Hastings Riding for the Disabled

04/10/2026

Small acts of kindness can make a big difference.

A heartfelt thank you to Z Windsor petrol station and their in the Hood initiative for choosing Hastings Riding for Disabled, , Hawkes Bay and Charitable Trust for its community token initiative. Every customer who placed a token in one of the bins helped support a local charity, and on Friday, we each received a certificate recognising the value of the tokens collected.

It was also a wonderful opportunity to share why initiatives like this matter so much. While grants often fund specific projects or equipment, charities depend on community support to cover the everyday costs of keeping our services running. Every token is a simple act of kindness that helps us continue supporting the people in our community who rely on us.

Our sincere thanks to Hamish and Rachel Waddington for orchestrating this initiative through their petrol stations, and to every customer who took the time to place a token. Your generosity helps keep vital day-to-day services going.

Next time you see a community token bin, remember: your small choice can create a lasting impact.

11/09/2026

Thank you to Z Good in the Hood for choosing Hastings Riding for the Disabled to be one of your charities at the Z Station in Heretaunga Street East. Our volunteers enjoyed chatting with customers this morning.

28/08/2026

We wish to acknowledge the recent passing of Coleen Davy and recognise her many years of generous support for Hastings Riding for the Disabled.
Coleen first supported the organisation when it was known as Riding for the Disabled Northern Hawke’s Bay Group, then run by Mary Short at her riding stables on Railway Road. She helped raise funds by organising Country and Western concerts in Heretaunga Street as part of the Blossom Parade celebrations.
Coleen reconnected with Hastings RDA in 2009, when she offered to organise street collections on our behalf. Her efforts helped support our fundraising work and strengthened our connection with the wider community.
Coleen later became a member of Hastings RDA and regularly attended AGMs and volunteers’ Christmas parties. In the early 2020s, she was honoured as a Life Member in recognition of her longstanding contribution.
In 2016, Coleen gifted the Coleen Davey Shield for the Most Improved Rider of the Year, creating a lasting tribute to the riders she supported and encouraged.

26/08/2026

Yesterday we had a special morning tea to celebrate Doug’s special birthday. Have a wonderful day today and we thank you for all you contribute to our Group.

21/08/2026

17/08/2026

🙌 Every milestone is worth celebrating.

Riding Helps Jack tackle everyday adventures.

🐴It's Not Just Pony Rides in Paddocks.

Every therapeutic riding session is carefully planned to help Jack build balance, coordination and confidence that supports him well beyond the arena.

Because success isn't measured by how well Jack rides a horse - it's measured by the independence he gains every day.

🌐 Discover more at www.rda.org.nz

17/08/2026

Kate is only three years old, but every therapeutic riding session is helping shape her future. 💫

Living with cerebral palsy, Kate is building the strength, balance and stability she needs to take her next steps with greater confidence. Every session is carefully designed to support her development and help her reach her full potential.

For Kate and her family, these aren't just small milestones they're moments of hope. Every achievement today creates more opportunities for tomorrow.

It's not just pony rides in paddocks.

🌐 Learn more about the life-changing impact of therapeutic riding at www.rda.org.nz

29/07/2026

Yesterday at a special morning tea, we were proud to present an award to honour one of our long-serving and dedicated members.
Our President presented the award to Ruth Holmes in recognition of more than 20 years of outstanding contribution, commitment and hard work. Organisations and charities like ours rely on the dedication of people who tirelessly give their time and energy to keep us running — and Ruth has been one of those people for over two decades.
Her dedication, generosity of time and steady support have made a lasting difference, and we are truly grateful.
Thank you, Ruth for everything you have given and continue to give to Hastings Riding for Disabled. This award is a small but heartfelt way of saying how much we value you.
Please join us in congratulating Ruth! 🎉 👏

28/06/2026

23/06/2026

A huge shoutout to the incredible team from Stantec in Hastings who recently rolled up their sleeves to help transform our grounds and refresh our water troughs! We're so grateful for their time and energy, which has helped us maintain a thriving environment for our riders and horses to flourish. 🐴💧
To learn more about their work, check out their website www.stantec.com