Tauranga's Riding for the Disabled's veteran horse Peanut is the centre of attention for young disabled children at the Welcome Bay facility – and now she's taking centre stage in the Horse of the Year awards.

The much-loved horse, which has been a part of the riding programme for seven-and-a-half years, has been nominated for RDA Horse of the Year.

Tauranga RDA Elisha Olds and trainer Claudia Cameron with Peanut, who is nominated for the Horse of the Year award. Photo: Bruce Barnard.

Tauranga's RDA operational manager Elisha Olds says Peanut's long service to the programme is what makes her so special.

'She's helped so many children over the years and is so eager to do her job,” says Elisha.

'Her gentle personality makes her the perfect horse for young children.

'She's really gentle, especially with the smaller riders and you can go up and giver her cuddles.”

The way Peanut walks also suits the needs of disabled children when riding horses.

'Peanut has nice forward movement,” she adds, 'which is good for autistic children as it keeps them involved and motivated.

'The side-to-side rotation she has mimics human walking, which is suitable for kids with cerebral palsy.”

With 100 rides being conducted a week by 14 horses at Tauranga RDA, Peanut is used heavily, by about 10-15 children a week.

And at age 28, she shows no sign of slowing down.

'She's like the old grandma here at the RDA,” says Elisha. 'She loves her job. The other day she pushed past a coach to get to her stable on her day off. She wants to come in every day to do her job.”

Tauranga RDA horse trainer Claudia Cameron says Peanut responds very well with children and is sensitive to their needs – which is rare for a horse.

'She helps children gain confidence with large animals,” explains Claudia.

'It's really good when kids want that independence. They get a buzz.”

Marie Bonner, mother to Down syndrome child Kayla, says her daughter has developed a friendship with Peanut over the year she's been in the programme and has vastly improved her coordination.

The seven-year-old was incredibly hesitant about horses at first, but now confidently rides Peanut every Saturday.

'Kayla loves Peanut,” says Marie. 'Kayla used to be shy and nervous but now will happily feed her and lead her back to the stable.

'Peanut has also taught her how to be gentle.”

Claudia says retirement is not on the cards for Peanut, because 'you couldn't replace her”. 'We are going to keep her as long as possible.”

Peanut's currently in second place of the Horse of the Year public voting poll. If she wins, she could expect to receive new grooming gear.

Voting for RDA Horse of the Year closes on April 30. The winner will be announced on May 23.

To cast your vote, visit: www.rda.org.nz/HOTY