Levin Riding for the Disabled Enriching Lives at New Site

Published on October 30, 2023

For more than four decades Levin Riding for the Disabled has been enriching lives.

It is one of 50 Riding for the Disabled groups in Aotearoa enhancing the lives of people with disabilities. Through interaction with horses, Levin Riding for the Disabled (Levin RDA) aims to enable and support disabled people to enjoy meaningful participation in, and contribution to, important life activities and roles in the community. They offer specialised therapeutic horse riding through a range of tailored programmes for people living with physical, intellectual, emotional and social challenges.

The charity has helped hundreds of people throughout the years, and is now calling for help themselves as it continues to evolve.

Levin RDA had operated from Kimberley Road, Levin for 35 years, but as the Speldhurst Country Estate was expanding and the land available to graze horses and ponies was reducing, they had to find somewhere else to operate from.

Levin RDA celebrated the official opening of their new site on Mako Mako Road, Levin in March 2023.

The facility also allows people with disabilities to participate in riding therapy in a safe, welcome and nurturing environment, and with a large waitlist of people wanting to experience what Levin RDA can offer, more volunteers are needed.

With wet or windy weather on any one of the days meaning it is unable to run, Levin RDA is looking forward to someday being financially able to build a fully enclosed arena and stables.

Levin RDA president Geoff Kane says, “Supporting our charity is a very rewarding thing to do. You don’t have to be a horsey person to help – we would also really appreciate assistance from those with governance experience, or those willing to muck in. Financial contributions would be very much appreciated as well.”

Those enjoying equine therapy hosted by Levin RDA aren’t the only ones experiencing life changing and heart-warming moments.

Mr Kane says, “There is no better feeling than helping others. We have been lucky to have had incredible volunteers throughout the years who rave about the enjoyment they get being involved with Levin RDA. It’s truly touching to celebrate with people when they reach milestones and goals which happens a lot here. We are very grateful to our volunteers, and we look forward to welcoming more.”

Levin RDA currently has 5 horses, about 38 active volunteers and 50 clients, with a number of people on a waiting list to access its services. Twenty-five people get to ride horses each week on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Volunteers can help with the riding, cleaning, administration or governance of the charity, and financial contributions are also warmly received.

Monetary donations can be made to Levin Riding for the Disabled Association Inc. Westpac bank account 03-0667-0269593-000. 
To volunteer your time, please contact Sharyn Sutton our Volunteer Coordinator sharyn.sutton@rdagroup.nz  Cell: 027 677 5066

Contact Details:

027 712 8640 
 levin@rda.org.nz
 rda.org.nz/volunteering/your-local-rda/levin
 levinrda

Photo caption top: A Levin Riding for the Disabled volunteer helps a client gain confidence on a horse and in life.