Manawatū Riding for the Disabled
Presentation (v 7.3)

Testimonials from parents

Clear physical progress — riders gain strength, balance, coordination and confidence.

Communication breakthroughs — speech, language and engagement often improve, sometimes first seen while riding.

Joy and motivation — riding is a weekly highlight that carries pride and happiness home.

A place of belonging — families value the calm, welcoming and non-judgemental environment.

People make the difference — volunteers, coaches and horses form trusted, consistent relationships.

Essential therapy — for some families, RDA is the only regular therapy available, and the most effective.

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Rider–SA
Weekly riding delivers visible joy and measurable gains in posture, balance and core strength, alongside emerging speech and growing confidence.

Rider–MA
Riding meets her need for movement first, enabling better focus, patience, peer engagement and emotional connection in an environment where she is fully accepted.

Rider–IE
After severe illness and paralysis, riding has proven to be her most impactful rehabilitation, rebuilding strength, control and happiness.

Rider–PN
Parents describe RDA as an all-in-one therapy, combining physical development with remarkable progress in language and communication.

Rider–ZE
As her only consistent weekly therapy, RDA supports physical, cognitive and communication development within a kind and understanding setting.

Rider–GE
Riding has built strength, balance, fine motor skills and independence, while providing routine, pride and a strong sense of community.