Confident, joyful and horse loving kids took to the arena for Tauranga Riding for the Disabled’s 50th Anniversary showcase on Wednesday, April 3.
Greenpark School students saddled up and showed what they’ve been learning with Tauranga RDA this term.
But it was private rider, eight-year-old Khalifa Tamehana, who caught the attention of The Weekend Sun.
Khalifa who has autism and ADHD, has been absolutely loving Tauranga RDA.
“The benefits Khalifa has experienced is his enthusiastic attitude each Monday to come and ride ‘Chester’,” says his caregiver and grandma Brenda Sandhu.
“He is really focused on the task at hand, which is great to see.
"Actions speak louder than verbal with Khalifa.”
Brenda says Khalifa’s time with Tauranga RDA has been rewarding for the whole whānau too:
“Experiencing the joy on their child’s face is very special for the child and their family”.
The eight-year-old stuck to riding his favourite stead to honour the charity’s milestone event on Wednesday.
“Khalifa loves ‘Chester’ the most...[he’s] such a chilled horse, which is great for a child like Khalifa,” says Brenda.
For anyone who is considering to ride at Tauranga Riding for the Disabled should absolutely do it!”
How it all began...
What started with five horses and 12 riders has now become an ever-growing legacy 50 years later, with Tauranga Riding for the Disabled having 21 horses and more than 150 riders today!
Tauranga RDA enhances the confidence and independence of people with physical, social and intellectual challenges – and this week they celebrated 50 years of serving the community.
The history board along the gallery of Tauranga RDA’s arena, displaying their 50 year legacy. Photo: John Borren.
“It’s special to pay tribute to an organisation built over 50 years with so much community support,” says RDA general manager Elisha Olds.
“The growth has been continual, and demand continues to grow, it’s a great to be part of the journey.”
The idea to create an RDA in New Zealand was first sparked by Tom Atchison, who was inspired after visiting an RDA in England in 1970.
He then approached Betty Blundell in the early-1970s, and together they started Tauranga RDA. A committee was formed and riding officially started in 1974 at Putt Ponies in Bethlehem, before moving to Kaka Street Special School, and then finally to 44 Ngāpeke Rd, Welcome Bay in 1976 – Tauranga RDA’s present day home.
Celebrating decades’ worth of memories, the Tauranga RDA unveiled their history board on Wednesday.