At our recent Rotary meeting, we were honoured to host Bronwyn Hussey who shared her inspiring story and deep commitment to Hutt Valley Riding for the Disabled (RDA) — an organisation dedicated to helping children with disabilities through the therapeutic power of horse riding.
Bronwyn has been involved with RDA for over 40 years and has seen firsthand how horses can transform lives. As she explained, RDA offers much more than horseback riding. Children who participate benefit by:
Gaining confidence and self-esteem
Developing motor skills and balance
Learning new skills and routines
Building empathy through caring for animals.
Gaining confidence and self-esteem
Developing motor skills and balance
Learning new skills and routines
Building empathy through caring for animals.
She shared several moving examples of children who, through riding, found their voices, overcame fears, and developed independence they didn’t think possible. RDA relies on a small number of dedicated coaches and a large team of committed volunteers. From leading horses to side-walking with riders, volunteers are essential to the programme’s success. Bronwyn was quick to acknowledge that without these generous individuals, and the many regular sponsorships the organisation receives, the programme could not function. She warmly thanked the Eastern Hutt Rotary Club for its donation.