The History of RDA

Early Concept

Throughout most of history horses have played an significant role in shaping peoples lives. The concept of using horses for therapy purposes has been around since 2000 BCE when the ancient Greeks and Romans recognized that horses could be valuable in maintaining and improving health and well-being.

The Beginning of a Movement

From the early 1900s through to World War One, a British movement began where horses were used in orthopedic hospital programs for the rehabilitation of convalescing soldiers, especially amputees. Between the 1950s and 1960s a handful of pioneers explored the use of horse riding to assist people with all types of disabilities, in particular at that time was those affected by the polio epidemic. The cause was greatly assisted when Liz Hartel, who was partially paralysed herself, rode her horse to a silver medal at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics. These events laid the foundation for the RDA movement that is now recognized around the world, with over 45 member countries of Horses in Education and Therapy International.

RDA in New Zealand

RDA was formally introduced in New Zealand in 1962. Mr Tom Atchison, who was the president of the NZ Pony Club, brought back information from the UK which formed the basis for the development of NZRDA. Therapeutic riding began as a sub-group of the Waipukurau Pony Club in 1962, with other individuals and groups also providing opportunities for people with disabilities. Because of the large interest in this riding the formation of New Zealand Riding for the Disabled Association occurred in 1972. Mr Tom Atchison, who was now retiring from Pony Club President, was invited to head the new organisation. Travelling around the country targeting particular people involved in the equestrian world, he encouraged and enabled the formation of many NZRDA groups throughout New Zealand.

HETI

Horses in Education and Therapy International, or HETI, was founded in 1980. They aim to form a worldwide link between countries and centres, supporting the development of programs worldwide. HETI is actively involved in establishing international standards of safety and competency in instruction and in encouraging high standards of protection, as well as the training of horses for therapeutic purposes. The organisation liaises with relevant bodies for the promotion of equestrian sport for riders with disabilities. NZRDA is a full member of HETI.

New Plymouth Riding for the Disabled

New Plymouth RDA started in April 1973, first set up using the facilities and horses from the Carpathian Riding School in Omata. With the generosity of the owner, some donations, and voluntary work, it became a quick success; by the end of the first full year of operation NPRDA had roughly 30 total adult and young riders attending on a regular basis once a week.

We grew quickly from here, after a short while we had to move location and were given the opportunity to set up within the Barrett Domain. Since then we have been expanding and increasing the amount of riders we can take each week. In February 2021 our covered arena was opened, eliminating the need to cancel classes due to bad weather. We are now able to offer rides to over 100 riders in need per year.