Fourteenth Local Legends Grant Winners

Congratulations to our Fourteenth Local Legends Grant Winner – Tauranga Riding for the Disabled!

With an impressive number of votes we are so excited to announce that Tauranga RDA is the recipient of our $5,000 Local Legends Grant.

Tauranga RDA provides equestrian therapy programmes for children from our community challenged by disability. Each week they provide life changing opportunities to 144 riders in their community. The programmes are designed to develop and nurture confidence, independence and well-being and provide life skills through professionally supervised therapeutic horse riding, horse care and interaction with horses. The goal is to assist clients achieve their goals and enable them to participate as members of their community.

As the largest Riding for the Disabled centre in New Zealand, Tauranga RDA has helped many riders achieve goals beyond what they thought possible. Their vision is that “every person is supported to live life to their full potential”. Over 20 horses reside on their beautiful 15 acre facility that includes an indoor and outdoor arena for lessons and training. With an on-site physiotherapist, each rider is assessed and carefully matched to a horse that will cater to their specific needs. The grant will go towards operational costs and helping them to keep costs down allowing them to heavily subsidise rider fees. Whether it is improving strength and coordination, social interaction or gaining confidence – the wonderful staff and volunteers at Tauranga RDA have helped thousands of riders for almost 50 years (fun fact – they will actually be celebrating their 50th Anniversary next year)!

Jo Grace, the fundraising and marketing manager says “a big thank you to everyone who took the time to vote for us online and instore. Your support will help us help so many in need within our community. Lastly a big thank you to Tauranga Crossing for giving back to our community.”

To learn more about the Tauranga RDA and the programmes they offer you can visit their website here, or you can donate here.