Riders come to achieve specific goals, whether it is physically or emotionally therapeutic, educational, sporting or recreational (or all of these)
Types of Disabilities: Includes Cerebral palsy (varying levels), Down syndrome, Spina bifida, Muscular Dystrophy, Multiple sclerosis, visual and hearing loss, speech impairment, learning disabilities, emotionally disturbed, Autism, CVA, neurological injuries, ADHD, and multiple disabilities.
Numbers: Each year, we provide approximately 2,000 hours of riding therapy for people with disabilities. We plan to increase our rider numbers by operating more rides during the week. We always have a long waiting list of people wanting to use our service.
Age: All ages. 90% of our riders are under the age of 16 years.
Catchment Area: South Eastern Auckland, including Manukau, Pakuranga, Panmure, Glen Innes, Howick, Manurewa, Papatoetoe, Clevedon, Beachlands, Maraetai, Whitford, and Papakura.
Sources of referral: SES/Hospitals/Mental health/schools/disability groups/Community groups/doctors/therapists/counselors/ACC/
Individual Application Procedure
Initially a Referral Form needs to be completed and emailed or mailed to TPRDA. The referral form can be downloaded with the links on the right hand side (or at the bottom of the page on mobile devices). When this is received the individual is placed on our waiting list. If there is a suitable space and horse in the programme, our personnel will then assess the individual as to their suitability to ride. When the rider is accepted they will be given a rider/parents consent form (agreement to participate) and a Medical Consent form [to be filled out and signed by a doctor or specialist]. Both the Agreement and Medical forms are to be completed and returned to us before riding commences.
Download Referral Form
Evaluation of Rider progress
- In consultation with the rider or caregivers, individual plans are initially prepared for all riders to address their needs, set their goals and extend their life skills.
- In discussion with the rider or their parent/ caregiver, a regular review of each rider’s progress is carried out by our therapist and/or coaches. This review will assess if the rider is continuing to benefit from the programme.
- Some riders will always need assistance; others may eventually reach independence to enjoy riding as a recreation and sport.
totaraparkrda.org.nz 