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Volunteer Icon: Picture of a riding hat supported by two caring hands

Volunteer

Experience the joy helping others whilst getting outside and being with horses. We dare you not to feel better and make new friends!

Three Harpenden RDA volunteers standing in riding school smiling and giving thumbs up sign.

Our volunteers 
make it happen...

Volunteers are the heart of our organization and we welcome anyone passionate about helping people with disabilities to join us.

As a volunteer, you will benefit from exercise in the fresh air, learning more about horse care and making new friends!  We provide training and support to all our volunteers and ensure that they have a meaningful and rewarding experience with us.  We ask that volunteers assist with horse care, help with riding sessions, and/or participate in fundraising efforts.

By volunteering, you can make a real difference in the lives of our riders and horses.

What do volunteers do?

​If you have patience with large animals and know the front from the rear of a horse, then you know the basics to get started as a volunteer! 
 

It is expected that you are comfortable around horses and are willing to display confidence to support our riders' needs safely.  We will give specific training around the gear and methods of being an RDA volunteer, you just need to bring your enthusiasm and willingness to learn.  
 

Harpenden RDA volunteers help out with a range of activities:
 

  • preparing (tacking up) ponies before sessions

  • side walking with riders

  • guiding ponies as a support to the riders

  • feeding and grooming ponies

  • helping set up the menage and mounting block

  • participating in special theme days!
     

Most of all, volunteers need to be available and willing to learn the standards of supporting our riders in a safe and enthusiastic way!

Male rider on black and white coloured horse in riding school with two RDA sidewalkers and one volunteer leading.
Rider on horse with one RDA volunteer leading and another sidewalking.

The basics of volunteering...

AGE REQUIREMENTS:

  • The approximate age range of volunteers is between 15-70. (Although volunteers must be at least 15 yrs old.)

  • We support school-age volunteers who wish to achieve their Gold or Silver Duke of Edinburgh awards.

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RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:

  • A regulation riding hat.
    (We can provide hats if you don't have one of your own)

  • Sensible walking boots or wellington boots are recommended when working with horses and for our sessions

  • Gloves are required for volunteers when leading

  • A hi-vis vest is required when running sessions.  
    (We can provide these but if you have one, you can wear it.)

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TRAINING & CLEARANCE:

All volunteers need to be DBS Checked and obtain a 'green card' to become a volunteer with Harpenden RDA.

We provide training for volunteers, and can (in some cases) use existing DBA certificates.

Give volunteering a try...

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