Eastern Bay of Plenty Riding for the Disabled

Eastern Bay of Plenty Riding for the Disabled RDA is a non-profit organisation. We provide therapeutic riding sessions for people with disabilities Our riding clients range from pre-schools to 58 yrs.

Eastern Bay Of Plenty Riding For The Disabled is a part of a long established voluntary organisation and generous community support it can continue to deliver a wonderful service to the community. they benefit from fun filled and challenging therapeutic riding programme specifically designed for each rider. The Programmes help children and adults with disabilities to develop a love of horse ridin

g while gaining self-confidence, social skills and physical strength. Whakatane and surrounding EBOP area schools, IHC and community services are just some of the people who benefit from our activities. Branches of RDA are now well established & respected worldwide. There are 54 branches in NZ. EBOP RDA is affiliated to the NZRDA national office in Wellington.

🐴 Something new every week at EBOP RDA 🐴At EBOP RDA, no two sessions are ever quite the same 🐎✨We are always finding new...
28/05/2026

🐴 Something new every week at EBOP RDA 🐴

At EBOP RDA, no two sessions are ever quite the same 🐎✨

We are always finding new ways to support our riders, including:
🎯 introducing new games in the saddle
βš–οΈ trying different balance and movement challenges
🐴 adapting activities so every rider can take part in their own way

Sometimes it looks like
🌟 a rider leading a pony for the first time
🌈 completing a full lap with growing confidence
πŸ’« discovering a brand new skill in a fun activity

Every session brings something fresh, building skills and confidence in new ways each week!

Reach more riders, change more lives πŸ’™

🐴 Trained hands, caring Hearts 🐴At EBOP RDA, our coaches and volunteers are trained to safely support riders with a rang...
25/05/2026

🐴 Trained hands, caring Hearts 🐴

At EBOP RDA, our coaches and volunteers are trained to safely support riders with a range of physical disabilities 🀝🐎

This includes helping with balance, mobility, posture, and safe mounting and dismounting βš–

Every rider is supported in a way that matches their individual needs, so they can learn, grow, and enjoy their time in the saddle with confidence 🌟🐴

It’s a team effort built on care, training, and trust πŸ’«

Reach more riders, change more lives πŸ’™

🐴 Happy Weekend from EBOP RDA 🐴Wishing everyone a great weekend ahead from our whānau to yours 🌞🐎Thank you to our ponies...
22/05/2026

🐴 Happy Weekend from EBOP RDA 🐴

Wishing everyone a great weekend ahead from our whānau to yours 🌞🐎

Thank you to our ponies and volunteers, we know they will enjoy a well deserved rest 🌿

Take care, enjoy the little moments, and we’ll see you next week in the arena πŸ΄πŸ’« Where a little bit of magic always happens ✨

Reach more riders, change more lives πŸ’™

🐴 EBOP RDA: community powered 🐴EBOP RDA receives very limited government funding, so we rely heavily on grants, donation...
19/05/2026

🐴 EBOP RDA: community powered 🐴

EBOP RDA receives very limited government funding, so we rely heavily on grants, donations, and the generosity of our community 🀝 🐎

We work hard year round to raise funds, from community events to favourite pony rides that many will know and love πŸ’«πŸ΄

Our goal is simple: keep costs as low as possible for families, so more riders can access our programme and experience the benefits of riding πŸ’™

Every dollar raised helps us reach more riders and create more life changing moments in the saddle and sparks a ripple effect of confidence, growth, and positive change that extends well beyond the arena 🌟

If you are able to support us, you are helping change lives one ride at a time 🐴✨

🐴 NZRDA fun facts & real moments 🌿 πŸ΄πŸ‡³πŸ‡Ώ NZRDA has 40+ regional groups, from Northland to Southland, each shaped by its lo...
16/05/2026

🐴 NZRDA fun facts & real moments 🌿 🐴

πŸ‡³πŸ‡Ώ NZRDA has 40+ regional groups, from Northland to Southland, each shaped by its local community and riders

🐎 In many centres, volunteers outnumber staff, meaning one rider’s session might involve a coach, leader, and sidewalkers all working together 🀝

🎯 Some riders start with simple goals like sitting calmly on the horse, then progress to steering, games, or riding independently over time

πŸ₯• At many groups, horses know the routine so well they β€œline up” at the gate ready for their next rider

😊 It’s not unusual to see a rider who was once hesitant now laughing, leading their pony, or calling out instructions with confidence

✨ Every centre, every ride, every small win adds up to something life changing 🐴

Reach more riders, change more lives πŸ’™

🐴 Morning sunshine! 🐴Roses are red 🌹EBOP RDA is blue πŸ’™Ponies are patient 😊and carrots get chewed πŸ₯•Wobble then giggle βš–οΈπŸ˜„...
13/05/2026

🐴 Morning sunshine! 🐴

Roses are red 🌹
EBOP RDA is blue πŸ’™

Ponies are patient 😊
and carrots get chewed πŸ₯•

Wobble then giggle βš–οΈπŸ˜„
steady and true

One lap is done πŸ‡
look what you can do ✨

πŸ’πŸ΄ Happy Mother’s Day from EBOP RDA 🐴 πŸ’Today we celebrate all the amazing mums in our EBOP Riding for the Disabled commu...
09/05/2026

πŸ’πŸ΄ Happy Mother’s Day from EBOP RDA 🐴 πŸ’

Today we celebrate all the amazing mums in our EBOP Riding for the Disabled community 🌷

Mums who are coaches πŸ‘©β€πŸ«
Guiding riders with patience, skill, and heart

Mums who are volunteers πŸ™Œ
Giving their time, energy, and kindness to make every ride possible

Mums who are parents of riders πŸ’™
Cheering every small win, every brave moment, every smile in the saddle 🐴

You are the steady hands, the quiet support, and the loudest cheer squad all in one 🌟

Thank you for everything you do, in and out of the arena πŸ’βœ¨

Happy Mother’s Day πŸ’™πŸ΄

🐴 Riding, play & everyday skills 🐴Did you know? Horse riding, along with simple games like throwing and catching helps b...
08/05/2026

🐴 Riding, play & everyday skills 🐴

Did you know? Horse riding, along with simple games like throwing and catching helps build hand–eye coordination? πŸ‘€πŸ–οΈ

These skills carry over into daily life, helping with things like writing ✍️, getting dressed πŸ‘•πŸ‘–, and playing sports βš½πŸ€πŸƒ

✨ What happens in the saddle can make a real difference beyond it 🐎

Reach more riders, change more lives πŸ’™

🐴 Why horse riding helps the brain & body 🐴Research shows that horse riding (= hippotherapy) isn’t just enjoyable, it ha...
05/05/2026

🐴 Why horse riding helps the brain & body 🐴

Research shows that horse riding (= hippotherapy) isn’t just enjoyable, it has real physical and neurological benefits πŸ’™

Here’s a simple breakdown πŸ‘‡

βš–οΈ Improves balance & posture
The horse’s movement mimics how we walk, gently challenging the rider to stay centred and upright helping improve balance and core strength

πŸ”„ Stimulates the brain
The rhythmic, repetitive motion sends constant sensory signals to the brain, helping improve coordination, body awareness, and motor control

🧠 Supports neurological development
Used in therapy for conditions like cerebral palsy, autism, stroke, and multiple sclerosis, riding can help improve movement patterns and daily function

πŸ’ͺ Builds strength & control
Research shows improvements in muscle tone, posture, and overall motor skills through regular riding sessions

😊 Boosts confidence & wellbeing
Beyond the physical, riders often gain confidence, emotional connection, and motivation β€” which supports overall progress ()

✨ While research is still growing, many studies show positive effects especially for balance, coordination, and functional movement.

Small movements on the horse can create big changes in the body and brain 🐎

Change more lives, reach more riders πŸ’™

🐴 Tailored goals, meaningful progress 🐴At EBOP Riding for the Disabled, every rider’s journey is unique πŸ’™ Our coach desi...
03/05/2026

🐴 Tailored goals, meaningful progress 🐴

At EBOP Riding for the Disabled, every rider’s journey is unique πŸ’™ Our coach design sessions to support individual goals and celebrate every step forward πŸ™Œ

Each session can help riders:
β€’ πŸ–οΈ Develop fine motor skills through rein control & coordination
β€’ βš–οΈ Improve balance and core strength in the saddle
β€’ 🧠 Build focus, body awareness, and independence
β€’ πŸ’ͺ Grow confidence and self-belief in a supportive environment

Horse riding offers more than physical benefits, it nurtures emotional wellbeing and creates powerful moments of achievement 🌈

Small wins in the arena lead to big confidence in everyday life 🐎

Reach more riders, change more lives πŸ’™

Address

2 Awatapu Drive
Whakatane
3120

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 1pm
Tuesday 9am - 1pm
Wednesday 9am - 1pm
Thursday 9am - 1pm

Telephone

+6473084460

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Eastern Bay of Plenty Riding for the Disabled posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category