New Zealand Community Trust has awarded $20,000 of operational funding to support staff costs at the Eastern Bay of Plenty Riding for the Disabled’s Whakatāne facility.

This funding is a welcome windfall to help retain skilled coaching staff amidst a shortage of volunteers.

“The biggest challenge to achieve our mission to “reach more riders and change more lives” is the lack of financial resources to hire qualified coaches," said Julie Barthelemy, public relations manager for EBOP RDA.

Eastern Bay of Plenty Riding for the Disabled. Photo supplied.

“After the pandemic and economic downturn, recruiting volunteers has increased our coaches’ workloads.

“We rely mostly on volunteers but still need two qualified coaches to manage our horses, co-ordinate volunteers, and lead therapeutic riding sessions while ensuring compliance with NZRDA.”

The NZCT grant ensures the continuation of these essential services. EBOP RDA’s part-time coaches help riders with disabilities improve communication, trust, confidence, posture, and balance, and provide personalised care tailored to the community.

Archie, who has Pallister Killian Syndrome, is a prime example of the programme’s impact.

His mother, Alana, shares: “Whenever he gets to RDA, Archie wheels his wheelchair as fast as he can to reach the horses.

Following health advice Archie started visiting the centre when he just 11-months-old.

The regular riding sessions have greatly improved his mobility and muscle tone.

Now, at 7, he benefits from the physical and emotional support of the programme.

”NZCT’s GM of grants, marketing, and communications Ben Hodges said, “EBOP RDA isa fantastic asset for, providing life-affirming and life-enhancing opportunities for the disabled community.

“NZCT is grateful for the responsible gaming fundraising partnership we share with Cobb and Co Whakatāne that made our grant possible.”