Sponsor Pack 2011

The RDA Mission:

‘CONFIDENCE, INDEPENDENCE AND WELL BEING FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES, THROUGH THERAPEUTIC HORSE RIDING AND HORSE CARE’

RDA Background

NZRDA is an association of member groups, run by volunteers The organisation has 55 affiliated groups throughout the country, providing

therapeutic opportunities for children and adults Groups pay an annual fee to the Association, and most groups charge riding /

subscription fees to members and clients RDA does not receive any significant government funding and relies on its own

fundraising activities, donations and sponsorship to provide vital services within the community

The Timaru Group is a Charitable Incorporated Society – independently financed and managed, with NZRDA as an umbrella organisation, providing support and training assistance for the volunteers

Riding therapy programmes are designed to complement conventional therapies and special needs education

RDA programmes help build core body strength, and are tailored to the needs of individuals

Timaru Group RDA Timaru Group currently have 11 horses and ponies providing therapeutic riding to

36 disabled riders in the South Canterbury region Around 30 volunteers support the group in various ways. Not all are ‘horsey’ and

help with raffles, baking etc. More volunteers are always needed! Each rider requires at least 2 and generally 3 volunteers per ride – one to lead the

horse, and the others as side-walkers All Instructors must undergo NZRDA training to at least level One, and preferably

further All Instructors are required to have a current First Aid Certificate Riding benefits children and adults with a wide range of special needs, including

autism, cerebral palsy, developmental delay, Down syndrome, C.V A, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, intellectual disability

Riding at Timaru Group RDA is enjoyable, healthy, outdoor exercise in lovely surroundings

It is exciting, challenging and motivating, based on rhythm and symmetry A horse is warm, flexible, responsive and non-judgemental Riding, and interaction with horses, motivates disabled people to achieve

independence and personal goals

….Benefits – developing and increasing…

Physical abilities Balance, head control and muscle strength, tone and efficiency Perception, body symmetry and spatial awareness Respiration and circulation

Communication and concentration Language and listening skills Observation skills

Social skills Interacting with peers – individuals and groups Human/animal contact, bonding

Sport and recreation Mobility to otherwise inaccessible areas Stimulation or relaxation It’s fun!

Getting started - on and off…..

As many riders have limited mobility and need physical assistance, mounting is done at a purpose built ramp or block

Horses are trained to stand still, quiet and as close as possible to the ramp or block, whilst being held securely by a leader

Procedures are carried out in a calm, orderly way under the direction of experienced personnel, following NZRDA guidelines

Where does the money come from?

Fundraising by volunteers = $17,162 Regular BBQs and event catering Event marshalling Cheese rolls

Donations = $17,263 Grants = $13,237 Sponsorship = $1,310 Rider subscriptions, (currently $100 per year) = $3,054 Interest = $4,498

TOTAL in 2010 = $56,524

Where does the money go?

The horses and ponies, (our greatest assets!), their purchase, care, feed, equipment and maintenance, around $15,000 p.a.

Our buildings, power, phone and upkeep of pasture account for around $8,000 p.a.

Insurance, administration and general expenses account for around $4,000 p.a.

NZRDA affiliation fees, training for all volunteers, (mandatory under NZRDA rules) and travel cost reimbursement around $3,500 p.a.

Our horses and ponies….

Name Height Age Colour M/F Photo

Saffy 15hh 17yrs Bay Mare

JD 15.1hh Approx 21yrs

Bay Gelding

Kody 15.1hh 17yrs Chestnut Mare

Starskey 14.2hh 35yrs Bay Gelding

Our horses and ponies….cont

Name Height Age Colour M/F Photo

Maggie 14.2hh 26yrs Chestnut Mare

Pippy 14.1hh 16yrs Bay Mare

Honey 13.1hh 18yrs Dun Mare

Toffee 13.1hh Approx 24yrs

Chestnut Gelding

Our horses and ponies….cont

Name Height Age Colour M/F Photo

Ben 15.3hh 9yrs Bay Gelding

Bear 15.3hh 22yrs Black Gelding

Cracker 15.2hh 6yrs Roan Gelding

Let’s look at Kody…..

Kody is a 15:1 chestnut mare and is17yrs old

She is a quarterhorse X with a lovely temperament and a happy, forward-going nature

Acquired in 2006 at a cost of $4000

Kody is ideal for our more independent and larger riders

Her easygoing nature builds confidence and allows progression

Keeping Kody for a year….

Feed hay and dry winter feed:

around $550 Day to day care

farrier, vet, dentist, wormers: around $1300

Equipment new saddle, winter covers

etc: around $1500 – as a one off expense

Insurance for horses and equipment: $175

However…..

Fortunately Kody is still relatively young, by RDA standards, and is a good ‘do-er’ requiring few ‘extras’. Other horses at Timaru RDA, such as Starskey, Toffee and Pippy, require more specialist care and extra feed to ensure that they are always in the best of health

Since 2007 Timaru RDA have needed to replace three horses, due to illness and the ailments of old age

Unless donated, horses / ponies are currently costing an average of $3500 to buy

RDA horses and ponies are very special – we need to choose them with care….

Can you help Timaru Group RDA?

Can you help by sponsoring one of our horses or ponies for one year? Individual and Company Sponsors receive:

A photo of their horse or pony A certificate Regular updates Name displayed at our centre Invitation to visit their sponsored horse or pony

Corporate sponsors of more than $1000 will also be notified to local press