Volunteer with Forres, Nairn and District Group of Riding for the Disabled to generate smiles
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Who else wants to start Mondays with a smile?
Forres, Nairn and District Group of Riding for the Disabled (RDA) is encouraging more volunteers to enjoy helping children build skills and confidence with horses.
RDA vice-chairwoman, Julie Campbell, confirmed every Monday the group takes local pupils for therapeutic riding sessions at Muiryhall Equestrian near Elgin.
She said: “Apart from the qualified and RDA-approved coaches, the sessions are run by, and dependent on, volunteers. They meet the children from the bus, help them fit their riding hats, then lead the ponies or walk beside them, encouraging them as they learn to ride.”
RDA have a dedicated, hard-working team but are susceptible to members’ changing circumstances and availability.
“We are always looking to recruit new faces,” said Julie. “For each Monday morning session, we need a minimum of 16 volunteers which is a big challenge week-on-week.”
RDA delivers term-time therapeutic riding sessions for children with disabilities from local primary and secondary schools.
RDA is offering accredited volunteer training during the school holidays. Anyone interested is asked to email forresnairnrda@gmail.com or call 0777 9082202 for more information or to register attendance on either Monday, February 13 from 09.30-11.15am or Monday, February 20 from 11.30am-1pm.
There are also other opportunities to get involved in fundraising events and general organisation.
Julie said: “These sessions provide a fantastic opportunity for those interested in volunteering - who are perhaps unsure of what is involved - to practise without a rider in the saddle.
“And of course, there is the added advantage of meeting the team and experiencing the fun of the sessions, whilst ensuring that everyone, not only the children, start Mondays with a smile.”
