Riding for the Disabled, like many support services, can't operate without volunteers.

'These people give and give and give,” says Tauranga RDA marketing manager Katharine Birks. The givers are the 75 people, who selflessly keep the RDA operating six days a week for 115 disabled and at-risk riders.

'The kids they help become really close to them, there's a reliance; and there is quite a relationship that builds. It is a crucial part of our operation,” says Katharine.

So this week it was time to celebrate the Riding for the Disabled volunteers. 'And it's difficult to separate one or two, who have gone above and beyond.”

Volunteer of the Year is a mother who works full-time and still commits to RDA each and every Saturday. 'She's an amazing women,” says Tauranga RDA manager Elisha Olds. 'Karen Saunders has volunteered with us for more than two years and heads our Youth Volunteer Programme on the Saturdays.”

And because RDA's youth volunteers, some as young as 12, are the future of the programme, it was decided to recognise them separately.

The RDA Youth Volunteer of the Year is Michelle van Zweeden, who volunteers on Wednesdays. 'She's too young to help with the rides, but works through a list of jobs with maturity and efficiency,” says Elisha. 'She's a wonderful young person, who is a real asset to the RDA.

The Tauranga RDA Equestrian Therapy Centre provides therapeutic horse-related activities for those with physical, mental, cognitive, social or behavioural needs. This includes horse riding, horsemanship and vocational skills. Clients are aged from three to 65.

Horse riding is an activity that provides both mental and physical stimulation and exercise. It's ideal for people with disabilities as well as those who are disadvantaged, at-risk or have mental and social issues. The programme's designed to assist growth, confidence, independence and the development of self-esteem.

The one thing that impresses manager Elisha is the commitment and passion of the RDA volunteers. 'Without them we would not be able to run an organisation like we have.”

If you have ever thought about volunteering for the Tauranga RDA, now is the time to enquire. Phone 07 544 1899 or email: info@taurangarda.co.nz