President’s Update: A Year Gaining Momentum

It has been a positive start to the new year with exciting developments that strengthen our facilities, programmes, and community.   These include a new riding programme, new horses, additions to our coaching team and major facilities improvements, courtesy of some very generous organisations.

Chairman's Update: Facilities Upgrade

Over the 2025–2026 summer, we’ve made significant strides in enhancing our facilities through a series of much-needed capital improvements and maintenance works. It has been a hugely productive period for the North Shore RDA Charitable Trust, and a real chance to get back in the saddle and make meaningful progress with the generous help of local businesses.

New Programme Launch: Learning Beyond the Saddle

We have launched a new "Unmounted" programme that provides an inclusive and hands-on way to build confidence and practical skills as well as knowledge of Horses and the care they require.  Led by Assistant Coach Kate, the programme is designed to be accessible to all members of our disabled community. 

Why Training Matters: by Coach, Judith

“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn” — Benjamin Franklin.  

Last year, we initiated a regular in-house training programme for all volunteers, to support our mandatory NZRDA training requirements.  Let me explain.

Horse Welfare Innovation - Track System Success: By Horse Manager Michelle

At North Shore RDA I have set up a track system for our team of horses. My reasoning for it was because most of our horse team were carrying a bit of extra weight and they are in the more mature age so for me the track system is a perfect addition as it keeps their weight at a good range and gets them moving so also helps with keeping those joints more mobile.  Read on to learn more about the system.

Welcome Our New Horses: by Admin Manager Philippa

After what seems like a never ending search by our Horse Manager Michelle, she has found three fine horses that we have been fortunate to purchase and introduce to our programme.  In this article we introduce them to you and provide a little background to what makes them so fabulous for us.

Volunteer Spotlight: Bobbi-Rose is going places

My name is Bobbi-Rose, I am 18 years old and I am autistic and have ADHD, Dyspraxia, Auditory Processing Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder while also suffering from extreme anxiety.

My favourite thing in the world is being with animals, especially horses.  Please read on to learn why.

Arena in Action: World-Class Training Hosted, Local Impact

North Shore RDA's covered arena is proving popular and recently played host to a series of dressage coaching sessions of some beautiful Friesian horses from Classic Friesian Stud NZ.  The sessions were instructed by world-class trainer, Juan Diego Garcia Trevijano all the way from Spain.  

Check out our new North Shore RDA video!

We are thrilled to announce the completion of a new North Shore RDA video, hosted by our Brand Ambassador, Tom Webster of Grand Designs NZ. Tom talks with five people who have a close relationship with NSRDA.  Read on to see Tom tell the story.

Why Your Support Matters More Than Ever 

North Shore RDA exists for one reason — to change lives through the therapeutic power of horses. Every week, our riders experience improvements in strength, balance, confidence, communication, and emotional wellbeing. But providing this impact is becoming increasingly difficult as operational costs continue to rise.  Learn how you could help.