Riding for the Disabled - Cambridge, NZ

 APPY

Appy is an Appaloosa horse who was previously a school horse at Wintec's Equestrian course, along with Rolly. He is a terrible biter but is a lovely steady ride for our advanced riders. Appy is a horse that our riders usually ride for their very first 'off the lead' ride.

  ROLLY

 Rolly came to us along with Appy, from Wintec's Equestrian course. He's very hairy, usually very fat, totally dependable and a bit of a dopey boy. He's loveable and nothing fazes him. He is the stereotypical RDA pony and is an asset to Cambridge RDA.

PADDY

 One of our more 'youthful' boys, Paddy is part-appaloosa and is a horse that our advanced riders work hard to ride well! He adores salt and will try and chew his salt lick. He is owned by Cambridge RDA.

 PAKI

Paki (or Pakipaki) is a 17 year old, 16.2hh,  brown Percheron cross gelding. He is headshy and doesn't like being caught from his paddock or bridled but once caught he is a real gentleman, quiet and has a lovely temperament. He is great with littlies despite his towering size, very useful for our independant riders and has beautiful, smooth paces.

Paki was previously a very good hunter, but due to arthritis in his hindquarters can no longer gallop and jump fences all day and so is now retiring gracefully with us. He is on free lease from a Cambridge citizen. 

NORDY (NORSDAHL)

Nordy is a purebred Norwegian Fjord Pony. He is a stockily built 13.2hh pony and has been ridden and driven in harness. His height and build make him ideal for sidewalking.

LARRY

Larry is a 5 year old, 15 hh, sorrel overo gelding. He is a registered paint horse, registered as Shamen's Lariat. Larry will not be introduced into the RDA programme for a while, though he is very quiet with a kind temperament and good paces.

SASSY

Sassy is a 14.1 hh, 25 year old, dun mare. She has been kindly donated to Cambridge RDA. Her history of pony club makes her a good prospect for us and she has proved to be a very willing, well schooled, lead rein pony.

SAM 

Sam is a grey 12.2hh gelding and was previously with King Country RDA. He walks fast and causes trouble everywhere he goes, but he is forgiven by all as he is such a character. He competes with Rolly as the hairiest pony we have. He has been leased by Cambridge RDA since 1995. Sam is now getting on in years and is happily living out his retirement with the RDA ponies.

SOPHIE

Sophie is a 15 year old, Bay, Kaimanawa mare. She came from the wild as a youngster. Sophie has done lots of Pony Club and events with her owner, she has also previously done RDA at Tauranga RDA, where she was a huge hit. Sophie has a calm and sensible temperament. We have Sophie on free lease for as long is we require her and she is able.

MEG

Meg is a 6 year old, chestnut, Thoroughbred mare. She has a quiet and gentle nature. Meg comes from a large polo family and is used for the grandchildren to hack around the farm on. We have Meg on free lease for as long we want her. Her real name is Nutty, but we have renamed her at RDA!

We are always on the lookout for new horses for RDA. Some of our horses are quickly approaching retirement and we need to train replacements if we are to continue providing our services to the community.

 An ideal RDA horse will be

•  8-12 years old
• 13-15.2hh
• Quiet, kind and have good ground manners
• Able to tolerate strange sights, sounds, movements and mounting techniques
• Have slow, smooth paces
• A background in Pony Club, Adult Riding etc.