The Reign of Princess

Inside a circle of native trees, a 33-year-old horse called Princess carries riders to a state of peace and relaxation once a week.

Steady and docile, Princess was gifted to Wairarapa Riding for the Disabled [RDA] by Lynne Woodhouse of Pongoroa and, for at least 15 years, the mare has graciously done her duty.

“Princess is the matriarch of the team,” Wairarapa RDA branch committee member Dianne Gates said.

The mare is a former packhorse and was involved in Pony Club and trekking before her life at RDA. Her teammates include two Kaimanawa ponies.

RDA sits on picturesque land behind Masterton

AFC football club. Every Thursday during the school term, the eight ponies and horses are brought from their paddock to the stables by a team of red-shirted volunteers.

The complex is idyllic, with outdoor and indoor arenas linked by small buildings including a tack room for riding equipment, an office, and the all-important kitchen and meeting room.

RDA is not about riding horses repetitively in circles. Each rider has a personalised plan

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