“The team at SARDA are so welcoming and after volunteering for about six months now, I really feel part of the family. They are all super friendly, dedicated and very hard working. While I originally thought my experience with horses was the main reason to volunteer, it isn't really necessary to know about horses. There are lots of ways to help and all help is warmly appreciated.

Although the riders all have different challenges, they all love riding and improve in various ways. Some who are non-verbal, start speaking. Muscle tone improves and they can often soon ride without support. Children who are excitable, settle and focus on the riding activities. It's really incredible and so rewarding to see their progress. I didn't know about disabled children at all and have been amazed by how great it is spending time with them.”

- Beth

“I have been fortunate to volunteer at SARDA for the last 18 months. I felt warmly welcomed and supported to learn the role of side walker, as well as assisting with catching, grooming and warming up the ponies.

As a side walker I have got to know the riders and their abilities and how to challenge them with the activities in the arena and with the hills in the paddock. It is a huge thrill to see a rider who may not be able to verbalise, grin from ear to ear when riding.

I have enjoyed becoming being part of the team, familiar with the riding routine to be able to help out with the riders, the ponies, and the setting up of the activities.”

- Carol S

”When working with students with disabilities in my previous role as teacher, I really enjoyed taking them to RDA. Having a love of horses and a passion for children, I was able to watch the students during their therapy riding (and wanting to be in the arena as well). Now I am a volunteer and can get my fix; children and horses. What a winner!

I started at the beginning of the year one morning a week - I am now volunteering twice a week. I've got the time and I can now give back to the community. I love volunteering and I get free biscuits too!”

- Judith

"It gives me the opportunity to hang out with ponies and people with hearts of gold!"

- Juanita

“I have been volunteering for SARDA for about 16 months and thoroughly enjoy every aspect of it. It is very rewarding and a great way to give something back to the community.

What I love most about volunteering is seeing the ‘smiles’ on the riders faces and watching them progress each week, it is very inspiring. Watching a rider give their horse a big cuddler at the end of a ride is ‘priceless’.

I look forward to coming back each week, working alongside an amazing team of volunteers, Coaches, staff and the special team of horses, to help riders have fun and achieve their goals.”

- Jane

“I started volunteering at RDA about four years ago once my children were driving themselves and I had a little extra time on my hands. It is something I’d always had on my radar as wanting to do when I had the capacity. I saw it as my opportunity to give something back. What I hadn’t expected was how much I would get out of it. At first I was a little apprehensive about working with people with disabilities as I didn’t have any prior experience. However I soon overcame that and thoroughly enjoy my weekly stint at RDA, I always look forward to it. The smiles of the riders makes it worthwhile and rewarding. The ponies are really cute too!”

- Sophie

“Newly arrived in Drury from the city, I was made very welcome. Loved learning new skills, be it pony care, sidewalking and relating to the wide variety of amazing children and adults who come to RDA. It gives me great joy to see their improvement and growth.

Also an enthusiastic and pro-active committee. It’s a wonderful place to be with lots of laughter and fun!”

- Jenny

“Being a volunteer at RDA is a very enjoyable and rewarding way to spend a few (or several) hours a week. It is a lovely feeling when you can partake in and see the amazing achievements of the pupils. The handling of the horses is also very beneficial and enjoyable. But no problem if you are not a horsey person as there are many aspects to RDA that you can train and develop in. We have great teams and are always pleased when new volunteers arrive and see how easily they can partake in the camaraderie, enjoyment and benefits RDA has to offer.

I have been there for over three years and always the same words come into my mind when asked what I enjoy about it - RDA is great for the horses, it is great for the pupils and it is great for the volunteers.”

- Frances

“A great team to work with, lots of laughs and lots of support. Fantastic to see the progress with the riders and especially and the smiles on their faces. Lots of opportunities for learning and a variety of roles/ways to help.

A chance to ‘give back’ and do something positive.”

- Jane