How to get involved

RDA is run by 18,000 volunteers who give their time to our centres all over the UK – and we always need more. With the support of people like you investing a couple of hours each week, we can continue to provide our life-changing activities and increase provision to include the thousands of people who are currently missing out.

Whatever your skills, you will have something to offer RDA – and it’s not just about horses and ponies – there are plenty of other jobs that need to get done and you’re bound to find a role that suits you.

If you wish to volunteer with Godstone Group RDA we will be delighted to hear from you. Please contact us.

The Godstone Group, like any RDA group, would not exist without the help of its many volunteers. The majority of volunteers assist with the provision of riding sessions, but help is also needed in other areas such as fundraising.

The Group welcomes new volunteers. No previous experience is required as training will be provided. Experience with horses is not a pre-requisite - willing volunteers can bring all sorts of skills to the group.

TRAINING

WHAT VOLUNTEERING INVOLVES

RDA requires that all volunteers must hold a RDA Volunteers Basic Training Record Card. Groups must issue a Record Card to every new volunteer as soon as they join the Group. The volunteer must complete the front of the card, the associated training and introduction to the Group before undertaking any RDA activities. Each Group is individual and volunteer training will be tailored to meet the needs of the Group. Volunteers must not undertake duties for which they have not been trained and for which training details have not been logged on their Record Cards. Training courses are run at Group, County and Regional levels and volunteers are expected to attend at least one training course per annum to keep their cards up to date.

WHAT VOLUNTEERING INVOLVES

Volunteering at riding sessions involves preparing both horses and riders for riding. In the case of horses, this may involve bringing a horse from the stable, grooming and tacking up. There will always be a helper to lead the horse, whilst some riders may need an additional one or two side walkers to assist them. A qualified instructor runs each session and helpers will assist riders with the instructions they receive. At the end of a session volunteers un-tack horses and return them to stable or paddock.

Volunteering is a very rewarding experience. It is a satisfying way of taking exercise, helping people and being involved with the wider community.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please contact us if you have any other questions about volunteering

Do I need to know anything about horses ?

No. RDA provides training for all volunteers and ongoing training as required.

Do I need previous experience ?

No, RDA has many different types of roles, many of which do not require any experience. Of course, if you do have relevant skills, we would love to hear from you!

Do I need to make a regular commitment ?

We offer riding sessions during term-time weekdays, so being able to commit to helping on a regular basis would be ideal, but we know that's not always possible and there are other volunteers normally available to step-in to cover absences.

Will I be insured ?

Yes, volunteers are covered by public liability insurance arranged by RDA. Trustee volunteers are covered by trustee indemnity insurance.

What checks take place on volunteers ?

Before becoming actively involved with RDA sessions, prospective volunteers are required to undergo and pass a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) Volunteer Enhanced check.