Hamilton Group of NZ Riding for the Disabled open day on Friday

Ace, one of the longest serving horses at the Hamilton RDA makes friends with one of the youngest participants to enjoy the riding therapy. Photo / Supplied

Are you interested in making a worthwhile investment of the equine variety?

Forget about the national yearling sales at Karaka. There's a winning team in Pukete that promises great rewards for a modest amount.

That's where you will find the Hamilton Group of NZ Riding for the Disabled (RDA). Their team of 12 horses along with the help of coaches and volunteers each year give more than 3500 rides.

RDA provides therapeutic horse riding opportunities to adults, young people and children with disabilities.

The Hamilton group is the largest in the country and last year helped 175 riders with disabilities build their skills and abilities to enable them to live their best lives, says coach and manager, Hannah Doughty.

This year is expected to be just as busy, and the group's goal is to have all 12 horses sponsored by businesses or individuals to subsidise the cost of their keep.

"We have priced a horse sponsorship at $2000 for the year to cover feed, shoeing etc.

"If we got all 12 sponsored every year this would make a huge difference to our programme and the ongoing pressure to raise funds," says Hannah.

Anyone interested in supporting the RDA work is invited to a special open/training day on Friday, February 8, 11am to 2pm to find out more.

"We need at least eight volunteers each morning to run the sessions as leaders and sidewalkers," says Hannah.

There are also a variety of other roles people can take on to support the group.

"Full training in all roles is provided. We can offer NZQA Equine qualifications through New Zealand Riding for the Disabled," says Hannah.

The RDA programme runs Monday to Friday 9am to 1pm at the Waikato Equestrian centre in Pukete Road.

"As a charitable organisation we are not government funded and rely on the community and grant funders for the money to run the programme."

RDA Open Day
Friday, February 8, 11am to 2pm
Waikato Equestrian centre, 1340 Pukete Rd
Volunteers require a police vetting. This can be completed on the day.
For inquiries or to register your interest, email: coach@hamiltonrda.com or call the volunteer co-ordinator on 0211040996, or Hannah on 0275426732.