Disabled riding high

Photo: RICHARD EDMONDSON

HELPING THE DISABLED: Bay of Islands Riding for the Disabled instructors, from left: Shannon Kite, physiotherapist Yvonne Hooper, Lynne Mountain and Ann Robinson with Waipapa six-year-old Declan Cooper.

A $1 million indoor equestrian and riding therapy centre planned near Kerikeri could be the largest facility of its kind north of Auckland if it is built.

Bay of Islands Riding for the Disabled plans to build an indoor horse riding arena on land it has leased from the Far North District Council on Waimate North Rd.

The 60 x 40 metre arena would be larger than a 20 x 40 metre indoor arena in Kaitaia and available for pony clubs to hire, says Bay of Islands RDA head instructor Maxine Cates.

"There's nothing that size north of Auckland."

Ms Cates says the group has been searching for a permanent home since the owner of land it leased on Waipapa Rd for more than 15 years decided to subdivide in 2005.

Moving riding therapy sessions from an outdoor arena at her Redcliffs Rd property near Kerikeri to an indoor facility would allow the group to offer sessions when it is wet or windy.

Having a purpose-built riding centre would also allow the group, which has a waiting list for its services, to increase the number of children it offers weekly therapy to from 20 to 60.

But that would depend on it being able to acquire another five horses and increase the number of volunteers who work unpaid at the centre from 25 to 50.

"Our long-term vision with the indoor arena is to service a bigger area. We service four schools, but our area covers 21 schools."

Ms Cates says the group is grateful to the council for granting it a 20-year lease on a 2.48 hectare reserve about 2km south of Wiroa Rd at a peppercorn rent.

"It's great they've been able to do that for us."

It hopes the ASB Community Trust will meet half the costs of building the arena and developing the site and is looking to the community to help it raise the balance.

"It would be wonderful if we could find another Mrs Procter," she says of Kerikeri benefactor Jeffray Procter who, with husband Kenneth, gave money and land for a library and sports hub in the town.

Waipapa mother Helen Cooper welcomes the group's plans to build an all-weather arena.

Her six-year-old son Declan, who has cerebral palsy, has been attending weekly therapy sessions at Redcliffs Rd since the start of the year.

Declan's balance, co-ordination and range of movement have improved thanks to the therapy he has received from the group's qualified hippotherapist Yvonne Hooper.

"The RDA is the only real therapy he gets," she says.

To contact the Bay of Islands RDA, email Lisa Pieri at Billarose@farmside.co.nz.

- © Fairfax NZ News