Open Day at RDA inviting new volunteers

The Hamilton branch of Riding for the Disabled will hold an Open Day next week to introduce new and prospective volunteers.

Riding for the Disabled (RDA) is a charitable organisation which provides opportunities for anyone with a disability to enjoy safe, therapeutic horse riding.

RDA does not receive any government funding and relies on grants, sponsorship and fundraising to keep going.

Due to increased demand for their services, they are expanding their existing RDA programme to also run on a Monday, head coach Hannah Doughty said.

‘‘This will mean we are looking for a lot more enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers to join our awesome volunteering team, as without the hours that our volunteers contribute to the riding programme, we would not be able to provide the service that we do.’’

From February 7, the Hamilton RDA, located at 1340 Pukete Rd, will offer riding Monday to Friday mornings.

‘‘Volunteering is fun, rewarding and confidence-building and volunteers can help us in a variety of ways,’’ Doughty said.

She said volunteers can, depending on their interest and expertise, be involved in a number of activities including: preparing horses prior to riders arrival, leading horses during therapy sessions, assisting as a side walker in therapy sessions, helping with unmounted activities, assisting coaches with equipment for games and riding sessions, and more.

The Open Day will be held on Wednesday, January 25. For more information, or to volunteer, contact: 0275 426 732.