Napier Riding for Disabled’s mission is to:

“provide interaction with Horses to develop increased ability, independence and self-esteem for children and adults with physical, intellectual, emotional and social challenges”

We operate four days a week, providing RDA sessions for clients from our community.

Riding and interaction with horses benefits adults and children with a wide range of special needs, including cerebral palsy, spina bifida, multiple sclerosis, visual or hearing impairments, autism spectrum disorders, developmental delay, intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, or multiple disabilities and other physical, psychiatric, social and behavioural challenges and difficulties.

RDA programmes are designed to complement conventional therapies and special needs education. As well as being an exciting, challenging and motivating activity, skills learnt at RDA are transferable into many aspects of daily life. Interaction with a horse, and the effects of its movement on the human body, also has significant therapeutic benefits. RDA Programmes develop, increase and improve –

Physical abilities:

Muscle tone, balance, coordination, muscle strength, flexibility, fitness, posture, gait (ability to walk), respiration, circulation, metabolism, sensory perception and integration, independence: self-care and mobility.

Psychological abilities:

Concentration, problem solving and decision making, insight, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, learning/practicing concepts e.g. letters, numbers, colours, distances, etc.

Social abilities:

Communication and social skills, learning appropriate behaviour and manners, interaction with peers: individuals and groups, human/animal contact and bonding, building relationships, consideration for others and taking on responsibility.

Recreational/sport/vocational abilities:

Equestrian skills, horse management, develop interests; broaden experiences, challenge and success in competition with self and others, stimulation and/or relaxation, integration and community participation, work experience.