Hutt Valley RDA

Why we do what we do:

"We have had the privilege of attending RDA for the past six years. During this time, we have worked with many wonderful volunteers, all of whom have shown outstanding care, compassion and commitment to the sessions.

Sam has spent the better part of the past year working one-on-one with Sarah and Cass, and watching this relationship grow has been one of the highlights of our time at RDA. The bond they have developed has become so apparent that Sam will sometimes choose not to ride if Sarah is away.

Sarah has an incredible ability to recognise Sam's needs and adapt each session to how he is feeling on the day. Whether Sam is having a regulated day and is able to remain focused on the tasks during his ride, or whether he needs additional physical stimulation and reassurance, Sarah responds with patience and understanding. During these times, she will hold and squeeze Sam's hand throughout the session, providing the comfort and connection he needs.

Sarah spends the entire ride chatting with Sam, always paying close attention to his cues and non-verbal indicators. She has developed such a wonderful understanding of him and is able to respond to what he needs, often without him having to communicate it verbally.

We would like to sincerely thank Susan, Sarah and the entire RDA team for the care, dedication and commitment they show to Sam, as well as to all the children and families who attend RDA. The positive impact you have on the lives of those who come through your doors is truly appreciated, and we are incredibly grateful to be part of the RDA community."

Spring is finally here, and with it comes all the things we love about this time of year — longer days, a little more sunshine, and hopefully some warmer weather!

Of course, spring in New Zealand wouldn’t be spring without a little inclement weather thrown into the mix! One morning we can be greeted with crisp, foggy starts, and by afternoon we can have sunshine, wind, rain… sometimes all in the same day!

Our horses certainly notice the change in seasons too. The grass is growing, coats are beginning to shed, and everyone seems to have a little extra spring in their step!

While we may occasionally have to work around the weather, there is something rather special about watching the paddocks turn green again and seeing the horses enjoying those fresh spring days.

Here’s to a happy, busy and hopefully mostly sunny spring at HVRDA!

Why We Do What We Do 💙

One of the most satisfying parts of my job is watching connections develop between clients and side walkers. One of these is the relationship between Adrian Grant and Santino Green.

Adrian has volunteered since 2019 and is a valued member of our Thursday team. Santino has been with HVRDA since 2013 — longer than Adrian! Together they've navigated all the challenges that come with riding a horse, and Adrian's patience and willingness to learn how to communicate with Santino has been a pleasure to watch.

Some words from Adrian:

My name is Adrian and I’m a sidewalker at HVRDA.

I've been working with Santino for a considerable time and have been overjoyed at his progression.

When he first started he was virtually non-verbal however I noticed from the beginning he is an intelligent young man and through much encouragement and effort on his part he has come so far with his pronunciation of words and determination to communicate. We have formed a symbiotic bond as he is teaching me the 'signs' for all of the words I ask him to pronounce so I thoroughly enjoy our interaction and sessions together.

I’m also helping Santino learn to steer his usual ride "Beauty" which is a different challenge which he is always keen to practise and improve upon.

I look forward to his cheeky grin and the positive attitude he brings each week and it’s a pleasure to see him succeed in the goals set for him each week.

Some words from Colleen, Santino’s Mother:

We really appreciate the relationship Adrian has built with Santino over the several years they have worked together.

Santino clearly values this connection. He will spell Adrian's name and often checks where Adrian is if he is away. Adrian has taken the time to understand Santino's unique way of communicating and actively encourages him to share and teach sign language.

Throughout Santino's time at RDA, Adrian has provided encouragement and support with activities, particularly helping him develop his use of the reins. He has thoughtfully incorporated Santino's hand stimming into the warm-down stretches, recognising and embracing what works for him. More recently, Adrian has also been encouraging Santino to vocalise and build his confidence in communication.

The positive impact Adrian has had on Santino's experience at RDA has been significant, and we are very grateful for the care, understanding, and dedication he shows.

Thank you to Adrian and everyone at RDA for the difference the programme continues to make in Santino's life.

Volunteer Profile: Alan Wells 🌟

How long you have been at RDA:
Started 21 September 2023

What do you do at RDA:
I am a sidewalker.

Your favourite moment at RDA:
One of my favourite moments at RDA was just a few weeks ago, when one of the riders drew a picture of me on the whiteboard. My other favourite moment was the day Eli gave me the biggest welcome-back hug after I returned to RDA from being unwell for 3–4 weeks.

Why do I keep coming back?
I love seeing all the smiles on the riders' faces — the way they light up the place. It's a kind of magic; some may have heard the word used to describe what happens at RDA. It's hard to explain, but when you see it, you see it, and you can feel it. I've been very lucky to witness and be a part of the magic that is "RDA."

Anything else you would like to add:
I plan to continue on this path, helping others to achieve their goals for many years to follow.

Thank you Alan!

Remembering Stephen Field

Ten years ago this year, we lost our much-loved coach Stephen Field. Stephen worked with us from 2011 until 2016, and so many of you will remember his coaching, his humour, and the difference he made to riders and volunteers alike here at RDA.

To mark ten years, we'd love to invite anyone who knew Stephen — past riders, volunteers, friends — to come together with his widow Carlene for a cuppa and a chance to share memories.

📅 Friday 14th August 2026
🕙 10.00am
📍 RDA Clubrooms

All welcome — please come along if you'd like to be there.

Horse Covers 🧥🐴

One other thing we and the horses are thankful for at this time are covers. Each of our horses have a variety of covers to suit all conditions:

☀️ Summer – a light cotton rug to keep insects off and keep them cool

🍂 Spring & Autumn – what we call a rain sheet. This is a light cover but is also waterproof. It's good at keeping the horses warm from the wind and also protects them if there's a small shower of rain.

❄️ Winter – a heavier cover which is both waterproof and warm. It protects them when it's wet, cold and windy.

🏇 Waiting in the yards – then they have yet another cover which is used when they're in the yards waiting for their rides. It's like a warm, snuggly blanket that keeps them warm so they're happy when it's time to ride.

Below is a picture of Cass in her new rain sheet, which is perfect for her as she is often uncomfortable in a heavy winter coat — this keeps her dry and warm. 💙

Big Thanks to our Early Tack Up Volunteers 🙌

Well before all our clients arrive, we have a dedicated group of volunteers who come in on different days to help us get the horses ready for the day. They pick out their feet, groom them, and put on their gear.

In winter this is especially hard, as we have lots to contend with — the cold, wet weather, and muddy paddocks which lead to muddy horses. 🐴

As a horse manager, there's nothing more satisfying than knowing the horses are happy and safe. When I see a horse completely relaxed, it shows me that I and the horse team are doing our job correctly. 🐴

This is Sisi having a wee nap on Tuesday. When a horse lies down like this and falls asleep, it means they feel 100% safe — so for me, this is always a special moment. 💤

- Coach's Notes

Here is the final trophy that was awarded by HVRDA for 2025.

Awarded to a rider who has overcome adversity to achieve their riding goals, or to get on a horse, or has achieved something that we wish to celebrate. Voted on by Coaches.

This year the Achievement Cup has been won by Ewan Innes. Ewan rides on a Wednesday and attended most of his sessions in Term 3. Ewan has been respectful even though this is very hard for him.

To everyone out there in today's wild weather - stay warm, stay safe, and fingers crossed no more trees come down. 🌧️

We're still thinking about our beautiful 90-year-old Oak we lost in the February storm. A huge thank you to Dean the Tree Man for cutting it up for firewood and getting the branches small enough to mulch.

Good to have the paddock back - but she will be missed. 🌳