For many people in Marlborough, Riding for the Disabled is a place where children, young people and adults with disabilities or additional needs can build confidence, strength, independence and a sense of belonging.
Marlborough MRDA, based at Churchward Park on Taylor Pass Road, provides therapeutic, educational, sport and recreational riding programmes for riders across the region. Its work supports people with a wide range of needs, including physical disabilities, intellectual disabilities, learning and social difficulties, traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy, stroke, Down syndrome, epilepsy, autism, ADHD and more.
Manager Jo Ross says the heart of the organisation is simple: helping each rider achieve meaningful personal goals in a safe, supportive and encouraging environment.
“MRDA is not about pony rides,” Jo says. “For many riders, it provides opportunities that can be difficult to find elsewhere such as building confidence, independence, communication skills, physical strength, and a sense of belonging in a supportive community.”
Each rider follows an individualised, goal-based programme prepared by qualified coaches. Those goals may be physical, such as improving balance, posture, flexibility and coordination, or they may focus on communication, confidence, concentration, social interaction or emotional regulation.
Jo says the changes in riders can vary from person to person, but the impact is often deeply meaningful. “Outcomes for our riders depend upon each individual’s personal goals, but generally the most common changes would include greater confidence and independence, improved balance, coordination and posture, better communication and social interaction, emotional regulation and calmness, increased motivation and sense of achievement, stronger relationships and trust, and improved concentration and listening skills,” she says.
At the centre of the programme are the horses themselves. The movement of a horse can mirror the rhythm of human walking, helping riders develop core strength, balance, flexibility and coordination. But the benefits go well beyond the physical.
“The magic happens at MRDA through our horses,” Jo says. “The bond between a horse and a rider is unique. A horse can respond to a rider’s body language, tone and emotional state. Riders learn that calmness, focus and clear communication produce better results.”
For many riders, working with a horse makes therapeutic activity feel enjoyable and purposeful rather than clinical.
A rider may be practising communication, listening, decision-making or body control, but in the moment they are also connecting with an animal, enjoying movement and experiencing achievement.
MRDA also provides something just as important as therapy: belonging. For people who may find school activities, sports or social settings difficult, the arena becomes a place where they are seen first as riders. They are supported by coaches, volunteers, horses, families and whānau, all working together to help them succeed.
None of this would be possible without volunteers. “Our volunteers are at the heart of our programmes,” Jo says. “Sessions just could not run safely or effectively
without them.”
Running Marlborough MRDA comes with significant costs. Horse care, veterinary treatment, feed, farrier services, equipment, facilities, coach training and safety requirements all require ongoing funding. Rider fees cover only a small part of the true cost of the programme, because the organisation works hard to remain accessible to families.
“Our goal is that our programmes are as affordable as possible for our riders, so that we can be accessible,” Jo says. “Rider fees cover only a small part of the real operating cost, so we depend on donations, grants, sponsorships, and fundraising events to stay sustainable.”
That is why community support is so vital. MRDA relies on donations, volunteers, grants, sponsorships, corporate partnerships and fundraising to keep its programmes running.
On 11 June the wider community will have an innovative fundraiser to support the organisation through the upcoming Courses for Horses unique dining event thanks to local restaurants AJ’s BBQ, Scotch, Cancun Eats, Astrolabe, Bamboo Garden, Gramado’s, Gohan on Scott, Oak & Ivy, The Tamarind, Dolce, The Lemongrass, Quench along with the team from 5 Tapped. The event has almost sold out, showing strong local backing for both Marlborough hospitality and a cause that changes lives.
The occasion will also include a silent auction, with online bidding opening before the evening so people who cannot attend can still contribute. Jo says every act of support makes a difference.
“The whole Marlborough community plays a role. Local businesses, sponsors, donors and volunteers directly help create life-changing experiences for children and adults living with disabilities or additional needs. Every volunteer hour, sponsorship, donation or act of support contributes to keeping sessions accessible
and sustainable.”
For those wanting to help, there are many options: volunteering a few hours a week, attending fundraising events, donating, sponsoring a horse, offering professional skills or services, forming a corporate partnership, or simply helping spread awareness.
For MRDA, each contribution helps a rider sit taller, speak up, make friends, gain strength or smile with confidence. “Small moments that might seem simple to others can represent huge milestones for riders and their families,” Jo says.
