The Ashburton Courier reporter Dellwyn Moylan trotted along to the Mid Canterbury Riding for the Disabled 50th anniversary celebrations last weekend.
Memories of 50 years of work by Mid Canterbury Riding for the Disabled have been recalled at the group’s anniversary last weekend.
About 60 current and former volunteers and coaches gathered at the Ashburton RSA on Saturday night to recall five decades of changing young people’s lives through the experience of horse riding.
Highlights included the awarding of five life memberships in recognition of service to MCRDA and the presentation of a 50th anniversary plaque by New Zealand Riding for the Disabled president Jane Neale.
The life memberships were conferred on patron Stuart Lovett, former chair Brian Early, long time volunteer secretary Pat Weir and former coaches and now volunteers Anne Campbell and Marion Cornwall.
The cake was cut by patron Stuart Lovett and former coach Janet McNally.
On Sunday the RDA grounds were a hive of activity as about 65 invited guests and members of the public watched demonstrations by pupils.
There was also a side-saddle ride on RDA horses Rapunzel and Onie, from helpers Amelia Brockhurst and her sister Libby Brockhurst.
MCRDA president Maxine Hooper said the weekend was a wonderful celebration.
‘‘I am so proud of all those who have contributed to our organisation and made a difference in the young people’s lives over 50 years,’’ Hooper said.
