Grant brings “Dream” to the North Shore.

A new fund for the North Shore has seen a total of seven local community groups receive financial support, including Silverdale-based North Shore Group Riding for the Disabled (NSRDA).

One of seven branches across the country, NSRDA provides therapeutic horse riding for people with disabilities to support physical and emotional health and wellbeing.

Thanks to a grant from the North Shore Fund, they have been able to purchase 'Dream' - a new horse who will help NSRDA to bring the joy and benefits of therapeutic horse riding to even more children and adults from across the North Shore and Rodney district.

Melanie Kerr is a volunteer for NSRDA, as well as being an ambassador for the national body New Zealand Riding for the Disabled.

"Dream is not just any horse! She’s a therapist. She and the other horses at North Shore Group Riding for the Disabled provide therapeutic riding for people with disabilities. They improve the rider's strength, balance, and confidence, thus helping our children reach their best potential," she says.

"I have been a volunteer for many years now and I'm still blown away by the courage and determination of every one of our young riders."

"On behalf of North Shore Group Riding for the Disabled, I thank the Auckland Foundation for their generous support enabling us to reach more riders and change more lives."

Launched with the support of Sir Stephen Tindall, the North Shore Fund has been established as a way of encouraging North Shore residents to think about giving back to where they live.

This is the first year that the fund, which is administered by Auckland Foundation, has made grants to the community.

The North Shore Fund is supported by longtime Birkenhead resident and well-known personality Judy Bailey, who is also a founding member of its advisory committee.

"I’m delighted that this grant means the organisation can provide another horse so they can extend their wonderful programme for the disabled. This charity has a long and truly successful track record, and is making a real difference in people's lives," says Judy.

Photo supplied by NSRDA.