``It been a real community project and the people of the Western Bay have been fantastic in their generosity, particularly at this difficult time when there has been so many other demands, such as the Christchurch earthquake appeal and so many people struggling due to the recession.''
Demand for equestrian therapy services had grown massively in recent years and Tauranga RDA now operated six days a week.
Twelves horses were paired with 85 riders every week, and the centre had a waiting list. Mrs MacMillan said fundraising to cover the $200,000 operational costs needed to keep the facility running each year was always going to be a challenge. It included covering the cost of running the 6.7ha farm, paying professional staff and caring for the 12 horses.
Tauranga RDA Arena Charitable Trust was established in mid-2009 to complete the fundraising efforts and the trust raised $850,000 for the new building, roading, parking and landscaping.-->