Kia Ora, Welcome Friends of North Shore RDA
August 2026 Newsletter
A half-century of changing lives, one rider at a time.
Hello and welcome to our latest newsletter as we get underway in Term three. We welcome back our wonderful volunteers and also many new volunteers and we have some exciting news on how we plan to “Reach more Riders, Change more Lives” this term. We have been fortunate with new additions to our herd of magical horses and have been actively fundraising, so please read on to find out more and learn how you can help us in 2026.
Christine Fallas
President
North Shore RDA has been selected as a contender in Z Petrol's Good in the Hood community voting scheme which celebrates the mahi that goes into organisations like ours. There will be a box where you can vote for us at the local Z petrol station in Silverdale from the 18th of August until the 14th of September – mark it in your calendars.
President’s Update: We're Reaching more Riders
Hello to you as we get underway in Term three. We welcome back our wonderful volunteers and many new volunteers, and we have some exciting news on how we plan to “Reach more Riders, Change more Lives” this term. We have been fortunate to add new additions to our herd of magical horses and have been actively fundraising, so please read on to find out more.
Why riding makes such a Huge difference
If you’ve spent five minutes at our arena, you already know how amazing our horses are. But have you ever wondered about the actual science behind why riding makes such a huge difference? It turns out that a horse's movement is practically magic when it comes to therapy. Please read on to learn more.
New Life Member awarded and long service recognised
At our Annual General Meeting in May, we made a very special Life Membership award plus recognised 10 year and 5 year long service contributions to North Shore RDA by a number of volunteers. We are so fortunate for the energy, enthusiasm and decication that our volunteers provide to help us support our Riders. Read on to learn who received awards and why.
Rider Spotlight: Riding is Hugo’s happy place
Hugo’s special interest since he was two years old has been horses. We used to drive all over Auckland looking for horses to just watch. We have an impressive collection of toy horses, stables and saddles. All his life Hugo has preferred to be home, doing quiet activities and taking part in school has been difficult for him. That is until Hugo started riding at North Shore RDA.
Fundraising: NSRDA's Inaugural Bake Sale
As you know by now, we are rely on donations, sponsorship and rider fee income to operate and in these difficult times of increasing costs it's getting tougher. But we're working hard on various plans to raise funds and the first this term was our Bake Sale that was a resounding success.
Volunteer Spotlight: Every week I leave feeling grateful - Anna Johnston
When I first volunteered with Riding for the Disabled (RDA) in Malaysia, I thought I was simply giving my time to help others. I never imagined just how much the experience would change me. Returning to New Zealand and volunteering with North Shore RDA has given me a unique perspective on the incredible work these organisations do, and has reminded me that no matter where you are in the world, the smallest acts of kindness can make the biggest difference.
You don’t have to change the world to make a difference!
For Half a century, North Shore Riding for the Disabled (NSRDA) has been changing lives, one rider at a time. We're a community-based, volunteer-led organisation — and we've never received a dollar of government funding! NSRDA 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. Read on to learn how you might help us.
