Rotorua Horse Riders Set To Enjoy New Indoor Arena

Rotorua Horse Riders Set To Enjoy New Indoor Arena

Learning how to ride Nugget the horse has given Rotorua 10 year-old Edward Haynes some of the happiest moments of his life.

His weekly lessons, courtesy of the Rotorua District Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), have seen him grow in self-confidence, relax and have fun.

“He just loves it,” says his mum, Suzie. “He gets a smile on his face that’s just so shiny, so full of joy when he’s on the horse. He’s also learnt how to care for it and has formed a real attachment.”

Suzie first heard about RDA through an Autism New Zealand coffee group. Her son was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in 2007.

“He finds it difficult to read people’s facial expressions. And kids with autism often hold onto their frustrations and find it hard to let things go.

“But the moment he gets on that horse and starts riding he forgets about those frustrations and just enjoys himself.”

Horse therapy benefits

Riding for the Disabled helps people with physical, intellectual, emotional and social challenges to develop their confidence, independence and a sense of well-being through horse riding and horse care.

The Rotorua District is one of 56 RDA member groups nationwide, and has been operating since 1978.

Riding therapy sessions cater for a wide range of people – those with autism, cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis, down syndrome, hearing and visual impairments, muscular dystrophy and spinal cord injuries, just to name a few.

While on the horse, riders are encouraged to practice their physical co-ordination and verbal skills. Edward often practices throwing balls through a basketball hoop or balancing other objects in one hand while he rides.

Edward is one of 85 children who currently enjoy therapeutic horse riding sessions in Rotorua. And soon those children will have a brand new riding arena to look forward to.

Edward Haynes riding at Rotorua District RDA

All-weather facility

Rotorua RDA Trustee Jo-Anne La Grouw says work to build an Olympic-sized covered equestrian arena and administration block will begin in February 2015 after a two year fundraising effort.

BayTrust has contributed $30,000 towards the $1.1 million project which will be built on a new site in Ngongotaha.

“Our present arena is on Transit-owned land next to Rotorua Airport. Not only do Transit need that land back, but the runway at the airport has been extended so planes come down lower now which frightens both our children and the horses.”

Instead, Rotorua District RDA has signed a 20 year lease on a beautiful 17 acre block “right on the lakefront” in Ngongotaha.

“We have never had an indoor arena in Rotorua. Often during the winter months the children only get two out of their 10 rides because of bad weather,” Jo-Anne explains.

“You can see the children’s progress going backwards when they miss just one session, so this new facility will be wonderful.”

The Rotorua District RDA operates on a school term basis and plans to hire out its new covered arena to other equestrian groups when it’s not in use.

“To have that extra cash flow available from BayTrust to help with the day-to-day running of our organization will be great. We’re all really looking forward to this new facility.”

The post Rotorua Horse Riders Set To Enjoy New Indoor Arena appeared first onBayTrust.org.nz.

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