Volunteering at South Auckland Riding for the Disabled

Volunteering
Written By Guest User
 
Volunteer at South Auckland RDA

Why I volunteer?

  • The forty-minute drive through the countryside

  • The welcoming club-rooms

  • The chance to work with a herd of well-trained ponies and horses

  • The warm friendships with staff and fellow volunteers

  • The delicious home baking at morning or afternoon tea

  • The exercise from leading or side-walking with riders

All of these make the hours rewarding. But the real reason I keep coming back each week is the riders.

Volunteer at South Auckland RDA

Watching the magic of horse-riding unfold for people who face significant physical or psychological challenges is extraordinary. For forty-five minutes, they experience freedom of movement on horseback. Their faces light up as they ride around the arena or head up and down the hills in the garden. Their laughter rings out as the trot bounces them along at a pace many could never achieve on foot.

This magic sparks connection — with the horse, with the volunteers beside them, and with themselves. We see eye contact where there was none before. We hear words spoken for the first time. We witness participation, following instructions, building skills. Most of all, we share in their joy, their confidence, and their growing independence.

That is what makes it all worthwhile.

Volunteer at South Auckland RDA

Join our team

Interested in becoming a Volunteer at South Auckland Group RDA? We are always looking for Volunteers, find out more about what we do and how you can help.

Guest User