Seeking our next horse. Got one in mind?
Meet our current horses
Tier 1 Horse Sponsors led by Waikato Thoroughbred Racing
Enormous thanks are extended to our primary horse sponsor Waikato Thoroughbred Racing and the race sponsors of our Charity Race Day - Garrads Horse & Hound | Cambridge Equine Hospital | The Oaks Stud | Ascot Racing | Manning Investments | Group One Turf Bar
Toby
Born 2008
Toby is a 14.1hh, station bred gelding who is a delight to all those who meet him.
He is a very inquisitive pony who is not phased by anything, even from the first day we had him. He's very trusting and a little bit cheeky.
The perfect RDA pony temperament as well as being stocky and small. Toby has been getting out and about recently as it's important for our ponies to get outside stimulation. He recently placed first in a show jumping competition with one of our volunteers (Maddy).
Sponsored by Te Awa Lifecare
Sponsored by Te Awa Lifecare
Bandera
Born 2008
Bandera is a 15.1hh quarter horse/appaloosa gelding.
RDA purchased Bandera in December 2015 from his previous owner who brought him over from Australia in 2010.
He has done a little bit of everything including vaulting for beginners and was leased for a short time to Hamilton RDA.
Bandera loves being the centre of attention, he often insists on it and is very competitive, surging ahead whenever he suspects he's in any sort of race.
Sponsored by Shaw's Wire Ropes
Bandera is looking for a sponsor!
Honey Puff
Born 2002
Honey Puff (Honey) is a 15hh dun (very pretty) mare who is a recent addition to our stable of therapy horses (February 23). At 15hh she is very tall compared to some of our other horses, and because she is well-built, is considered a weight bearing horse.
Honey is a very sensitive girl who loves gentle interaction. She is incredible with her riders, maintaining her calm demeanour under stressful situations and is a firm favourite for adult riders.
Like all of our ponies, Honey loves a treat!
Sponsored by The Oaks Stud
Honey Puff has earned a well-deserved retirement.
King Kiki
Born 2015
Meet King Kiki, a 16hh stunner with the best of both worlds—a majestic mix of Clydesdale and Kaimanawa. With his regal presence and striking good looks, he struts around like he owns the place, which, let’s be honest, he probably does. Don’t be fooled by the royal facade, though—he’s got a cheeky streak, especially when it comes to sneaky little nips, just to remind you that beneath all that grandeur is a playful goofball who loves a bit of fun.
But it's not all mischief. King Kiki is a gentle giant at heart, always ready to share his massive reservoir of love. Whether he's charming you with those soulful eyes or just standing there looking like the equine version of a king, he's a big softie who lives for head pats, affection, and a bit of cheeky bonding time.
Sponsored by Cambridge Equine Hospital
King Kiki is looking for a sponsor!
Kiwi
Born 2016
Kiwi is the sweetest little mare you could ever hope to meet, with a delicate frame and a heart as big as her 14.1hh stature. Leased to us by a generous benefactor, she's the gentle soul of the team, always ensuring her riders feel safe and cared for. With her super sensitive nature, she responds to the lightest touch, making every ride with her a delight.
Her love for her riders is clear in the way she looks after them, always alert and ready to guide them with the greatest care. Kiwi’s sensitivity and kindness make her a beloved and irreplaceable member of the crew.
Kiwi is looking for a sponsor.
Kiwi is looking for a sponsor!
Cream Puff
Born 2015
At 15hh, Cream Puff is a spring chicken and blessed with an amazing colour called a Cremello. She has what's called a 'cream gene' which can produce several different coat colours. The main effect is that the gene produces a lighter eye, skin and coat.
Did you know? Because Creamy is a cremello, she has to wear a sun mask to protect her from our harsh sun.
Dreamy Creamy is a delight. She often puts on a gruff face to make you think she doesn't adore you, but really, deep down she is a total cream puff!
Sponsored by the Duncan Family
Sponsored by the Duncan Family
Patches
Born 2002
At just 14hh, Patches is a paint and is undergoing testing at the RDA to make sure he is a good match for our riders.
A stocky wee man, Patches is a little rough around the edges and has some quirks. He doesn't like having a cover on, so is a furry little guy who ALWAYS comes in needing a session with a stylist.
Sometimes he is a little nervous, especially with new things and he even thinks he might be a bit claustrophobic! Our wonderful coaches and volunteers are working with him, and he is coming along in leaps and bounds. Watch this space!
Sponsored by 'you'?
Sponsored by TW Construction
Cruz
Born 2004
Cruz is a 15.1 Appaloosa with a personality as bold as his spotted coat. Despite his age, he has a youthful spirit, always brimming with energy and mischief.
Known for his hilarious antics, Cruz never misses an opportunity to make those around him laugh with his funny faces and playful behaviour. He's a true clown at heart, bringing joy and entertainment to everyone he meets. Whether he's goofing around in the paddock or making light of a serious moment, Cruz's cheeky charm and infectious humour make him a beloved character who brightens any day.
Cruz is looking for a sponsor!
Cruz is looking for a sponsor!
Magic
Born 2009
Magic is a 12 year old, 15.2hh Quarter horse cross, Palomino gelding. He is from Rotorua and originally from Northland. He has previously done trekking and lots of horsemanship so he comes with manners already established.
Magic has adjusted to the RDA environment and working in a covered arena. He is a fast learner and very eager to please. He is very gentle with his riders but strangely, seems to have a phobia of 'white vans'!
Sponsored by Manning Investments
Magic is looking for a sponsor!
Marvelous Monty
Born 2004
Marvellous Monty is a 9hh chestnut gelding, purchased by the RDA in April 2016 (along with his cart and harness).
Monty has made quite a name for himself, visiting rest homes and spreading his love to everyone. He is becoming more and more popular in his home town of Cambridge and has people queuing to see him. Monty also works in-hand with our riders and provides a lot of laughs for all those involved. Having recently passed his elevator training, Monty is ready for his visit to the children's ward at Waikato Hospital.
Sponsored by Ascot Farm
Monty is looking for a sponsor!
Pepsi
Born 2008
Pepsi stands at 13.2hh and what she lacks in size, she makes up in sweetness.
You couldn't wish for a more lovely little pony. She's a lady and a cheeky girl, all rolled into one - it's what makes her a crowd favourite. She has a very naughty habit of jumping or pushing through electric tape to get to the greener grass but this just makes her more endearing.
Pepsi has a fan club - if you met her you'd understand why!
Sponsored by Ben Foote Racing
Pepsi is looking for a sponsor!
Know of a horse that may be suitable for RDA? Let us know
Help us find the perfect fit
From time to time we are looking for another horse to fill a gap in our programme. This may be a bigger horse for our adult or heavier riders, or a pony for our littlies.
We have a very comprehensive process for assessing and choosing a suitable RDA horse which involves an initial assessment and a trial period which is very important where possible, to establish if a horse may be suitable. We have some very vulnerable children and adults riding our horses, so we must be sure we have just the right one.
Horse suitability for RDA
Temperament is the most important thing when choosing an RDA horse and even though your horse may be perfectly well-behaved at your place with you and your family, they may not fit into the RDA setting.
Some horses can find RDA work very stressful with having some very unbalanced riders on them as well as many different volunteers working with them on any given day.
We try our best to manage every horse's needs, including any extra schooling or exercise they may need with balanced, experienced riders.
Many horses are not suitable for RDA due to their temperament, size, gait or soundness.
We follow up on all offers that appear to meet our initial criteria. If you think your horse may be suitable – please get in touch.
A heartfelt thank you to our valued horse sponsors
Your support is the backbone of our programme, enabling us to make a positive impact on the lives of many. Click on the logos below to visit our generous sponsors' websites. Together, we're making a difference—one hoofbeat at a time. Thank you for riding alongside us!
Thank you to all the horses that have been part of our RDA team at some point since 2000.
Appy | Aslan | Brave | Cinnamon | Coolie | Kupe | Larry | Major | Billie | Bart | Meg | Midnight | Misty | Nordy | Paddy2 | Phoenix | Rolly | Precious | Paki | Ruby | Sam | Sassy | Sophie | Taheke | Tarsh | Tonka | Tully | Wendy | Heidi | Buddy | Blaze | Trixie | Kahna | Vogue | Pippa | Paddy | Woody | Willie | Lacey | Candy | Dusty