Get inspired to volunteer.....

Please note: We are not currently looking to recruit any more volunteers for our Group. If you are interested in volunteering for RDA, please contact other local Groups or RDA Head Office.

Young or old we have a role for everyone, whether you want the opportunity to coach the next equestrian Paralympian or recognise the achievement of a young boy saying his very first words in 5 years to his pony – RDA has this volunteering experience.

We meet every Wednesday morning in term time and are always looking for volunteers to assist with our sessions. Whether you can give an hour each week, a morning or only manage to help once a month we would love to see you. Don't worry if you are not horsey as each rider needs side walkers to help them.  The children need assistance to put their hats on and help to wait whilst they mount, and we need to record lots of information each week to help with the running of the group.  We even do a warm up to music!

What is in it for you?

Learn new skills
Have fun!!
Enjoy the fresh air and stay fit
Make a difference to someone’s life!
Make new friends
Be part of something special!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to know anything about horses?

No. RDA provides training for all its volunteers depending on the role you undertake. RDA Groups provide ongoing training for their volunteers on an annual or quarterly basis.

Do I need previous experience?

Not necessarily. RDA has many different types of roles, most of which don’t require any experience. Of course, if you do have skills you’d like to share with us – we’d love to hear from you!

Do I need to make a regular commitment to Volunteering?

a) Volunteering with our Group – Groups tend to offer RDA activities during term time on a weekly basis, so being able to commit to helping at a regular session would be great, but everyone understands that’s not always possible and there are many other flexible roles available.
b) Volunteering with RDA UK – Roles at RDA UK tend to be more administrative and many can be undertaken at home or on an ad hoc basis.
c) Volunteering at events – RDA organises several events during the year which need volunteers as a one-off commitment. Contact RDA Head Office to find out more.

How old do I have to be to Volunteer?

Volunteers have to be 12 or over. There is no upper age limit.

Will I be insured?

Yes. All RDA Groups have Trustee Indemnity, Public Liability insurance for all volunteers. Volunteers aged between 12 and 90 also have Personal Accident insurance (with some restrictions for those aged between 80 and 90).

Will I be asked to complete a disclosure check?

All RDA volunteers actively involved with RDA sessions are required to undergo a disclosure check as they volunteer with vulnerable adults and children. This is handled through the group that you choose to volunteer with.

Will volunteering at RDA help me find a job?

 If you’re trying to find a job, volunteering can be a great route to employment. Adding volunteering experience to your CV can give you an edge over other applicants and you’ll have more to talk about. RDA volunteering can boost your confidence and help you learn new skills. A survey carried out by Timebank through Reed Executive showed that among 200 of the UK’s leading businesses:
73% of employers would employ a candidate with volunteering experience on their CV over one without.
94% of employees who volunteered to learn new skills had benefited either by getting their first job, improving their salary or being promoted.