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As Term two comes to a close I think we are all well aware that winter has thrown itself upon us.
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Christchurch RDA holds a place in the hearts of many Cantabrians and as I move around and talk to people in the surrounding districts there are not many families, extended families, friends and or acquaintances who haven’t been helped by RDA somewhere or at some time.
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They may even have been a volunteer or are a present volunteer. These Volunteers give their time so freely and provide a very special contribution to us and our wider community. They really deserve our most sincere thanks.
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This term we saw some of our Hay generously donated by a local Cantabrian supplier in the “Hay whose got Hay” appeal. With over 650 bales needed to satisfy our wonderful team of horses and ponies we are always grateful for any offers of this year’s good quality hay – they are a hardworking, hungry mob and this certainly helps us to keep them healthy and happy.
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Stay warm and dry everyone, happy riding and I wish you all success in your goals.
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A wonderful ‘Feel Good’ story from a past CRDA Rider
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Hi my name is Amy Batchelor,
I started riding with RDA when I was young. They thought I might not be able to ride because of my hips, so at first I had to be on a sheep skin with side walkers next to me until I got my balance. RDA helped with my riding because having dyspraxia effects my coordination. With RDA I learnt a lot, specially about balance and being able to ride without any one next to me. I met an amazing lady named Sheree (RDA Coach) who helped me a lot as well, then after RDA I got involved with Special Olympics to keep up with my riding. There I met another amazing lady Lynda, who is head coach of Special Olympics Canterbury. Lynda helped me a lot from starting at a walk to a trot, to now being in the top level A grade, which is the canter group.
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Riding for me was not always easy as it had its challenges and anxious moments, but with all the exercises and stuff I had put into it to strengthen my muscles it helped me to improve myself to where I am today.
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In 2019 I went to Abu Dhabi for the world games. I was on a 4-year-old stallion who was quite well behaved. It was so different as he was an Arab. I came back with 2 silver medals, and for trail ride I got a ribbon. My horse had never been taught that stuff so was quite new for him with the poles.
I loved every moment I had there and I had another amazing coach named Georgia who was my coach from world games. She knew about the horses so was able to help me with everything. I am able to read the horses body language which has helped me a lot with my riding and the skills I have today. I love my riding and would never give it up. If I never went to RDA I would not have got to where I am today as RDA helped me so much and gave me the confidence that I needed.
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Riders layer up and keep warm
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I think we have all noticed the big drop in temperature now and the damp conditions. We are all finding ourselves feeling the cold and a number of our riders are too.
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I worry that some of our riders have arrived in clothing that isn’t quite enough to keep them warm in our arena.
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Layers of clothing are the best plan and long pants. We have some pairs of gloves that can be borrowed from us but riders would benefit from bringing in a pair which they fit.
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As coaches we are aiming for all our riders to get the most out of their riding sessions and being warm will help the rider stay relaxed, focused and enjoying their time on the horse.
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Have you considered sponsoring a horse?
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It goes without saying that we wouldn't exist without our amazing equine friends. We currently have 13 horses in our care. As a non-for-profit organisation that does not receive any government funding we are always looking for ways to engage with people and obtain funds because lets face it - these animals are not cheap to care for.
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Horse Sponsorship is a wonderful way to support us. Sponsorship per horse is $50 a year. You can read more about our horses and sponsor a fury friend here:
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Equine Chiropractor visits RDA
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Sam Smolenski is an Equine Chiropractor offering his services to all manner of horses across the greater Canterbury region. During last month while his son Jonty was in his riding session, Sam volunteered to work on a number of our ponies. He prides himself on the feedback he receives from the owners of his “clients”. He loves hearing about positive improvements to their movement and mobility after he has worked on them. For an assessment and manipulation/realignment of your equine dependents contact Sam, message (text is best) on 0274065035.
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Thanks Sam for making us feel so good!
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Coaches Corner
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Hi I am Becky Hadfield, I am a volunteer on a Tuesday and trainee coach on a Friday at Christchurch RDA.
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I grew up in England mad on horses and rode my pony every day. I adored Pony Club; and worked my way up through the tests, then went on to BHS to qualify as a preliminary instructor while I was at university studying BSc. Agriculture.
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I travelled to New Zealand for a working holiday and met my husband, that was 25 years ago, (my parents are also here now in Nelson, and we have 2 teenage non-horsey children).
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I retrained as a Vet Nurse and worked at ‘Canterbury Equine Clinic’, then ‘At the Vets’, before the children arrived. I then trained for the next 3 years to complete a Diploma in Holistic Animal Therapies, to become a registered Animal Naturopath. I now have a busy clinic at home and gain great satisfaction from treating beloved cats and dogs and working alongside their owners to restore their pet’s health.
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In amongst all that I also have spent time teaching ‘Animal Care’ to teenagers at the National Trade Academy. So training to become a coach at RDA has allowed me to draw upon all these skills. I feel so proud of my riders, I love getting to know them and helping them to explore the joy of horses.
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I genuinely feel as though all the experiences and adventures of my life have come together now that I am part of the Christchurch RDA family. I love it here!
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Volunteer Assistants
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If you enjoy working with Horses and /or Special Needs persons, Christchurch Riding for the Disabled needs Volunteer Assistants!
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We hold sessions 9:00am - 2:30pm each weekday during school terms.
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Our Coaches depend on volunteers to lead horses and
work with riders. Training is given to enable volunteers to feel confident and safe.
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We have had a wonderful response from radio adverts and our many leaflets being displayed on various Community Notice Boards. However, we still need your help - if you can spare one day a week to assist our wonderful Coaches in their efforts to give our Riders the benefit of a therapeutic riding session we would be most grateful.
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If you are over 16 years old and can give a few hours, please contact us with your preferred day.
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Please contact our Volunteer Coordinator Annette
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To find out more about Volunteering with CRDA, just click the button...
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In these crazy Covid-19 times when many of our funding avenues have completely collapsed, we need your help more than ever!
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Are you able to help us?
Take a look at what it costs us to keep this enterprise flying...and if you are in a position to help...
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Thank you for your donation
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A special thank you to the following people for their generous donation...
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R V Smith & Hannah Alan Pullar
Mary Moodie Family Trust
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K Sitjes
Raewyn Richards Malcolm Gillies
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A Bruhns
Rosemary Pringle Elizabeth Ball Charitable Trust
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S Jarvis
Nicky Wright-Z Stations Perfect Packaging Ltd
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Rawhiti School Seniors
P Mayes
Victoria Holland
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Lions Club of Riccarton-Waimari
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O’Rawe Family
Wyma Engineering(NZ)
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Funders
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We would like to thank the following Funders for their support...
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CRDA SHOP - been there?
Have you been to the CRDA Online Shop yet on the CRDA website?
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There are lots of items for sale which will not only make great gifts for friends and family, but which will also help us to keep providing our services.
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Contact Us
Christchurch Riding for the Disabled
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Physical address
Northcote Drive, Inside Canterbury Agricultural Park, Wigram,
Christchurch, 8025
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