What we do

Established in 1981, Levin Riding for the Disabled Group, runs riding therapy programmes for children and adults with disabilities.

Our riders come from Kapiti Coast, Horowhenua and Manawatu. The riding programmes help each person to develop, increase and improve their physical and psychological abilities, social and communication skills and recreational opportunities, as well as building confidence and self-esteem.

Levin RDA's volunteers are trained by NZRDA to work with the horses and riders and their carers in structured riding activities.

Our horses and ponies have been chosen to suit the range of riders' needs and abilities with specific goals designed for each rider.

New Zealand Riding for the Disabled Association (NZRDA) is a voluntary, not-for-profit organisation which provides opportunities for anyone with a disability to enjoy safe, healthy, stimulating, therapeutic horse riding and horse-related activities in New Zealand.

Levin RDA is one of 52 NZ RDA Groups across New Zealand. Collectively, RDA in New Zealand assists over 3,200 riders each year - running more than 81,000 riding sessions - and helping to change lives for the better. From our horses to our staff and volunteers, our vision is to deliver safe and effective programmes in more local communities to benefit more riders.

In 2022, Levin RDA relocated from Speldhurst Country Estate to Mako Mako Road, Levin. Riding sessions are held on Wednesdays and Thursday mornings, weather permitting.

How you can help

As a not-for-profit organisation, Levin RDA relies on funding grants and the generosity of the local community in order to continue providing its riding programme to the people who benefit from it.

As a charity organisation all monetary donations are put into the up-keep and well-being of the horses and providing the riding programme as well as the maintenance and improvement of our facilities.

You can help support the vital work of Levin RDA in the community by:

Monetary donations towards such things as:

• Rider equipment such as helmets, resources/objects for riding therapy sessions (games etc)
• Arena, buildings and paddock maintenance and improvements
• NZ RDA training for coaches, volunteers and horses
• Horse care and maintenance: veterinary, farrier costs; tack, feed and grooming equipment.

Donations over $5 are tax deductible. Further details about making a donation available here.

Hay

Levin RDA welcomes donations of good quality hay for our horses and ponies. Please phone our Arena answerphone 06 368 0324 or email levin@rda.org.nz for further information.

Volunteer

People of all ages and backgrounds can become volunteers at Levin RDA. Our volunteers are NZRDA trained and run the weekly riding sessions as coaches, horse leaders and sidewalkers. They may also participate in other functions such as horse maintenance, fundraising, administration, ground maintenance, marketing and publicity.