I volunteer with the lovely Wednesday Ladies at Belvoir Vale RDA, a member group of the Riding for the Disabled Association which aims to share the therapy, achievement and fun of horses. We offer riding opportunities and equestrian therapy to people of all ages with physical and learning disabilities.
It’s been fantastic to see riders enjoy their time with the ponies, riding and competing at regional events. I feel very privileged to be a small part of a team that facilitates these activities and I get a genuine sense of achievement at each session – I see at first hand the charity in action and understand the impact it delivers week after week.
They say a change is as good as a rest and for me volunteering provides exactly that. You could choose a familiar area to offer your time, or like me strike out to pastures (or in my case, paddocks) new. Everyday irritations or problems are put away for a few hours as you focus on the job in hand. Find the right spot for you and it’s an invigorating, positive experience; I love being outdoors and engaged in something completely different, it’s incredibly refreshing and rewarding. Need to feel calmer? Hanging out with the horses brings its own sense of well-being. Who needs the gym when you can muck out or walk many circuits of an arena during lessons? There’s lots to keep my brain busy too, with new skills to learn and not forgetting some wind down time cleaning the tack. You don’t need to be amazingly outgoing or worry about making small talk when the natural chat that comes from shared tasks and problem-solving feels effortless.
I felt welcome straightaway and quickly became part of the team which then gave me the confidence to offer some of my existing skills and experience to help on different projects too. Oh, and to be honest the pre-Christmas afternoon tea last year would have kept me going back even if I’d suddenly become allergic to horses!
It’s what you CAN do that counts, a belief that sits at the heart of the Riding for the Disabled organisation, but which is also perfect for the ethos of volunteering more generally.
By Carol Honeybun-Kelly
Belvoir Vale RDA a small and friendly riding for the disabled charity relocating to Cropwell Bishop. If you’d like to join them give Lesley a call on 07595 734409 or find out more at www.belvoirvalerda.co.uk