West Auckland RDA

This week is National Volunteer week. We salute all ours, past and present 👏

What a fabulous event on Saturday 13 June where we celebrated our new building and 50 years of West Auckland RDA. It was great having so many riders, supporters and volunteers join us. The festivities started with a horse parade and a rider demonstration followed by speeches by NZRDA's Chief Executive Donna Kennedy and NZRDA's Ambassador Samantha Hayes. Sam then presented a 50 year service award to our volunteer Jack Field who turned 104 in May! It was an emotional few moments for Jack who helped start the group up 50 years ago. He said he was thrilled to see the covered riding facility up and running. He then cut the cake. This was followed by afternoon tea and lots of chatting and networking. Thanks to Kym Dobbs for the beautiful cake she made and donated. Photo credit goes to photographer Wendy Fenwick 📸

A successful 50th celebration yesterday. More photos to follow 👏

Yesterday was our AGM. It was great catching up over lunch beforehand followed by reflecting on everything our riders and volunteers have achieved this past year. Thank you to the 6 committee members who put themselves up for re-election plus Penny Hulse and Sharon (Shaz) Davies who were re-elected as our Co-Patrons. We are lucky to have their continued support and passion for the West Auckland. Our thanks to everyone who attended and for your ongoing dedication to our horses and riders! 🐎

Today we had great fun celebrating our oldest serving volunteer Jack Field on his 104th birthday. Wow, what a milestone turning 104! Happy Birthday Jack. We all love you to bits!

Miki, our Monday coach and the team have set out a great range of activities for our riders this morning. These will help riders to learn balance, steering, left and right and much more while having heaps of fun. We look forward to seeing our riders soon.

Sharing on behalf of Greenhithe RDA 🐎

CAR BOOT SALE! Clearing out before winter?
Greenhithe Riding for the Disabled is holding a car boot sale fundraiser on the 3rd of May 2026, 10-2.
Sell from your boot, bring a table, or talk to us about reserving a section of our grooming pad for your items.
Proceeds support the welfare and enrichment of our special horses. No time to sell? Your donations are also welcome!
For more information contact Kayren: 021 998 648 or email Kaytlin: [email protected]
Spaces limited and weather permitting. Bring cash.

Yesterday we were delighted to see our wonderful builder Andrew Boyd from Coresteel North Harbour who popped in to meet Shorty the pony. Coresteel will be sponsoring Shorty this year and they both got along well. We are super grateful to the team at Coresteel North Harbour for their ongoing support and friendship.

Our riders and volunteers look forward to the start to Term 2 on Monday, 20 April. Note Anzac Day will be observed on Monday, 27 April, and King’s Birthday on Monday, 1 June, where there will be no riding.