Riders to keep tight rein on shield

It had been nearly two decades since Wanganui Riding for the Disabled (RDA) last held the trophy of sports supremacy for the region and they do not intend giving it up.

A four-person team from the club will be chosen in the next week to travel to Hawera for the Taranaki Regional Games on March 17.

In March 2012 they won the Frank Moody Memorial Shield for most points at the games by disabled riders for only the second time since 1996.

As administrator Kate Jaunay explained, the lack of success was "a little embarrassing" as the shield, which was was established in 1994, was named after a long time helper of Wanganui RDA.

There was also the matter of the 2012 event having to be held at Hawera's A&P; Showgrounds.

"We went to the Taranaki Regional Games in Hawera where we supposedly hosted it," said Jaunay. "But we couldn't at that point because as our facility wasn't up to scratch."

Their Purnell St driveway and kitchen facilities were antiquated, using a "granddad's zip" to make the cups of tea and do the washing up.

In the past 12 months the club applied for, and received, funding from the Wanganui Community Foundation and the Freemasons.

They put in a new hot water cylinder and then received a donated sink unit and dishwasher.

Meanwhile, their indoor area has been resurfaced with chipped sand for the horses and the driveway has been done up for easier and safer access.

"We went from being really primitive to having quite a good scene," said Jaunay.

"People can see we're more a part of the community now and we're more able to be accessed."

On March 17, the regional games will be in Hawera again despite the fact the New Plymouth RDA are the official hosts, as the excellent facilities there are easier for all five competing RDA's to travel to.

Riders from Wanganui, Hawera, Stratford and New Plymouth will be taking part.