Does anybody here help out with RDA?

[Birdly]

I'm thinking about getting in touch with them to volunteer my services, but would be interested to hear the experiences of anyone who's already involved.

I've had a look at their website and it's the hands-on horse stuff I'd be interested in doing (even though my equestrian skills are a bit rusty!).

Thanks in advance for any info.

Ds goes to the RDA with his school and I went along a few times to help out. There wasn't a lot to it, mainly leading a pony or walking beside it. Most of the children have a person each side unless they have very good balance and you have to hold on to their legs when they trot. I don't know if they vary a bit or if all the RDA places do the same activities, and obviously I only saw what ds's class of ASD children were doing, which might be different to what the other children do! Anyway they played lots of games like 'races' where they would walk a length of the school and then trot back, or go in and out of cones. They had a coatstand with cuddly toys on it and the children would have to lean across and pick up a toy, then ride round the school and put it back. Sounds simple but really difficult for a child with a disability.
You don't need equestrian skills at all really, lots of the other helpers knew nothing about horses but their help was still very welcome. I must say though, the ladies in charge were quite scary seargeant major pony club types. They made me a bit nervous!

I used to - my old job used to allow me a couple of hours off a week to do something voluntary - so I found the nearest RDA place and helped out there. It was lovely - especially in the summer when we led them on lovely hacks through fields.

The place I went to was very good - and I would highly recommend it.

Thanks to both of you. I'm not unfamiliar with those sergeant major types, so hopefully I'll manage to keep my nerve!

I'd have no problem tacking up, helping riders, leading ponies, etc - in fact it's something I'd look forward to.

Iggypiggy - which RDA centre did you help out at? From what I can work out from their fairly vague website I'm halfway between two groups.

Thanks again.

my best friend and owner of our livery yard goes with one of her ponies every week . she really enjoys it, but too be honest she is very ponyclub IYKWIM

Yes, IKWYM!

I am not at all Pony Club but am used to the type!

my dd attends and I the volunteers as I am not a 'horsey person'.
The volunteers help with leading and walking at the sides of the riders and I do know that there is a training programme and a registration card to be completed.The volunteers also help out at the district/regional events when possible.
If it wasn't for volunteers then many of these groups would not operate so if this is something that you feel that you would enjoy doing the children that you help would benefit more than 100 times over thanks to you....I hope that you are near me as we are always looking for volunteers1

ps: I am not a horsey person but do 'my' volunteering bit withing guiding by being a leader and giving opportunities to children that way!
so do appreciate all the hard work that is put in behind the scenes

Thanks, Chatee, that's a really positive view of RDA.

I hope your DD continues to enjoy her riding.

Hi - It was this one in Chigwell: Chig Ride

I'm a riding instructor at an RDA centre. I'm not a seargent major type though I promise!.

We have lots of volunteers, all are 'arena-trained' which means being able to lead ponies in walk and trot, walk alongside riders supporting their balance and safely mount and dismount riders in a variety of ways.

Some volunteers go on to do further training enabling them to groom, tack up and untack ponies, take them to and from the fields and undertake other basic yard duties.

Some volunteers even go on to train as instructors.

It is immensely rewarding although it can be hard work especially if it is hot/cold and you have to lead ponies round and round. However RDA centres rely on volunteers to function so you will be treated well!

Iggy - thanks for that, but I'm nowhere near you. I think my nearest group is Peterborough.

SWW - sorry, didn't mean to tar you all with the same brush! Thanks so much for your insight.

I'm planning to get in touch with RDA in the next few days, so if it all goes ahead I'll let you know how I fare.

Thanks again to everyone who's posted.