Meet our Horses
Our horses are our four-legged therapists, carefully selected for their calm temperament and soundness. The legs of these beautiful animals become the legs of our riders, allowing them a sense of freedom they seldom experience elsewhere in life. Through individual Rider Goals, set by our Coach in conjunction with others involved in the care and education of the rider, we see measurable improvements for our riders through their engagement with our programmes.
The movement of a horse naturally emulates ours by being three dimensional. This provides therapy and improves the well-being and mobility of our riders. A special bond quickly develops between horse and rider.
Horse riding is a unique form of exercise and rehabilitation. The complex movement of the horse helps to improve coordination, balance, muscular development and fitness. Horse riding and horse-related activities assist in the development and restoration of personal confidence, self esteem, communication skills, leadership and trust. For people with challenging behaviour for example, horses offer a powerful medium for restoring a sense of personal control, which significantly improves behaviour towards family, teachers and friends.
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PHOENIX
Born: 2009
Breed: Kaimanawa
Height: 14hh
Colour: Chestnut
Kindly Sponsored By:
Annette Wilson
​Phoenix joined us in May 2015. He was mustered out of the wild in May 2014 and competed at Equidays and Horse of the Year in the Kaimanawa Heritage Horses Stallion Challenge. He has a very kind but mischievous nature and has fitted in to the team and RDA life extremely well.
EDDIE
​Born: 2003
Breed: NZ Bush Pony
Height: 14.2hh
Colour: Palomino
Kindly Sponsored By:
Beverly Forrester & Noelene Quedley
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Eddie came to RDA early in 2022 on loan from our coach. He originates from the hills of East cape, a genuine New Zealand bush pony. A big horse with short legs, Eddie is the kindest, try hard horse you will ever meet. He loves an adventure through the forest, and especially loves a swim at the beach.
MISSIE
Born: 2005
Breed: Quarter horse/Appaloosa/Tobiano Paint
Height: 15.2hh
Colour: Paint
Kindly Sponsored By:
Rhonda Cope
Missie has striking markings and a very gentle nature to boot. Missie has previously competed in dressage, show jumping, and been shown in hand. Missie came to us through the generosity of one of our volunteers in November 2016.
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Watch this space - new horses coming soon
INDI
Born: 2005
Breed: Station bred
Height: 14.3hh
Colour: Paint
Kindly Sponsored By:
Indi arrived in September 2019. Before starting her life with us, she had competed at pony club and been an amazing hunter up to a couple of years ago when she had her foal. Indie has a beautiful, soft and giving nature. She is proving to be a bit hit with our clients.
MELLOW
Born: 2016
Breed: Gypsy Cobb cross
Height: 14.2hh
Colour: Black
Kindly Sponsored By:
Alison Main
Mellow arrived on lease to NSRDA in 2024. He is the strong, sensitive type and tackles his duties with ease. Mellow enjoys getting out and about, jumping and going to the beach with his owner on his days off from RDA.
CRUISE
Born: 2010
Breed: Welsh cross
Height: 13.2hh
Colour: Bay
Kindly Sponsored By:
Deryl Monks
Cruise was bought for NSRDA in 2024 from his generous owner. He has been a great lead rein pony for a six year old as well as taking part in pony club and competing at ribbon days.