Therapeutic Riding

Equine assisted therapy and rehabilitation

The movement of the horse is used as a treatment tool by physical and occupational therapists to address impairment in individual clients. The therapy horse is a warm, flexible and responsive animal who is friendly and undemanding. Its walk action corresponds to the physiology of the human walk.

Adjustments by a rider's body to these rhythms while striving to maintain balance alternately activates and relaxes the muscles, particularly those of the trunk, spine, hips and pelvis. The horses' movement is used in specialised techniques such as hippotherapy.

Our riders attend RDA to achieve a specific goal, whether it is therapeutic, educational or sporting.

Riding develops, improves and promotes balance and co-ordination, posture and muscle tone, concentration, self-discipline and self-esteem, perception and spatial awareness, communication and social skills, independence, encourages decision making, The stimulation of learning skills, behaviour modification, recreational and sport riding, social contact and trust with peers.

Details

Our Therapeutic Riding Programmes are held the first 8-weeks of every School Term.  We can offer new riders an initial two terms then they go on our rotating waitlist for two terms.  Each rider is offered a 3/4 hour time slot once a week for 8-weeks per term.

To register your child's interest for the Therapeutic programme please complete the following forms and return them to admin@taurangarda.co.nz

• Medical Consent Form
• Rider Learner Profile
• Rider Participation Agreement
• Rider Referral Request
• Payment Details

Please read our terms and conditions for riders.

Read what some of our therapeutic riders have to say about their time at Tauranga Riding for the Disabled.

Term Dates:

Term 3 - Monday 14th July to Friday 5th September 2025
Term 4 - Monday 6th October to Friday 28th November 2025 (No riding Labour Day)