Kia Ora, my name is Suzi.

I have been part of RDA since I arrived in New Zealand in 2012 and part of the Wellington Group since 2017. I gained my Assistant Coach in 2018. After volunteering on a Tuesday and then Thursday I have been enjoying coaching on a Thursday since the start of the year.

Having gained a BSc in Animal Health and Welfare, specialising in Equine and then completing my Post graduate Diploma in Primary teaching in Scotland, I soon discovered RDA combines my two passions in life. Working alongside our committed volunteers and facilitating the use of our wonderful horses, using their 3-dimensional movement, versatility and adaptability to enable our incredible riders to reach goals, achieve a greater independence and see such improvements in their balance, co-ordination, strength and self-esteem is as rewarding as it gets.

Being a small part of the move to our ‘Big Red Shed’ and working with such a great team of people here is a privilege, I never stop learning and developing as a Coach and feel lucky to have so much fun, friendship and laughter (sorry Donna…!!) in the process.

In my other life, my little family and I live with our 2 dogs, rabbit and cows enjoying the great outdoors, bushwalking, beach walking, growing food and nothing beats a good get together with friends on the weekend! Our home is also fast becoming the summer holiday spot for some of our ponies to rest and relax during their extended downtime, you never know… I may even persuade my husband that having another horse of my own is not such a bad thing!!