Our Programmes

At Taupō Riding for Development, we offer tailored equine-assisted programmes designed to support personal growth, confidence, and well-being.

Riding for Development Programme

Participants arrive at the start of their session, get fitted with their supplied boots and helmets, and are introduced to their horse and volunteer helper, guided by a coach.

Through a range of structured activities, riders develop:

Hand-eye coordination
Balance and muscle strength
Confidence and basic riding skills

Our aim is to encourage and challenge each participant through achievable goals, individually tailored to their abilities and needs. Sessions focus on supporting growth in school, at home, or within the community. Taupō RFD currently runs nine sessions per week across three days.

Equine-Assisted Growth* (EAG) Programme (Ground-based, no riding)

This programme is designed to foster trust, emotional well-being, and personal development within a calm, supportive environment. It provides space for individual growth, offering tools and coping strategies that help participants navigate challenges with confidence and inner peace.

The course focuses on:

Building confidence and resilience
Encouraging teamwork and social engagement
Establishing strong foundations for learning and personal development

Programme Costs

Pricing for our programmes is available upon request. Click here to visit our contact page and get in touch for more details.

Rider Application Process

Important Documents: To participate in our programmes, the following forms must be completed and submitted before sessions can begin:

Participation Agreement (Form C03) – Outlines the terms and expectations for participation.
Medical Consent Form (Form C04) – Required if a participant has medical conditions that need to be considered.
Rider Assessment (Form C12) – Helps us understand each rider’s needs, abilities, and goals.

Additionally, we ask all participants to review the following:

Participation Enrolment Policy (Policy C02) – Important guidelines on enrolment, attendance, and responsibilities.

For those interested in learning more about Equine-Assisted Growth* (EAG), we also offer:

Further EAG* Reading – Optional resources for those who want a deeper understanding of our ground-based programme

Further Considerations: Before starting, please also keep the following in mind:

Medical Requirements – Medical Consent Form (Form C04) must be completed by a doctor if a participant has undergone a procedure or has physical restrictions.
Waiting List – Due to high demand, we currently have a waiting list. However, we will do our best to accommodate new riders as soon as possible. Please reach out to discuss availability.

Click here to visit our contact page and get in touch

Term Rides

To ensure sessions run smoothly, we ask riders to:

Arrive no more than 5 minutes before their session and no later than 5 minutes after.
Notify their coach as soon as possible if they are unable to attend.
If withdrawing from the programme, provide written notice.

What to Wear: