Riding for the Disabled needs extra volunteer help

Horses are helping to bring smiles to the faces of children at Riding for the Disabled Association’s Baldivis grounds.

But the association needs more volunteers are needed to keep up with its countless jobs at its Baldivis base.

Coach Ann Young said RDA helped people with mental and physical disabilities.

“Horse riding and carriage driving provide a new freedom and mobility for people with disabilities, a feeling of independence, a sense of achievement and great self-confidence,” she said.

With more than 1.7ha of land to look after and three classes a day of up to six riders, Mrs Young said there was no limit to the number of volunteers the association would take on.

“We need more volunteers because some riders need up to four volunteers to help them,” she said.

“Whether or not you like working with horses, there is something for you to do.”

Volunteer positions include maintaining grounds and equipment, bookwork, co-ordinating volunteers, organising fundraisers, grooming and saddling horses, assisting in lessons, floating horses from paddocks and coach training.

RDA volunteer Fiona McGuggon said it was an incredible feeling to watch a child advance and build up strength and movement through horse-riding.

A volunteer training day will be held on Thursday, February 28 from 9am to noon at RDA on Lugg Road, Baldivis.

For more information call 0438 560 485.