Disabled will soon be riding under cover

Work will begin next month on a covered equestrian arena on this Ngongotaha section. Photo / Stephen Parker

After years of planning, the shovel is about to hit the ground for a $1.1million horse riding facility.

The Rotorua district Riding for the Disabled (RDA) has confirmed work to build an Olympic-sized covered equestrian arena will begin next month, with a sod-turning ceremony expected to take place in early March.

Rotorua District Riding for the Disabled's arena artist's impression is to be built. Photo / Supplied

The RDA, which helps people with physical, intellectual, emotional and social challenges develop confidence through horse riding, will move from its current site in Lee Rd, Hannahs Bay, to a 6.8ha section in Parawai Rd, Ngongotaha, once building is completed.

RDA's Linda Hunt said work would hopefully be completed by the end of the year.

The organisation has been fundraising for more than two years to cover the cost of the project.

Mrs Hunt said as the facility would be covered, it would operate all year round. "At our current site the winter sometimes proves difficult. Because of the wet and rain, the kids might only get two or so rides a term during the winter months," she said.

"But we want to see them riding on a weekly basis, to build that confidence which is so important, so this facility will go a long way to making that happen."

The new site will also be well away from the airport and loud aircraft, which have in the past frightened children and the horses, she said.

"The new site is on such a beautiful piece of land, right beside the lake with stunning views. It's the ideal spot for it."

The facility will include a meeting room, along with a sensory trail through a forest area for children to experience different textures, sounds and sights, Mrs Hunt said.

The organisation currently caters for more than 76 children from across the Rotorua district.

Mrs Hunt said there wasn't a child who didn't love the experience.

"There's something about being around horses that's good for you. They have quite a calming effect and the children just love them. Riding horses also helps them overcome barriers and their fears."

As the RDA operated on a school-term basis, the organisation planned to hire out its arena to other equestrian groups when it was not in use, she said.

She said the RDA was looking for people to help with secretarial and social media roles.

Anyone interested in helping or learning more about the organisation can visit www.rda.org.nz/RDAgroups/Rotorua, or contact Mrs Hunt on (07) 345 9521.