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Volunteer

It is well recognised that riding has so many benefits, physical, mental and spiritual, for either a disabled adult or child. 

​Become one of our helping hands! 

Volunteering with an RDA group can be immensely rewarding – to see the sense of achievement on a child or adults face as they ride,  perhaps for the first time or succeed at a rising trot after many weeks of trying, is truly heart warming. Or to see the smile on the face of a disabled child when they cuddle their pony.  A rider can respond to the warmth and nearness of a horse by relaxing and showing a decrease in muscle spasm, and walking can often be improved by feeling and following the three dimensional movements of a horse or pony.

Volunteers are essential in every aspects of RDA life - from coaches, to fundraising,  volunteers offer support in many ways and we always warmly welcome more.  Whatever skills you can bring,  giving your time to RDA can make such a difference and ensure that more people with disabilities can enjoy the fun and therapy of horses. 

For our volunteers, it is also a chance for many to reconnect with their horsey memories, make new friends and make such a massive difference to many of our riders.  It is also an opportunity to learn new skills.   Get in touch! 

What We Do

Riding sessions take place on a Tuesday  at Chestnuts Yard in Pyecombe, just south of Brighton.  And typically during term time.  Each session lasts approximately 30 minutes each. 

Some of the volunteer activities include:

  • Preparing and brushing off the horse or pony

  • Tacking up and untacking

  • Preparing the school area with poles and props

  • Help with mounting

  • Walking alongside to support or encourage the rider

  • Assisting with dismounting

  • Walking and leading horse or pony 

  • The obligatory poop-scooping and making tea or coffee

After our sessions, there is always a great supply of biscuits and cake! 

A few of the benefits:

  • Opportunity to learn new skills.

  • Rewarding to see the difference you can make to a disabled child or adult

  • Make new friends and have fun

  • Keep fit

  • Opportunity to eat lots of yummy home-made cakes !

Training and Support 

Training is giving in all areas, at regular intervals and there are opportunities for volunteers to attend regional and national trainings days too. 

 

If a volunteer wishes to become a coach, then support and assistance is provided as well as Safeguarding and First Aid courses. 

2025 Term dates

7 January to 11 February
18 February Half Term
25 February to 8 April
29 April to 20 May
27 May Half Term
3 June to 22nd July

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Contact Us

Get in touch with us for any enquiries or to learn more about our programmes and how you can volunteer, participate and or support our cause

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© 2024 Mid Sussex Group RDA.  Charity No. 1171410

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