I decided to write an article on my experience while volunteering at the RDA and I hope you like it. Just a few weeks ago I was given a special chance to volunteer at the RDA Australia (Riding for the disabled association of Australia Limited) for a school assignment. The first day I was there a lady gave me an introduction around the place. I was also able to lead a chestnut horse named Ollie around while she rode him to see what he was like. He was there on trial because he was new to the RDA. Then it was decided I would come back a week later on the next Wednesday to continue my volunteering.
So a week later I arrived at around 10:00am at the gate of the RDA centre and ready to start. I had to sign in and was brought over to the area where the horses were tacked up and ready for the lessons. I was first given the task of brushing a horse called Sam, then to bridle him and get him ready for a lesson. After that I spent time helping the riders, making them feel safe while they were in the saddle and pointing out what they needed to do (hold the reins shorter etc). I felt privileged for this opportunity as I was able to use my knowledge of horses to help others.
Later that day myself and another girl volunteering were able to have a go at riding Sam (the horse I tacked up earlier on) and Ollie (the horse I was leading around the week before). This was very exciting, but the deal was we get to ride and then we have to clean stalls. It was definitely worth it though! After lunch a chocolate brown appaloosa named Blackie was meant to be having a lesson, but the lady who was meant to be riding him decided she wasn't that day so I was asked if I’d like to have a go at riding him instead. I definitely knew I wanted to and realized I was exceptionally lucky. I rode him in the smaller arena and after that I had a chat with the lady who was meant to be riding him as she untacked him. I then had to rug him and put him out into the paddock. After I got to ride my third horse of the day I helped out with another lesson, jogging alongside the horses as they trotted along with their riders. It was then near the end of my volunteering time at the RDA so we had to start packing up and soon my mum was there ready to take me home.
I definitely think it was an amazing time spent and I’d love to help out there again. I unfortunately don't have any pictures but I've attached the website so you guys can check it out for yourself.
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Awesome Post - I go there in New Zealand ! They do wicked things XD
http://www.rda.org.nz/
I'm in the group we're we don't have bad problems, Just diseases. x]
Glad to hear you enjoyed it so much and thanks for spreading the word about RDA. I started volunteering with RDA in Tasmania this year. They are a fantastic organisation and I would recommend becoming a volunteer to anyone. You don't have to have much horse experience, all the training is provided and since they are a National organisation, once you have completed some basic training, you can volunteer at any centre around the country. I'm enjoying it so much that I am now on the committee and have been helping out with desktop publishing and updating their website.
The Lipizzaner 341 views
The Lipizzaner is a breed of horse originating from the House of Hapsburg from Spanish and also local stock. Today it’s related to the countries of Austria and Slovenia. The breed is probably most famous for being associated with the Spanish Riding School, where they hold performances to the public showing classical dressage and
91 days ago
"hey im lisa. 14 years old and from south australia.
training to become an endurance rider and to get to compete at the royal adelaide show one day :)
i have quit the pb sim game for now but still come on to reply to messages and what ever else i need to do..
i will still accept all pasture buddy ">> more
Later that day myself and another girl volunteering were able to have a go at riding Sam (the horse I tacked up earlier on) and Ollie (the horse I was leading around the week before). This was very exciting, but the deal was we get to ride and then we have to clean stalls. It was definitely worth it though! After lunch a chocolate brown appaloosa named Blackie was meant to be having a lesson, but the lady who was meant to be riding him decided she wasn't that day so I was asked if I’d like to have a go at riding him instead. I definitely knew I wanted to and realized I was exceptionally lucky. I rode him in the smaller arena and after that I had a chat with the lady who was meant to be riding him as she untacked him. I then had to rug him and put him out into the paddock. After I got to ride my third horse of the day I helped out with another lesson, jogging alongside the horses as they trotted along with their riders. It was then near the end of my volunteering time at the RDA so we had to start packing up and soon my mum was there ready to take me home.
