Family country day out in Rotorua to raise funds for riders

Riding coach Olivia Hurst on Busta at Rotorua Riding for the Disabled. Photo/Stephen Parker

Games, stalls and ponies are just a few of the treats on offer for families who can have fun while raising money for a local charity.

The Country Market Day fundraiser is being held this Sunday from10am to 3pm, at Rotorua Riding for the Disabled, 110 Parawai Rd.

Rotorua Riding for the Disabled operations manager Linda Hunt said the idea for the fundraiser came from one of its biggest supporters, Joanne La Grouw.

The day will include riding demonstrations with the Riding for the Disabled ponies, face painting, Devonshire teas and a barbecue, a merry-go-round, a range of stall holders selling their wares, line dancing and quick-fire raffles.

There will also be games such as sack races, apple bobbing and egg and spoon races.

Hunt said people could rock through the event with their children before heading on to the Redwoods Children Day.

Money raised will go towards maintenance and care of the ponies, and buying new ponies to help with the demand for the service.

She said there were currently 60 to 70 children who rode with them, from around the region including Murupara and Opotiki.

"It's really busy and the demand is such that we had to start a wait list."

It also caters for groups, including primary schools, along with Kea Street Specialist School and 'Stand' children's health camp.

Hunt said it was an all-weather venue and encouraged people to go along, see the horses and see what it had to offer.

"I just think it's a great way for locals to come out and support a worthwhile charity."

She said the organisation did not get any government funding and she thought a lot of people did not understand it was not just a pony ride.

A physiotherapist came every week and helped the children on the horses, she said.

"There is proven science behind what we do for the client's overall wellbeing."

Co-organiser La Grouw said the event was about awareness and fundraising.

She said it was a great charity to support because of the therapy it gave to a lot of children.

La Grouw said the children may have a disability which was a teaching deterrent or a physical disability, and their association with animals was amazing - "we all know animals are healing".