Manawatū Riding for the Disabled ("MRDA")
the home of therapeutic riding in the region 		 
 
 
  Just outside Feilding, at 248 Awahuri Feilding Road, we operate from a purpose-built facility within nearly 6 hectares with 4 ha of grazable hills. It supports seven horses, has a covered arena (the building being 60m x 30m), a 60m² administration block, and four covered yards.
From this site, and with the generous support of over 60 volunteers contributing more than 4,000 hours each year, we deliver tailored therapeutic riding programmes to 54 children per week. Sessions run for 8 weeks per school term, totalling 32 weeks annually. 		 
  Funding remains a persistent challenge, especially in a landscape crowded with nearly 29,000 registered charities and countless sport and recreation not-for-profit entities.
Our recent research, submitted as part of the Online Casino Bill consultation, revealed a stark disparity: therapeutic activities like Riding for the Disabled receive just 0.1% of central and local government funding allocated to sport and recreation, including school-based programmes. 		 
  In response to ongoing funding challenges, MRDA has launched a new initiative to invite Community Partners—local champions who share our commitment to therapeutic riding and inclusive wellbeing.
This programme aims to strengthen our financial foundation and offer greater certainty to the children, families, and volunteers who rely on us.
Below are key links to explore and support this endeavour. 		 
  See our links below  
    > Our facility from above    
    > Introducing our seven horses    
    > Community Partnerships (.pdf)    
    > Community Partnerships (online*)  
      * Coming soon    
                   
  © 2025 Manawatū Riding for the Disabled Association (Inc)