The Hastings Group of the Riding for the Disabled Association are fundraising for two new therapy ponies.
A Givealittle page was set up on November 9.
Committee Secretary and Volunteer Co-ordinator Keitha Parkes said they were "grateful for any small amount added into the pot to help change the lives of these awesome kids".
"Like all charities, we are reaching out to the community for help and also to raise awareness of Riding for the Disabled."
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Currently, the group has six ponies, two of which, Enya and Kizzy, are expected to retire within the next six months.
"We have two amazing horses who are ready to retire. They have made an incredible difference to hundreds of disabled children's lives over the years, and they now deserve their retirement."
"RDA horses are very special horses. They need the right temperament, and to be healthy and strong to help their very special riders."
The Hastings Group has been operating at its current site since 1999 and runs four days a week within school terms, with seven professionally NZRDA trained volunteer therapeutic riding coaches and more than 20 volunteers.
The Riding for the Disabled Hastings group, Centre Manager and Head Coach, Ruth Holmes, said a good pony would cost anywhere between $4000 and $8000.
"It can take up to a year to train the pony as each animal is different and they have to get used to the rider and their different positions - including laying over the pony and sitting backwards."
They have been promised $2000 from a local trust and a further $500 from Z Energy.
She said the ponies they had were already working to capacity.
"We can't do what we do without ponies. They are very therapeutic," Ms Holmes said.
To donate towards the cause, visit the givealittle page at: https://givealittle.co.nz/org/hastingsrda