Kit - the equine star at Christchurch Riding for the Disabled

Story courtesy Riding for the Disabled (Christchurch)

In a local pub, a conversation took place between a local standardbred breeder and trainer, and one of our amazing volunteers Frank Shrives. 

Frank has, for a long time, enthused and shared his passion for the work that everyone including the horses do at Riding for Disabled and this particular evening decided to put forward the case of standardbreds at Christchurch Riding for the Disabled (CRDA).

Here the story moves on to a young Standardbred called ‘Rocket’ (Rocket Banner) who had been turned out, not backed and had a very gentle nature. 

Rocket, an unraced Art Major mare, was offered to CRDA for a trial. Rocket was sent to Chanelle Dickie to be started under saddle. Chanelle says ‘Little Rocket’ or the ‘Pub Horse’ was a very sweet natured mare who deserved a great home and just wanted to please people.

Upon completion of her time with Chanelle, Rocket was then homed with a local competent equestrian family and given supervised training by the CRDA horse care team and learnt the skills that would be required by RDA. Rocket was given a new name ‘Kit’ purely for rider appeal and confidence, so they didn’t think their horse was about to blast off!

After a few weeks Kit came for a visit and trial in the CRDA equestrian centre and then returned to the family for more schooling, and then more visits to the centre. Over a 12-month period and only six years old, Kit was introduced properly to Riding for the Disabled and schooled to increase her suitability for the RDA programmes. 

Kit has now completed two full terms and at present delivers Education programmes and Sport and Recreation programmes. She has an active walk, a gentle nature, relaxed trot and patience and understanding towards the rider. Kit has become quite a favourite amongst riders and volunteers. She will continue to undergo more training to cover other disciplines required by an RDA horse, but one thing is for sure Kit has found her happy place and is helping to “reach more riders and enrich more lives in our Christchurch community”

Sadly, Frank passed away very unexpectedly in May, but he was thrilled to see this young horse start to succeed here and enjoyed working with her. His conversation, enthusiasm and power of persuasion resulted in the very generous gift of Kit to Christchurch Riding for the Disabled.