West Auckland RDA

This week is National Volunteer week. We salute all ours, past and present 👏

What a fabulous event on Saturday 13 June where we celebrated our new building and 50 years of West Auckland RDA. It was great having so many riders, supporters and volunteers join us. The festivities started with a horse parade and a rider demonstration followed by speeches by NZRDA's Chief Executive Donna Kennedy and NZRDA's Ambassador Samantha Hayes. Sam then presented a 50 year service award to our volunteer Jack Field who turned 104 in May! It was an emotional few moments for Jack who helped start the group up 50 years ago. He said he was thrilled to see the covered riding facility up and running. He then cut the cake. This was followed by afternoon tea and lots of chatting and networking. Thanks to Kym Dobbs for the beautiful cake she made and donated. Photo credit goes to photographer Wendy Fenwick 📸

Yesterday was our AGM. It was great catching up over lunch beforehand followed by reflecting on everything our riders and volunteers have achieved this past year. Thank you to the 6 committee members who put themselves up for re-election plus Penny Hulse and Sharon (Shaz) Davies who were re-elected as our Co-Patrons. We are lucky to have their continued support and passion for the West Auckland. Our thanks to everyone who attended and for your ongoing dedication to our horses and riders! 🐎

Miki, our Monday coach and the team have set out a great range of activities for our riders this morning. These will help riders to learn balance, steering, left and right and much more while having heaps of fun. We look forward to seeing our riders soon.