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Wellington Riding for the Disabled Celebrated 50 years of service to the Greater Wellington region at its home at Battle Hill Farm Forest 

Park on Sunday 26th November 2023. An afternoon tea was held with over 100 attendees representing past and present riders, supporters and volunteers.  Photos from the last 50 years were shared along side videos of the recent visit of HRH the Princess Royal and the FEI ride showcasing the RDA programmes.  Paula Tesoriero, CE of the Ministry of Disabled People, opened the celebrations and parent Stephen Preston also spoke on the value of the service in the development and outcomes for his twin boys and how much it is valued by whanau and caregivers.  

Wellington RDA is one of 49 groups from Kaitaia to Invercargill providing therapeutic horse riding in their communities.

The Group started 50 years ago at Ferndale in Waikanae and on Sunday 3 of the 4 original founders were in attendance.  This made the occasion even more special. The group originally had subgroups in the Ohariu Valley, Hutt Valley and Porirua be

Donna Kennedy (longstanding volunteer) and Mary Mountier (Patron) cut the cake

fore basing itself at Kenepuru Hospital Grounds in the mid 1980's where it remained for over 30 years.  This land was sold for development and the group found itself desperately looking for a new home.  Greater Wellington Regional Council offered land for lease and the Group moved on site in October 2016 and have since built a large, covered riding arena at Battle Hill thanks to the incredible generosity of funders and local supporters and suppliers.  We currently operate 6 days a week with over 80 riders and 12 horses on site.

 

Wellington Riding for the Disabled Celebrated 50 years

 
 
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