The annual Ribbon Day competition is coming up for the Wanaka Riding for the Disabled (RDA). 

Each year Wanaka RDA and the Central Otago RDA come together to compete in dressage and obstacle course events, each vying for the cup that one of the groups will take home with them for the year.

Riding for the Disabled is a nationwide organisation which provides goal-based riding activities to increase the ability, strength and confidence of people with physical, intellectual, emotional and social challenges.

The registered charity has more than 50 affiliated groups, and the Wanaka RDA has 21 riders and 24 volunteers, Wanaka RDA representative Kay Ross said.

The riders and volunteers meet on Thursdays during term one and four for horseriding activities and, occasionally, events like the Ribbon Day, which is coming up on April 8.

The RDA depends on donations to make its services possible and a sausage sizzle fundraiser at Wanaka Mitre 10 Mega at the end of last month brought in a little over $600 for the local group. 

“We would like to thank all the people who bought sausages,” Kay said.

The Wanaka RDA always welcomes new volunteers, and experience with horses is not essential. 

Anyone who is interested can get in touch at [email protected].

PHOTO: Wanaka RDA