You may have realised that Riding for the Disabled brings smiles to the faces of the riders, but you might not have imagined how much fun the organisation's volunteers have.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
"If you'd like to be part of a hardworking, fun and friendly bunch of people who love horses and kids, this is the place to be," said RDA Goulburn coach Jo Groves.
READ ALSO: Meet our Australia Day 2021 award nominees
If that sounds like your style, clear your diary for 10.30am on Tuesday, February 2 because RDA Goulburn is holding their annual volunteer open day.
No horse experience is necessary to volunteer, and there are a range of roles available, covering everything from care of horses, training, leading or assisting riders and helping with activities for unmounted riders (doing on-ground work such as grooming and helping participants get to know horses), to assisting the coach in handling the day's paperwork, fundraising, committee work, gardening and paddock management.
"It would suit retired people looking to give back to the community, or young mums with kids at school," said Jo.
"It's a very rewarding job, so if you like working with children, we'd love to hear from you.
"Whatever your talent, we can use it."
RDA operates every second Tuesday within the school term, and they have plans to expand to Mondays from Term 2 onwards, with an emphasis on one-on-one, ground work programs on that day.
Jo is taking expressions of interest for these ground work programs, which will include adults as well as children.
The group are also interested in more horses for the program this year.
"We're always open to if anyone has what we call a "unicorn" - that 'been there, done that' horse, who has been retired but might like a job, still has a lot of life left in them, and has been around people and noises and activities," said Jo.
"Horses like that want to be part of a team and enjoy being involved.
"We have one horse who whinnies to say goodbye and thank you every time a child dismounts - and the children really respond."
The volunteer open day will give interested community members a chance to meet the current volunteers, meet the horses and see what RDA does.
"We go through what's involved in our programs, the benefits of it, and what we like to achieve with participants through our programs," said Jo.
"There's no obligation by any means to volunteer at the end of it."
- The open day will be held at 612 Rosemont Road from 10.30am. Wear sun safe attire and covered in shoes. RSVP (for covid purposes) or more information: goulburnrda@gmail.com. And if you can't come for the open day, please get in touch.
