Our Riders come from a variety of sources – special needs units within schools, private clients, referrals by GPs, OTs or other health specialists.

Riding Programmes: Each Rider has their own individualised short and long term goals that they are riding towards. Before riding begins, a Rider must:

• Sign an agreement that allows them to ride, which includes a parent/legal guardians consent
• Have a doctor complete and RDA Medical Consent form
• Undergo an initial assessment – this may require the input of a therapist in some cases.

South Auckland Riding for the Disabled caters for children and adults who:

• are physically challenged with cerebral palsy, spina bifida, paraplegia, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, traumatic brain injury, or stroke
• have visual and hearing impairment
• have intellectual disabilities or multiple disabilities; or
• have learning disabilities
• have medical conditions effecting their quality of life

Achievements / Benefits: Our Riders attend riding to achieve a specific goal, whether it is therapeutic, educational, sporting or recreational.
Riding develops, improves and promotes:

• balance and co-ordination, posture and muscle tone
• concentration, confidence, self-discipline and self-esteem
• perception and spatial awareness
• communication and social skills
• independence and encourages decision making