In 2009, Tauranga’s Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) ran out of options after its fundraising for an indoor facility stalled.

Then, by chance, Hillsdene Charitable Trust founder Tom Roper walked past the group during a fundraising event, and everything changed.

“I came up here of my own free will, and I got hooked on the place,” Roper said.

“That’s where it all began.”

Tom Roper and Elisha Olds at the 50-year anniversary for Tauranga Riding For the Disabled on October 31. Photo / Tom Eley

Once Roper became involved, funds were raised, and the indoor facility was completed by March 2012.

Due to his commitment and dedication, he was awarded a lifetime membership on October 31.

Ropers’ unwavering support was cited again after his contributions in 2018, which saw the indoor facility grow further with the addition of classroom spaces and a new office.

“There’s all these little parts that make the whole, and at the end of the day, we’re here to help those that need the help,” Roper said.

He was thankful but also a little apprehensive about accepting the award, as the entire 110-strong team made Tauranga RDA work as well as it does.

“I just like to recognise all the people that are here. You all do play your part, and there’s nothing better than working with a team that knows where the goalposts are.”

Tauranga RDA, a charity, was set up 50 years ago in 1974.

Roper’s contribution allowed the group to become one of the largest Riding for the Disabled Association in Australasia, general manager Elisha Olds said.

“We have two coaches running simultaneously, five days a week.”

“We also have a riding school and a holiday program.”

Tauranga RDA provides equestrian therapy programmes for children challenged by disability or who are at risk.

Receiving an award alongside Roper was Jackie Taylor, who was a part of the Canberra RDA in Australia and joined the Tauranga branch as a volunteer after returning home 11 years ago.

She helped with teaching children to ride, looking after the horses, and assisted in nearly every aspect of the charity, Taylor said.

“It loved every minute of it. I now work in the engine room [the office].”

Most of the horses are former racing or show horses which get a chance to help young riders rather than being stuck in a paddock after retirement, Olds said.

At the 50-year anniversary of Tauranga Riding for the Disabled, some of the horses take a break after their riding session. Photo / Tom Eley

The youngest horse is Milkshake, 7, and Santa, a 15-year-old thoroughbred, is the oldest, horse farm manager Tracey Smith said.

Milkshake, one of the horses at Tauranga RDA. Photo / Tom Eley

It takes a lot of energy to look after the horses, but Smith has been around them her entire life after growing up on her family farm.

Monty and his stablemate have a close bond and often get into mischief, horse farm manager Tracey Smith said.

Each horse has a distinct character and will be paired with children whose needs and personalities match theirs.

“Monty is the class clown,” Smith said.