 Coach who recently moved to Christchurch with her husband after living in Hawera, South Taranaki for 19 years. It was there she discovered Hawera RDA and where she received the encouragement to train as a coach, achieving Level 3 in 2014. Lorraine is married to John and they have 4 children and 7 grandchildren (with number 8 arriving shortly). Alongside her love of family, horses and RDA, she also enjoys acting on the stage and will be continuing this here. Lorraine is enjoying getting to know everyone at Christchurch RDA and is looking forward to this new adventure.
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Lorraine Wilkie, Wednesday Coach
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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 Wednesday 29 July, 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, Volunteer Coordinator and Gabi Humphreys, Volunteer Support
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Farewell Rocco and Snickers
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This term we farewelled Rocco and Snickers into retirement. Rocco has been a Christchurch RDA campaigner for 10 years! What an incredible innings where he shaped the lives of countless riders and brought freedom to so many. Adorable Snickers had a shorter stint at CRDA, admired nonetheless bringing joy to people on and off the ground. We thank them for their patience in every ride and smile they helped create. We have had some stunning sunrises, a great run of weather and some beautiful frosts. Winter has finally arrived now. Thanks to all the team of horses and volunteers for turning up in all kinds of conditions!
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29 New Volunteers Workshop
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31 - 4 Volunteer Training. No Riding
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A huge thanks to our funders, sponsors and donors
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Rotary Club of Christchurch
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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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Frank Shrives in memorial
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Plus a big thanks to all our participants in fundraising events this term including the sponsored ride, pinecone sales book sales, entertainment book donations, gear donations, 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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