The Hey Hay! Hay Challenge is about building the haystack as high as we can, says Federated Farmers, which has teamed up with NZRDA to help feed the organisation’s horses over the winter.
Farmers are encouraged to donate a bale or two of hay if they can.
For 10 horses over a 16-week winter it will take 160 bales of hay to feed them what they need.
NZRDA, the umbrella organisation providing standards, training, certification, and support, has 50 affiliated RDA groups located in every region throughout the country, from Kaitaia in the north to Invercargill in the south.
In total that’s about 450 horses to feed – that’s a lot of hay.
Federated Farmers says it is enthusiastic in its support for this challenge so that children and adults with disabilities can continue to do what they love – ride happy, well-fed horses.
The idea of the hay challenge is to ask for donations from farmers around the country, with the donated hay going to their nearest RDA group.
If you are not able to donate hay, then there is the option of donating funds to help the organisation run its volunteer workshops.
Any contribution makes a huge difference, and it is a great way to show some kindness and support for those in your rural community.
NZRDA’s goal is to make a positive difference in local communities across NZ.
The organisation offers specialised therapeutic horse riding through a range of tailored programmes for people living with physical, intellectual, emotional and social challenges.
RDA was introduced to NZ in 1962 by the then president of the NZ Pony Club Association Tom Atchison.
Hawke’s Bay is where it all began, with the very first RDA in NZ being a sub-group at the pony club in the farming community of Waipukurau.
After retiring as president and armed with information he had brought back from Great Britain, Atchison spent eight years travelling around NZ encouraging the formation of local RDA groups.
NZRDA was formally established in 1972, with RDA groups primarily run by volunteers.
Positions vary according to the needs and resources, but generally groups will have people on management committees and others working directly with riders as coaches, therapists, leaders and side-walkers.
The group’s vision is to reach more riders and change more lives.
Read more about the hay challenge or other ways you can donate or help by visiting https://www.rda.org.nz/donate/hay-challenge
