Ideal Horses are hard to find – not all are suited to this specialised work, and much time and care goes into their selection, training and welfare.

To qualify to be a ‘RDA Horse’, the horses and ponies must be patient, trainable, fit, sound and free-moving with an even gait, and above all have a kind, quiet temperament.

Meet the Marlborough RDA Horses:

BLOOM- Bloom is a 10 year old Gisborne bred mare who surprised us by giving birth to a little coloured colt 8 months after being purchased. She stands at 15hh but has a very heavy build so is an excellent weight carrier without being too big. She is a gorgeous personality and we love her.

ROCKET- Rocket is a 19yr old Riding Pony cross. He does not live up to his name unless he is jumping with our able bodied riders, which he thoroughly enjoys. Rocket is perfect for our nervous riders due to his relaxed nature. He is worth his weight in gold.

SUNDANCE- Sundance is an 8yr old gisborne bred gelding who came from the same station as Bloom. Sundance is the cheeky baby of the group who loves to get into mischief. Nothing can be left by his yard or it will end up in his mouth and used as a toy! He is very very talented and finds everything easy.

TOSCA- Tosca is a 17year old Kaimanawa mare. She is 13.1hh and has a solid build so she is ideal for our small riders who have balance difficulties and need the wider base. Tosca is also a very talented jumper.and she absolutely loves to jump and go for hoons, she is a star.

PATCHES- Patches is a 9 year old Thoroughbred mare who was raced successfully until the age of 4yrs. She is a lovely type and gives our riders learning to walk and trot independentely a lot of confidence, she is a perfect RDA horse as she does everything! we are so lucky to have her on the team.