Our Horses
RDA gives lucky horses and ponies a new lease in life and career opportunities beyond just standing in the paddock once the kids have grown, or the horses have finished their dressage, show or performance lives.
Horses suitable for RDA work are trialed first, and given plenty of time to settle into their new roles and become familiar with the RDA’s indoor arena complex on Vyner Road, Otatara, before being combined with their riders. It may take as long as six months to get them ready for their new career.
Horses suitable for RDA work come from a variety of backgrounds and pathways, often ex-pony club, riding school or retired high performance horses. But whatever their background, they are the sort of horses who love people and are relatively unflappable.
Owners often lease or donate horses to the RDA, and they are trialed for their suitability before they are integrated into the RDA programs.
“Once they’ve finished their career with us, they are often returned to their previous owners or retired to pasture (in the company of their pony pals).”
The beauty of giving your horse or pony the chance for another lease on life, is it keeps them fit and mentally happy because they are being exercised regularly and have the company of other horses. They thrive.
We are also lucky in that we employ a horse care manager specifically to look after them and meet their daily needs. They are well looked after.
The type of horse most suited to RDA work are those between 13-15 hands, medium or heavier set types, including Gypsy Cobs, Connemaras, or Kaimanawa. However, the RDA Horse Care Team is happy to meet all horses to assess them for their suitability.
If you think you may have a horse or pony suitable for riding work at RDA, please contact RDA on 022 4144 708.
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Wilbur is our 15.2hh Bay Thorough Bred. He is 12 years old and loves rolling in his horse box before every riding session. He is a big smoochy giant that loves treats and cuddles. -
Mr T is a 13.2hh Welsh Grey Gelding. He is 14 years old and has the kindest nature. He loves cuddles and scratches. He is a valuable member of the team. -
Humphrey is a 10hh Dapple Grey Gelding. His is over 20 years old and is our main cart horse. He is a fabulous wee pony who loves carting kids around. -
Miles is a 20 year old 15.3hh bay standard bred. He is a big handsome mane that has a very quiet and cruisy nature. He loves all his riders. -
She is a 20 year old Chestnut Crossbred Mare. She loves talking small children for rides around the arena and outside. She is super fluffy and gorgeous. She loves scratches and carrots. -
TJ is an Arab Welsh X full height pony. He has a lovely nature and enjoys getting scratches and lots of cuddles. He loves his job here at RDA -
Brucie is a black standardbred. He is 17yrs old and 16.1hh.
Brucie is an RDA favorite he is very friendly and affectionate. He loves to have a cuddle and a scratch and really enjoys working with all our riders and volunteers. -
Rocco is a Chestnut English riding pony. He is 12 years old and 13.2hh.
Rocco is one of our youngest ponies and enjoys working with our small riders. He has a very cute face and enjoys eating carrots. -
Rico is a Chestnut 14.1hh pony. He is 20 years old and has spent his life competing at A&P Shows and pony club competitions. He is currently in training and has settled in really well.