Hastings Group Riding for the Disabled

17/06/2026

Today we recognise another valued Committee member – Angie 🌟
Angie has been volunteering with Hastings RDA for over 10 years and has served on our Committee for the past 8 years.
She has always had a passion for helping children with disabilities. Her journey with RDA began when her friend Shona Brown invited her to assist with artwork for promotional material, fitting, as Angie is a talented artist. When the opportunity arose, she stepped into volunteering and has been making a difference ever since.
Angie loves seeing the positive impact riding has on our riders. As you can see in this photo, she is engaging with one of our riders, Willow, who follows Angie’s “walk on” instruction using her hands as a cue for the horse, great teamwork in action 🐴
She also values the friendships and connections with fellow volunteers, and is proud to support such an important charity.
Angie plays a key role in leading our fundraising efforts, alongside a dedicated group of volunteers. We are so grateful not only for Angie’s commitment, but also for those who support her work and everyone who generously donates.
Thank you, Angie – your creativity, dedication, and heart make a huge difference 💙

16/06/2026

We are incredibly grateful for every member of our Committee – all volunteers who give their time, energy, and heart to Hastings RDA. And just as importantly, we value those working quietly behind the scenes. Their contribution is just as vital as the smiling faces you see on riding days 💙
Liz is a wonderful example of both. She began volunteering just over three years ago after riding with a group from RDA and hearing how volunteers were needed, so she took the initiative to approach her employer and rearrange her work schedule so she could come and help on a regular basis 🐴 And then there’s her partner, Chris…Liz thought volunteering could be something they shared together. Chris came along, picked up a few tools, and quickly became our go to handyman and helps in the paddocks! As it turns out, they rarely spend time side by side – Liz is always busy with the horses, and Chris is never short of jobs around the grounds. Chris joined the Committee in his first year, and Liz followed in her second.
Together, they truly represent the heart of RDA – people who quietly step up, pitch in, and make a meaningful difference in so many ways.
Thank you, Liz and Chris – we are so lucky to have you both 🌟

15/06/2026

Today, we’d like to give a special shout-out to Jacqui, whose commitment to RDA spans many years and communities. 💙🐴
Jacqui began volunteering with Wellington RDA in 2010, followed by three years with Auckland Central RDA (2019–2022), and she’s been part of the Hastings RDA whānau since August 2022. She also volunteered in Australia at Collingwood Children’s Farm from 2014–2018—what an incredible journey!
Jacqui says RDA has been a wonderful way to connect with like-minded people wherever she’s lived, something she truly values. She especially loves seeing riders grow in confidence, build strength, and achieve their goals.
Now in her second year on our Committee as Secretary, we are so grateful for everything Jacqui brings to our team and our riders.
Thank you, Jacqui—you make a real difference… and it even shows in the photo, as you’re perfectly in step with Amber! ✨🐴

12/06/2026

It was lovely to see Dzidra from Boutique Horse Treks this week. Dzidra generously donated Whinny to Hastings RDA about 18 months ago. Whinny is a beautiful horse with a gentle temperament, perfect for RDA and loved by her riders 🐴❤️Boutique Horse Treks are based in Clive, Hawke's Bay and I recently joined Dzirda on one of her coastal rides. A fantastic afternoon and highly recommended 🐴

08/06/2026

We’re so lucky to have such an incredible team of volunteers—and today we celebrated one of the very best! 🎉
Happy birthday, Elaine, 21 again! Your positivity, kindness, and love for both people and horses make you an absolute joy to be around. You give so much of yourself here at Hastings RDA, and then head off to the DHB to keep giving even more—what an amazing contribution to our community.
We’re so grateful for everything you do, Elaine. 🥰🐴

01/06/2026

22/04/2026

Diving lessons anyone? 😂

Well this week has not been the start to term we were hoping for 🥲 let’s hope next week brings lots of sunshine 🌞

17/04/2026

We’re ready for an amazing Term 2 starting Monday 20th April! 🎉 While our riders were recharging, our incredible volunteers have been hard at work, transforming our grounds, grooming our horses, and upskilling with autism training. Red shone bright with a sparkling dental check and WOF, a new pony Rory arrived and will undergo a program with Sarah to see if he's the perfect match for our RDA riders, and Tonto indulged in a rejuvenating massage. 💆‍♀️ We're looking forward to seeing you next week 🌟

08/04/2026

A huge thank you to St Andrew's Limes and Six Barrel Soda Co. for allowing Hastings Riding for the Disabled to have their last day of the gorgeous raffle at your 1st birthday party.
Congratulations to our winner Bruce McGhie with Red Ticket E040 ❤️

07/02/2026

The awesome raffle prize 😀