The families met through Wanaka's Disabled Support Group run by Community Networks and participated in a riding programme trial last summer with Cardrona horse trekkers Debbie and Darrin Thompson.
Support for the concept has been "brilliant", Julie Nicholson said last week.
The trial attracted eight children and by the end of the programme, their parents and helpers had noticed all had improved in their physical, social and intellectual well-being.
Caleb Smith (5) took to it like a duck to water but had the added advantage of being accustomed to his parents' horses, his mother Philippa said.
"At first he would just sit, with a big smile of course, but then he would begin to lean out to do the activities, then he got to trot."
Caleb has Downs Syndrome and is smaller than other children his age.
While he doesn't speak much yet, he communicates with sign language and is a keen observer and has learned to get his pony trotting.
Other gains included improved balance and co-ordination and a chance to talk to his pony without any language expectations being placed on him by adults, Mrs Smith said.
Eamon Smith (7) - no relation to Caleb's family - has classic autism, is also smaller than other boys his age, and is very active and content with his own company.
He enjoys horse riding now but was not so sold on it at the beginning, his mother, Debbie Smith, said.
It was not until near the end of the eight-week trial that his confidence had progressed so he could go on a trek.
"There were a couple of days when we went up there and I thought it was going to be a waste of time. He had all sorts of issues with the gear and the helmets but that last day he just sat there and stayed on and a lot of people noticed improvements," Mrs Smith said.
Ms Nicholson said the most important thing was providing fun, smiles and stimulation for the children, while developing their muscle tone and good posture, and improving balance.
"The big thing for me in being associated with Riding for the Disabled [is] that no child is sacrificed because of ignorance.
There are so many different ways of getting motion and being able to achieve," she said.
Ms Nicholson estimated about 20 families in the district had children with disabilities, and more than 80 families if wider issues such as asthma and diabetes were included.
The families hope the programme will be running from the Timber Creek Equestrian Centre by October, on borrowed horses.
Eventually, the branch would like to bring in specifically trained horses to work with the children.
The first Upper Clutha Riding for the Disabled branch AGM will be held at the Wanaka Fire Station on Tuesday, September 16, from 7.30pm to elect a committee and establish the branch.
