Making a positive difference.
We offer specialised therapeutic horse riding through a range of tailored programmes for people living with physical, intellectual, emotional and social challenges.
NZRDA is a member association made up of over 50 local RDA groups who are in local communities throughout New Zealand.
South Auckland RDA Group is a small, Drury-based group operating on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday during school terms. We cater for riders from 2 years old through to adults.
The core purpose of NZRDA is to provide interaction with horses to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for people experiencing disability, or who have specific challenges or needs.
We aim to enable and support disabled people to achieve good lives including meaningful participation in, and contribution to, important life activities and roles in their community.
History of SARDA
South Auckland Riding for the Disabled (known as SARDA) was established in 1972 at Croft House in Ramarama. In the early 1980’s Croft House was moved to East Tamaki, so we had a temporary home at Waihoehoe Road before securing a lease on “left over” motorway land from Franklin District Council, where we are situated now in Mercer St, Drury.
The first riding session on this property was held on 15 September 1982. There was a derelict cottage, a little hay shed and the steel shed we had brought with us which was a gift from the Papakura Army Camp’s Sergeants Mess. We had to install all internal fencing, gates and troughs to make the land useable and in May 1984 a bridge was built across the Hingaia Stream to link both sides of the property – this bridge has since been replaced (in 2020).
A fenced arena and toilet block were added and in 1985 the covered yards were built. In 1990/91 Drury Rotary Club managed the building of the clubrooms using funds that the group had raised for that purpose. I believe that was the start of a wonderful relationship with Drury Rotary, who continue to support us to this day.
SARDA is an Incorporated Society with charitable status and we are affiliated to New Zealand Riding for the Disabled with 50+ groups nationwide. Great celebrations were held last year to commemorate our 50th anniversary, with a visit from the Princess Royal, Princess Anne who is our Patron.
In 2017 SARDA was struggling to remain viable with questions asked whether the group should take a recess. At that time there were two riding days, Tuesdays and Thursdays, with a total of 16 riders. In early 2018 there was a change of personnel and with that change came a new vision and in 2019 we employed our first paid employee. We now have four part time paid employees with SARDA being open three days a week, with up to 54 riders enrolled. Unfortunately, we haven’t been running at full capacity as we recover from the pandemic with a drop off in volunteers, but our numbers are slowly rebuilding.
New Zealand Riding for the Disabled has a vision “Reaching more riders, changing more lives”. That is why we are here, because we make a difference in the riders and their families’ lives. We help with their physical mobility, building core strength and balance, development of social skills, and so much more . . . and everything, including learning, is so much more fun on a horse!
Meet the team
Lyn
Dotty
Shana
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Lyn is married to Don and has two children, Geraldine and Jonathan. Lyn has lived in the Drury/Ramarama area for 22 years and has been involved in the Ramarama School PTA and was an elected member onto the School Board. Before children, Lyn worked for the NZ Trade Development Board (TRADENZ) in an administration role.Her past passion was netball, reaching representative level and coaching for many years. She also has a passion for all animals and whilst admiring horses has always kept her distance, until now….Lyn first became aware of Riding for the Disabled through other Ramarama school mums and then suggested her daughter volunteer for work experience as part of a diploma with Unitec. She was asked by her daughter to attend one day in November 2017 in desperation due to a shortage of volunteers, and has never left. It wasn’t long before there was a vacancy on the committee for a secretary which she put her hand up to help. Two years later she became President. “I could see a need in the committee at the time and had been looking for an opportunity to becoming involved in the local community, after stepping down from a role as a Sports Co-ordinator at a local College. I have loved the challenge of revitalising the group and am fortunate enough to have time to give. The mix of people you meet in this environment is rich and being a member of a great team is very important to me”.
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I’d always known about RDA, but with a busy career and an erratic work/life schedule I’d never been able to commit on a regular basis.
In 2017 we had surplus hay on our farm - I contacted SARDA to donate 50 bales. There were rides running on the day I arrived to deliver the hay . . . and the rest, as they say, is history!
I have been a rider for most of my life, enjoying all sorts of disciplines, with a focus on hunting. I still ride and have horses of my own at home - Gilligan, Asha, Pavi, Marco.
RDA is the perfect place for me - with a background in paramedicine and equine vet nursing combined with my great love of horses and children it’s like a custom made role.
I love working with the horses, the riders and the volunteer team. SARDA is a great place to be, the atmosphere is super friendly and relaxed. We are all passionate about providing the best experience for our riders. -
My love for horses started at the age of 5, a passion that has continued right through to my own daughter and still does.
When the opportunity arose with South Auckland RDA to work with both horses and children it was then that I realised not only did I enjoy the horses, I also had a strong desire to help bring joy to these lovely riders.
It amazes me every day how much of an impact we have on our riders and how much enrichment I've gained in my own life from them.
Find out a bit more about our team…
What we get up to SARDA
South Auckland Riding for Disabled changes lives one ride at a time
Meet our ponies!
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Arnie
Sex: Gelding | Born: 1999 | Height: 13hh
Colour: Chestnut | Breed: Welsh
Arnie first came to SARDA in July of 2018 from Pukekawa. Before he came to us he was used as a Pony Club mount where he enjoyed dressage, jumping and games. Arnie loved taking his young rider along for rides to help out on the sheep and beef farm he used to live on. Arnie has loads of personality and enthusiasm. He loves to go for a run around his paddock and watch our rides over the fence when he's relaxing! -
Clarence
Sex: Gelding | Born: 2000 | Height: 14.3hh
Colour: Brown and white Pinto
Breed:Gisborne Station Bred
Before Clarence came to SARDA in September of 2020 he was being used as a hacking horse. During this time his eye was injured by the thorns of a barbary hedge, which damaged his eye beyond repair. Clarence does a fantastic job of living with his disability! He loves to be in charge of the other horses, and eats enough to rival Rocky's appetite. He works in our Education and Sports & Recreation programs. -
Minion
Sex: Gelding | Born: 2006 | Height: 11.3hh
Colour: Chestnut with flaxen mane and tail
Breed: X Breed
Minion is one of our smallest ponies, but he makes up for it with a huge personality! He loves running around in his paddock and showing off with plenty of bucking and kicking. Before he came to SARDA in May of 2019 he used to help teach children to ride. He loves to snack on any available grass, but can get fat just off the smell alone! He is a favourite among our volunteers who love how adorable he is, which he uses to his advantage to get away with being naughty and getting extra snacks! -
Muddy
Sex: Mare | Born: 1999 | Height: 13.1hh
Colour: Buckskin | Breed: Welsh/ Arab
Before Muddy came to SARDA in January of 2021 she had a career as a show pony and then went on to be a broodmare,having four or five beautiful foals. She has quite the personality, and is often a bit of a diva, especially when someone is trying to pat her on the nose! Her in-built clock tells her exactly when the 45 minute ride is over and she is happy to let her leader and rider know. -
Rocky (aka Rock Star)
Sex: Gelding | Born: 2002 | Height: 14.3hh
Colour: Bay | Breed: Gisborne Bred X
Rocky first came to SARDA in April of 2018. In his past he was used for Pony Club and as a trekking horse, which is where he gets his cruisy, bombproof attitude from. He enjoys being the big man of the property, and loves posing for photos! He enjoys his food, and will eat anything and everything, which shows, because it's often joked that riding him is like sitting on a couch as he is so wide. He's always the first to finish his dinner, and asks for seconds by picking up his bucket and waving it around. -
Henry
Sex: Gelding | Born: 2000 | Height: 15.2hh Colour: Golden Dun Breed: Gisborne Station Bred X
Henry came to SARDA in October 2023 after a long life following hounds and being a hunter.
He is the most reliable, easy-going horse who loves people and is especially gentle around children.
If you have a carrot he will be your best friend as he loves food - and can be quite bossy around other horses.
Henry enjoys being brushed and groomed and a little scratch behind his ears is his favourite! -
Felix
Sex: Gelding | Born: 2010 | Height: 14hh
Colour: Bay | Breed: Kaimanawa Heritage Horse
Felix is a charming and cheeky brown pony! He always has a twinkle in his eye and a mischievous look on his face, but in fact is very well behaved! Mustered from the Central Plateau as a yearling he came to know life as a fun Pony Club mount before he came to SARDA in 2023. Felix loves his work here and loves hanging out with his other horsey mates.