Volunteering Your Time
Our group could not survive without the enthusiasm and support of our volunteers. Dependent upon the rider's ability as many as three helpers may be required per pony. One helper controls the pony, while side walkers assist the rider as necessary. Our aim is to encourage riders to do as much as they can for themselves, while being ready to give a helping hand when it is needed.
You do not have to be "horsey" to become a volunteer with our group. Besides leading ponies, there are many other jobs to be done including fitting riders with hats, helping them mount up, walking alongside, assisting with exercises and games and caring for tack. All volunteers receive training and must hold an RDA Volunteer Training Record card. Since June 2006, all new volunteers must have passed a check by the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB). This is carried out through RDA National as the umbrella organisation.
Helping at a riding lesson is a fun way to get some exercise each week. To be a leader or side-walker volunteers must be reasonably fit as each lesson is half an hour long. We're not all athletes though, and most people find that the level of activity involved is well within their capability.
The RDA National web site has more to say about volunteering.
If you're interested, why not arrange to come and watch a lesson to see what goes on and decide whether helping the RDA is for you.
Youth Volunteering Warrington is a regional organisation that can assist young people, aged 16 to 25, with getting involved in voluntary activities and can award nationally recognised certificates for their efforts. As a group, we would be delighted to welcome new volunteers through this scheme. To find out more you can visit their official web site at www.warringtonyv.org.uk, email them at info@warringtonyv.org.uk or give them a call on 01925 242424.
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme
Over the years our group has helped many volunteers complete the Service section of the award scheme. If you are working towards an award, or are interested in applying, then volunteering with the RDA would be aa fun and rewarding way of working towards this achievement. Please see our dedicated Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme page for more information.
