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Mumsnet does not check the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you're worried about the health of your horse, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.
The tack room
volunteering for RDA--thank you!!!
matildasquared · 11/05/2014 08:18
Hi everyone, I put out a query a while back about getting some horsey experience. I'm one of those people who loves horses but never really had access to them.
I got some suggestions here to volunteer for Riding for the Disabled and I have to say it's been great. I've started at a nearby stables in a beautiful location. It's one of those gigs where you can be genuinely helpful from day one, mucking out stalls, sweeping the yard, carrying hay. Little by little I've also learned how to groom, tack, and lead.
I also help by leading the horses whilst children with disabilities have their riding lessons. It's been a great experience in learning how to control/calm the horses. There is also a lot of interaction with the children learners, gently coaching them to listen to the instructors and to interact with their pony, sometimes (depending on their disabilities) helping to hold them up in the saddle as we go around.
It's a great supplement to the riding lessons I'm taking too. I feel like I'm learning a ton.
Also a great way to make friends. Standing knee-deep in muck tends to break the ice.
So really this is just a thank you!
Booboostoo · 11/05/2014 09:37
Brilliant! I loved helping out with the RDA and did it for about 7 years (we have moved away from the UK now otherwise I would still be trying to fit it in).
onlywhenitsraininginmadrid · 13/05/2014 20:28
Brilliant! What a lovely post 
and well done for helping out with such a good cause 
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