Stevenage & District RDA operates from Model Farm, Handscombe End Road, Shillington SG5 3NB on Monday & Thursday mornings 09.15 am to 12.00 noon (in school term times). We have 3 ponies and are ...
Stevenage & District RDA - Leader & Side Helper
Practical details
Volunteering • Long term role
Contact person
Sue Tarbox
Provided
Requirements
#49216
Scan me or visit www.govolherts.org.uk/o/StevenageRDA/opportunities/Stevenage--District-RDA---Leader--Side-Helper/49216 to join
Without helpers there would be no RDA, the job is vital. We operate school term time only - Monday & Thursday mornings 09 a.m. - 12 noon.
Helpers are there to provide support to enable the rider to ride and carry out the directions of the coach. Helpers provide the minimum assistance necessary and let the riders ‘do the work’. There are two separate jobs – the Leader and the Side Helper who with the pony work as a team. The Leader manages the pony/horse and follows the instructions from the Side Helper or Coach. They prepare the pony/horse for the ride – checking girth, stirrups, bridle. Lead the horse/pony round the school before he is ridden to loosen him up and ensure he is sound. The Side Helper walks beside the rider and gives moral and physical support which should be kept to a minimum. They are there to listen and understand the coach and relay instructions if necessary. Further information will be sent to you if you apply.
Related to
About Stevenage & District RDA
Stevenage & District RDA operates from Model Farm, Handscombe End Road, Shillington SG5 3NB on Monday & Thursday mornings 09.15 am to 12.00 noon (in school term times). We have 3 ponies and are actively looking for a fourth. The ponies are used for both therapeutic riding lessons or as part of a non-riding horse care programme. The majority of our participants are primary age children up to young teenagers, either from local SEN schools or attending as independents. They face a number of personal challenges in life, but it is well known that interaction with ponies and riding can bring great personal and physical benefits. We also liaise closely with the schools and other organisations to ensure our lessons support the work either within the pupils’ regular school curriculum, or other courses of therapy being undertaken.
We usually suggest potential volunteers come on a visit one Monday/Thursday morning to 'see us in action', meet the team and ponies, and understand about the short period of training that is required under RDA National rules. We can also help you apply for the obligatory DBS certification.
You may like to look at our website <stevenagerda.org> and perhaps glance at the RDA National Web site <rda.org.uk>.