Whanganui Riding for the Disabled

11/06/2026

Pō Marie,

Whanganui RDA would like to acknowledge the recent passing of a much loved member of our whānau Tracy Hutchins. Tracy and her daughter Sapphire both volunteered and worked tirelessly for Whanganui RDA, particularly during the final months of operation in 2025/2026. We are forever grateful for their dedication and work ethic towards our organisation, we know the special place RDA, the Riders and their families and of course the horses held in Tracy’s heart. We share this news with the blessing of Tracy’s immediate family and we ask that you respect their privacy during this time.
If any of our extended RDA whānau have any photos of Tracy at RDA they would like to share please send these through to us on messenger so we can pass them onto her loved ones.

Ngā Mihi Nui

Whanganui RDA Board

04/06/2026

Notice of Whanganui RDA AGM 2026

06/04/2026

A great idea for a school holiday activity

**FULLY BOOKED** THANK YOU !

It’s school holiday time so that means our famous pony rides are on this Thursday from 10.30am to 12.30pm. All funds raised will go towards the ongoing costs of our equine therapy team.

$15 per ride, lasting about 10-12 minutes and consisting of inside and outside arena activities on horseback. Not limited to RDA riders - this event is open to all horse-loving kids!

Helmets and helpers will be provided. Pony rides are in our indoor arena at 248 Awahuri Road Feilding so will be on rain or shine.

As always, message or comment down below to book.

21/03/2026

An update from the Board of Whanganui RDA. Arohamai to those who saw the original post and thought this might mean we are closing down for good, we can assure you the Board remain committed to the Strategic Planning process and look forward to the future of Whanganui RDA.

27/02/2026

Kia Ora koutou,

Earlier in the week the Board met to begin our Strategic Planning process. It was great to come together with an external facilitator and support from NZRDA to talk about the future and possibilities for Whanganui RDA. We are scheduled to meet again in March to continue to build on this vision and will then be looking to have Stakeholder engagement following on from this. Thank you for patience and continued support.

Kind Regards,

The Board of Whanganui RDA

22/01/2026

Mōrena,

WRDA is currently in hiatus while we develop a sustainable strategic plan to continue providing therapy services to the disability sector. We wish to clarify that WRDA is not affiliated with, and does not have a working relationship with, EquiAchieve. We do, however, take this opportunity to acknowledge the valuable work that EquiAchieve does with people and horses.

We regret any confusion that yesterday’s post may have caused and unreservedly apologise for that confusion.

Ngā Mihi
Whanganui Riding for the Disabled Board

01/12/2025

Belle is a cute girl who has found her special rider! We wish them both much happiness.

01/12/2025

Scooby has found his whanau. He will thrive in his new home.

01/12/2025

Hadleigh has found his home and that is a wrap. All our beautiful horses have wonderful homes.

13/11/2025

💚 Important Update from Whanganui Riding for the Disabled 💚

It is with heavy hearts that the Board of Whanganui Riding for the Disabled shares that, after careful consideration, we will be ceasing operations in our current form.

Since 1973, Whanganui RDA has proudly served our community — providing therapeutic riding opportunities that have made a real difference in the lives of so many riders and their families.

The post-COVID environment has been incredibly challenging, and despite our best efforts to adapt and fundraise, we have faced ongoing financial losses. Sadly, continuing under our current structure is no longer viable. To give Whanganui RDA the best chance to reset and rebuild for the future, we must make the difficult decision to pause operations now before further losses occur.

We believe in our future — and we believe that with time, renewed support, and community strength, rebuilding is possible.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to everyone who has supported us over the years — our amazing volunteers, staff, funders, local businesses, riders, and families. You have made Whanganui RDA what it is today.

As we take this time to pause, reflect, and rebuild, we remain deeply grateful for our community’s ongoing support. This may be the end of one chapter, but it opens the door to new beginnings.

Together, we look forward to the day we can once again serve our riders and transform lives through the healing power of horses.