RDA looks for more volunteers
Trevor Bixley will be 79 this year, and he’ll keep volunteering until he physically can’t.
He volunteers at the Hastings branch of Riding for the Disabled (RDA) and has been doing so for at least the last 12 years.
“I am near the end, can do very little now, but I thoroughly enjoy going along. I just enjoy being around children and horses.”
Trevor has always been passionate about horses and believes other volunteers will get the same enjoyment out of volunteering at RDA.
“I follow the horses around and when they drop something I pick it up. In the earlier years I used to lead the horses.
“I like the people and I love seeing the children get up on the horses. I must have seen thousands of children over the years, as Santa and as a volunteer. I would like to see more volunteers.”
RDA provides therapeutic riding opportunities for disabled and disadvantaged people who benefit physically, mentally and emotionally, from participation in the programme.
Hastings RDA office administrator Ruth Holmes agrees with Trevor on the need for more volunteers.
“Currently there are 40 riders, with at least another five expected to start before the end of Term 1 and enquires from two more.”
They expect to end Term 1 with somewhere between 45 and 50 riders with the ages varying from 3 to 11.
“RDA does need people who can come regularly to help the smooth running of the programme and so that the riders get used to working with the same volunteers and horse each week.
“RDA needs about 10 volunteers a day. Some come and help get the ponies ready, feeding and grooming them, others put the activities out in the arena, the amazing ‘good keen men’ help with mucking out the paddocks driving the quad bike and poo vac.
“Then the horses have their gear on and get warmed up and the riders have their helmets fitted and after the coaches’ briefing the riders get on their horse.
“In the arena each works to an individual set of goals and their leader and or sidewalkers help them while encouraging them to be as independent as possible.”
Interested volunteers can have flexible hours, she said.
“Volunteers can start at 8am and work until 12.30pm with the horses or they can start at 9am or later or finish earlier if it fits in with the lesson plans.”
■ Potential volunteers should get in touch with Ruth on 06 876 9498.