Volunteering for local RDA centre

[Deana]

Hi,

I am seriously considering volunteering for my local RDA centre when my youngest starts school full time on 17th Sept.

I am having riding lesson, but consider myself a complete beginner at riding still and have never owned a horse (unfortunely).

For those of you who have assocaitions with RDA centres do you think I will be of any use to them. I am very willing to help in any way that I am suitable during school hours maybe once or twice a week.

Also is any training needed usually done the centre itself and what does it usually involve?

[8-legged-pony]

I think you will definately be of use! You don't need to know how to ride or look after a horse to volunteer for the RDA, and any training you need will be given to you at the centre. I'd really recommend going for it, I've been a volunteer for 5 years, and enjoy it so much :D

[Deana]

Thank you for reply:)

I think I will give them a call tomorrow.

It is something I thought about for a long time, but I didn't have the time.

[SJ wanabe]

Yes riding centres that do RDA always find use for volunteers and I think that it is a very nice thing to do, you normally just have to fill out a form and that is it you don't generally need any training but if something changes the centre will inform you and organise it for you!!:D

[Kadi]

Hi Deana,

I'm in Norfolk and help out at a local RDA once a fortnight.

Where abouts are you, pm me if you'd rather not post where you are.:)

xxx

[Deana]

Have pmed you:)

I am in Kings Lynn.

[Abserd]

I've just spent most of today sneaking phonecalls to local RDA groups. Think i've found somewhere that will take me on Wednesday mornings - just got to square it with my boss, but she's been acting funny all day. I'm just so bored here sometimes. I started a thread a while back about "my purse or my sanity". Reached the point where i must try to do something different, just feels like i'm slogging for no reason. Rant over!

Sorry for hijacking this thread...ooops!

[Deana]

Oh good luck with the volunterering.


Hope it works out better with your job too.

[Abserd]

Thanks Deana, and good luck with your volunteering efforts too - let me know how it goes!

I've just broached subject with boss. She said that as long as i wasn't deserting her completely on a wednesday then i could have the morning to do rda. It would free up some money for the others in the group to extend the project we're doing on weds. She appreciates it's a very boring day!! Our office is closed to the public and tbh i feel a bit blackmailed into doing this project. I know it's extra money but............

Really hoping this works out - have had some bad volunteering experiences in the past including one whole day at a horse sanctury which blatantly didn't want me there humph! On a positive note, most of the volunteering i've done before, LOADS but not horsey, has been fine so i'm going to keep optimistic!!

[Deana]

I have heard back from the RDA. I am going to help on Thursday and Friday mornings. They are going to arrange a visit so I can meet the helpers and horses.

[Bay Mare]

Good luck :D

I used to help at an RDA school and it was fantastic. I really enjoyed it. I'm sure that they will love having you but also that you will get so much out of it too.

x

[Abserd]

That's great! Glad you've got something sorted out! Looking forward to my phonecall to arrange visits etc. Can't believe i was so brave yesterday and made all those calls yay! Let us know how it goes so we can compare notes :) Good luck & have fun :D

[Deana]

Will certainly let you know:)

Hopefully I will hear about my visit soon, although i can imagine they are very busy.

They don't start riding again until 6th Sept, but I can't help much until week of 17th Sept as youngest isn't full time until then.

[laura jeanne]

I am starting my volunteering this coming Saturday. OH and I went to a 2-hour orientation and a 5-hour training. I can't wait to start!

[Deana]

oh good Luck.

Let us know how it goes.

[laura jeanne]

Thanks! We'll compare our experiences. I hope you like it.

[Abserd]

Yeah definitely, hope i get my phonecall soon to go up there and look around. Getting excited as term-time begins in September so all being well i'll be starting then!! Will be good to compare :D Good luck for Sat laura jeanne!

[Deana]

yes it would be good to compare.

Hope you get your call soon Abserd.

[Abserd]

yes it would be good to compare.

Hope you get your call soon Abserd.

Thanks! Will keep you updated as soon as i know anything :)

[Deana]

I have heard back from my local RDa. I am going up on the 6th September to meet the horses and other helpers. The manager said she will give me helper information etc then aswell. I will observe a lesson aswell, although i won't be able to stay the whole lesson this time as i have to get back to pick my youngest up.

Really looking forward o it.

Have you heard anything Abserd?

[Abserd]

Nope not yet and am getting bit concerned :confused: but then again the lady who is due to ring me is very busy (i was told) so it may be a while before she manages to get back to me. I've decided that if there are no messages for me - she has both my home and mobile numbers - once i've come back from my little holiday; going to a caravan on the coast next week - that i'll contact them again.

Will give them the benefit of the doubt for now as there quite a big organisation so it probably takes some arranging.

Glad you're starting soon though, bet you're excited :) Good luck and enjoy ;)

[Deana]

went to the RDA today. I met the horses and other helpers and watched 2 lesson. It was great. It was great to see the kids having so much fun.

I am starting helping properly on 29yth September. I am really looking forward to it.

[Abserd]

Well i'm just a plonker! :eek:

In a nice way of course......!;)

So why do i describe myself thus?:confused:

Because i didn't chase up the RDA place and when i finally got around to it they apologised and want me to come next week!!!:o


Story so far........
So, i come back from my coastal caravan hol. first week of September, wonderful weather, lovely walks etc. Still no messages. OH says..."if the Chairperson is so busy, she may have just forgotten, give her a call"....

I decide to mention it at my RS in case anyone knows of anywhere else wanting helpers...yes my RI knows a lady S who does RDA work and she'll talk to her at the weekend.

Go to my riding session on Tues...S is very interested in people helping out as where she goes is desperate for helpers...but...it's too far away for me, would be very long drive and not enough time to get back for work:(

So, yesterday morning i email the RDA place, get an immediate reply with details of Chairlady, ring her, have lovely chat and get asked to come down straight away. Can't :( but have arranged to go next Wednesday morning to fill in paperwork, look around, meet people and ponies etc. Also, on Sunday, OH and myself (with me driving!) will go and actually find the stables so i know how to get there myself.

Phew:p

I feel daft. Thing is, i'm not a very confident driver, so that affects me. Luckily it's only about 25mins drive away.

Also, it took a lot of effort and courage to actually make all the initial enquiries back in August that i kind of lost heart to chase it all up, even though it's something i really want to do. I have a 'i'm not worthy' complex :rolleyes:

However, it's sorted and i can go on Wednesday mornings and have plenty of time to drive back to the office and get changed for the afternoon boring work based stuff!

They also need people on Sunday afternoons. I can't commit to every week but they expect that so i'll go when i can.

Will let you know what happens next week. Getting nervous already (in a good way though :D)

[Deana]

Oh good luck on Wednesday. Let us know how it goes.

I am not confident driving. I used a sat nav to get me to RDA centre, but aparently the RDA centre has same postcode as Wattlington hall itself, so I ended in front of Wattlington house where the very kind owner redirected me.

I have heped twice now and really enjoyed. It is very rewarding. It is so wonderful to see the kids faces. I got arm ache mind you. I am sidwalking at the moment. I had to sidwalk while a little boy trotted on thursday. IT doesn't seem so fast when you are on the horse:). I am hoping to walk off some of my weight.

I am going to look at a riding school with a friend today. am hoping for a weather improvement.

[Abserd]

Hiya Deana

Glad i'm not the only one who doesn't like driving. In fact i had a couple of incidents with the 'white van man' species on Sunday when i went to find the RDA stables. I've posted my venting on another thread about driving so won't repeat myself but suffice to say i was a bit shaken. Course i'm hoping that this will increase my confidence as well and i'm sure that once the route becomes second nature i'll wonder what i was so bothered about! I used to drive up and down the motorway from Leeds to Sheffield years ago in my old trusty rusty Granny's micra without a thought :o

But, i am excited about Wednesday! Don't know if i'll get to actually do any helping out, they want me to fill out paperwork and look around etc. Still going to wear my jods and boots as nothing else i have is suitable so may as well look the part ;)

Hope the weather improves for you and you find somewhere good to ride. Are you looking for somewhere to do lessons? Can you not do them at the RDA place or do they not run standard lessons?

[Abserd]

Quick update...not had time to sit down here yet as i got back from RDA yesterday and was really busy at work, then this morning had to rush OH to Doctors with suspected asthma attack:eek:! Phew! All is well now though :rolleyes:

Tbh, didn't get to do any side walking as spent most of the morning filling forms in so was a bit disappointed about that, however i did help to tack up one of the ponies, Tico, for the session and that was good as i've not tacked up before. Everyone was sooo friendly, helpful and supportive and i came away finally feeling like i was wanted! They also talked me through side walking and began filling in my training card!

I'm going on Sunday afternoon as well as they are really busy then so it'll be in at the deep end but i'm really looking forward to it :D

Also, quite proud of myself as i drove there and back with no problems! Didn't get lost, or panicked and it only took about 30 mins each way, hooray! I'm a happy chappie :p

[Deana]

Glad it went well. Good Luck for Sunday.

I was meant to go today, but my daughter has been up all night with a sickness bug, so is off school today, so i was unable to go which I feel guilty for, but I needed to look after my daughter.

Will be going back on Tuesday.

[stormy's mum]

i did volunteer work at an rda center for 6 years and enjoyed it immensely unfortunately the center closed down due to money issues. i was a side walker made my arms really strong. i didn't enjoy getting attacked by Avery an autistic child we had still have scars but it really makes you happy to see the kids enjoy themselves

[Abserd]

Glad it went well. Good Luck for Sunday.

I was meant to go today, but my daughter has been up all night with a sickness bug, so is off school today, so i was unable to go which I feel guilty for, but I needed to look after my daughter.

Will be going back on Tuesday.

Thanks, think it will be a bit more hectic on Sunday but i'm prepared to just get stuck in!!

Hope your daughter is better, you mustn't feel guilty they should understand that you had to look after her.

Enjoy next weeks RDA fix!

[Abserd]

Did my Sunday and it was great! I learnt more about side walking and leading. Helped tack up one of the big fellas! then actually did some leading myself - a little gorgeous pony who was so easy to lead and her little rider was very impressive! Know what you mean about the trotting Deana - phew! it certainly warmed me up :) Also, got asked to pick out one of the pony's feet at the end. I just went into his stall, put a headcollar on and tied him up with a quick release knot (!) yay and picked out all 4 feet no problem! I only realised what i'd done afterwards - pony didn't know me, id didn't know him, i've never actually had to tie one up before so was pretty proud of myself. I know that sounds silly to people who do it like they put their socks on but it was a big deal for me ;)

Everyone was really friendly again, even though it was busy and a bit stressful at times due to lack of communication (guess that happens everywhere!) i still felt part of a team and there were quite a few people who are newish so i didn't feel daft asking questions.

Looking forward to Wednesday again!

[Silvia]

Glad you like it. Well done!:D keep the updates coming, I enjoy reading them.

[Wotsit]

SOunds like you had a great time.

I've just offered to volunteer at my local rda and am waiting to hear back so it's great to hear what I might be up to!

[bexj]

Where are you volunteering Abserd?

[Abserd]

Where are you volunteering Abserd?

Acrecliffe! Otley RDA are based there. I wanted to go to Throstle Nest which is closer to me, but i'm only available Wednesday mornings during the week and they don't have lessons on Weds!

[Abserd]

Glad you like it. Well done!:D keep the updates coming, I enjoy reading them.

Thanks Silvia, will do :)

[bexj]

Have you met major yet? I've been riding him in my lessons there, such a sweetie

[Abserd]

Have you met major yet? I've been riding him in my lessons there, such a sweetie

Hi bexj, yep! Helped tack him up on Sunday, and gave him a love today as he was in his stable watching us all rush round sorting out ponies! He's so calm and chilled bless him :)

Had a good morning, felt a bit like us newbies were 'standing on the older ones toes' as it were - kind of like they had their routine and we were in the way! but once they realised we were keen they were ok. Think i'm just a bit paranoid sometimes LOL

Did more leading today and...finally put a bridle on yay! It was one of the smaller ponies, Ruby, who i lead on Sunday and she was so patient with me, especially as she ended up with one ear under the browband :eek::D

Also on the ride today was Blue, i think you or maybe Rarah mentioned him in another thread ? The whole ride were grey ponies :rolleyes: i had no clue who was who until the end :o

But each time i go i learn something new. Did sidewalking today, quite different to leading and i find it quite hard to concentrate totally on the rider and let the leader lead the pony!

So glad i plucked up the courage though, am really enjoying it :p

[Deana]

Glad it is going well Abserd. It doesn't sound silly at all that you are proud of yourself. I have never had horses and am loving learning about them as well as the children.

I went to the RDA yesterday and am going tomorrow. I am really enjoying it and am finding it very rewarding.


Yesterday we had the local paper there taking pictures as the Rotary Club raised over £2000 for them. I am hoping I am well hidden behind Callum the horse. I hate my pic taken.

[Abserd]

Glad you're enjoying it so much too - but if you have pics we must see them ha ha!! Tbh, i don't like my photo being taken either and would definitely hide too!!

[Deana]

Not sure when it will be in paper. Really hoping i can't be seen in it.

[Abserd]

Another busy lesson - with 5 grey ponies to confuse me! I did sidewalking and the lad kept me busy :rolleyes: But when he did concentrate he was really good and even came off the lead rein too :D

For some reason the second group cancelled so i got to ride :p It was quite strange to suddenly be riding in front of people i didn't know on a strange horse and at first myself and A (only 2 of us stayed to ride with the instructor W) were on lead reins because they wanted us to close our eyes to feel the movement of the horse and how easy it is to unbalance when turning if the leader (or sidewalker) doesn't warn the rider. I had to totally trust the leader and the horse and after a while got a little tense, i wanted to see where i was going as i'd lost all sense of direction. Also we were in the inside school which confused me even more when we rode near the gates and the sun streamed through. I also noticed it was harder to hear my leader's voice as my ears were taking in all the other voices around me.

Eventually though i was let off the lead rein :D and trotted!! My pone was quite hard to keep going but once he was trotting he was ok. I guess i'm so used to most of the RS horses i ride being forward going so it was quite an effort on the old legs! I had to be very gentle with his mouth which was fine as my hands and arms were aching from my riding lesson last night - the mad black mare was cantering again!! I love riding her, but she's young and strong and i just couldn't grip (giving and releasing to slow her trot) continuously. I even had to halt in the centre as my fingers had gone numb :eek:

Anyway, it was nice though to give these RDA ponies a change and do different things like trotting circles etc. The pony i rode - Sylvester is, i think, the only pony actually owned by the RDA so i don't know whether he does non-RDA rides. I felt a bit like a beginner at times again though :eek: mind you my leader rides for the Irish Paralympic Team so i guess i was allowed to :rolleyes:;)

[Deana]

Hows it going Abserd?

I am still really enjoying helping. I went on a training session on monday and now can lead the horses/ponies and tack up/untack. I am really glad i did the training as it means i can do more now and also i get more hands on experiance with horses too.

I am back on Tuesday.

I have also restarted riding lessons (not at RDA). i went a couple of weeks ago with a friend i met on here. We are going agan on friday. It was hard work, but i enjoyed it. I have a lot to learn still , but plan to enjoy learning.

[Abserd]

Hiya all, sorry i've not been updating for a while.

Glad you're getting so much training in Deana, i've had some training but basically it's a case of get stuck in - which is ok as i find it easier to learn as i go.

Tbh though last Sunday was a mess! :eek: We were running around all the time, none of the ponies had the correct tack and people were waiting ages which just wasn't fair. To top it all off, there was a physio in one lesson (that was ok of course!) but there was also a bloke filming us - possibly for the website, so we had to keep walking towards him and away from him at different angles, fun for a while, but not when you're pulling C, one of the big fellas who definitely has a mind of his own!! Mind you, i did manage to put his bridle on which was fun! Had to pull his head down using his head collar as i just couldn't reach. He was very patient though - lucky for me:rolleyes:

It just went a bit mad after that. A girl from University was taking loads of pictures for the calendar and one of the RI's was being really bossy! Also, apparently she'd written notes on each pony stating which tack went where - but none of the helpers knew about it and one of the organisers was getting rather pee'd off. Can't blame her really - it was a bit of a farce at times!

Still, i'm glad i went as it's certainly one way to learn in at the deep end.

I took a note out of one of the other helpers 'books' and brought a whole tube of polos - they went down well with ponies and kids alike!

Going again tomorrow - i know i said i'd only go every OTHER Sunday, but it's been half term here this week so no RDA during the week and no progressive riding at my RS so i've needed my horsey fix:D

Feeling a bit down at the mo. don't know why, just one of those days. Normally this feeling would make me want to hide under my duvet but i will force myself to go tomorrow as i know how much better i'll feel afterwards. Horses are definitely the best medicine :o:D

[Deana]

Sorry to hear your down. Hope you feel brighter soon.

Sound like it was a bit chaos at the RDA last week. Hopefully it was a one off.

They don't do weekend lesson where i help. Just 4 days a week which I help at 2 of. It doesn't sound as busy as the RDA you help at. On the days I help there are 3 to 4 half hour lessons with 2 children per lesson. There are 3-4 horses used per morning, which are all tacked up ready before hand. I think the Rda has about 13 horses, although i haven't met them all yet.

[Abserd]

Sorry to hear your down. Hope you feel brighter soon.

Sound like it was a bit chaos at the RDA last week. Hopefully it was a one off.

They don't do weekend lesson where i help. Just 4 days a week which I help at 2 of. It doesn't sound as busy as the RDA you help at. On the days I help there are 3 to 4 half hour lessons with 2 children per lesson. There are 3-4 horses used per morning, which are all tacked up ready before hand. I think the Rda has about 13 horses, although i haven't met them all yet.

Hi and thanks - think it was a one-off as it was better organised yesterday! There were less riders and more helpers which helped too!! The RDA has one pony of it's own and uses ponies and horses from the equestrian centre where it is based. The most riders i've seen in a lesson is 5 or 6. But on Sunday there are sometimes up 4 or even 5 lessons, hence, hectic day!!

I felt much better yesterday, it definitely helped being outdoors and being with the ponies. Got my car stuck in the mud on the way back though which was fun :eek:

More tacking up for me yesterday, getting (slowly) better ;)

[Abserd]

Hey guys, another update....hope you're not too bored yet!

Actually i'm feeling a bit down about it all today, i know every day is different and maybe i'm just being over sensitive but i think i'm going to stop going to RDA on Wednesday mornings and stick to Sundays. I just felt really 'got at' today, lots of little things really, don't want to go into too much detail here just in case but if you're really intrigued you can PM me. I'm just letting off some steam here i guess! I wasn't really needed today and find that most Weds. they have enough helpers. Although Sundays can be very chaotic i do feel very involved and included. Any mistakes are dealt with sensitively and i'm never made to feel stupid, as per today:eek:

Most of the time i'm fine, but you don't know what's going on on the inside and deep down i get very anxious and tend to take everything that is said personally. I just don't need criticism right now. If it's constructive and it's teaching me, fine. But all the miscommunication, being told one thing then another until my head is spinning, is not fine. For me, that's just going to lead to a panic. When i left I nearly went home instead of to work, but rang my OH who was really understanding. I did go to work and had a laugh as it turned out:rolleyes: But i've had too much critiscism and negativity in my life already so i'm making a decision now and feel better for it. I don't want to give up RDA, i love the ponies and i'm learning so much. I'd be fine if it wasn't for people LOL!!! Not talking about anyone in particular btw

Sorry this wasn't very uplifting was it? :o I'll try better next time :D

Thanks for reading my tirade yet again - it really makes a difference being able to get my feelings out on here :)

[Deana]

Sorry to hear your feeling down.

[Abserd]

Sorry to hear your feeling down.

Thanks for the PM, have replied:)

[Silvia]

Sorry to hear you had a hard time. Volunteering can be stressful at the best of times and if it is not well coordinated it is a nightmare. Hope it goes better for you next time.

[laura jeanne]

I also volunteered on Tuesday for 3 different lessons - side walker twice and leader once. All I can say is that I don't understand why the first lesson was a half hour late getting started when the kids were there and the horses were ready and being walked around the arena. So that lesson got cut short and the next one was late also and that was the pattern for the night.

In addition, none of the saddles for the kids I helped were put on right. Pad slipped way back? Saddle tilted to the side? Oh well, we're running late so we'll cope. omg, I was appalled. How is it helping the child when the saddle is off center and the child keeps falling off one side???????

[Abserd]

Sorry to hear you had a hard time. Volunteering can be stressful at the best of times and if it is not well coordinated it is a nightmare. Hope it goes better for you next time.

Thankyou! I have done so much volunteering in my life and part of me likes the excitement of getting the ponies tacked up on time and sorting out little problems. It seems like lack of communication is the norm in volunteering and i do accept that. I've been in touch with the group secretary and she's fine for me to only do Sundays as they do need me more there. She forwarded my email onto the RI's from Wednesday and one of them rang me last night:eek: I was a bit surprised and worried that she was annoyed with me, then realised she'd rung me by mistake and had meant to ring my friend instead! She basically made it quite clear that they have a good group on Wednesdays so i woul be better helping on Sundays :mad: At least i don't feel guilty now though:rolleyes:

Ah well, these things happen and i'm glad i was decisive as now i'm looking forward to the next Sunday i can go. Can't go this Sunday as i'll be exhausted from 'Your Horse Live' on Saturday yay :D

[Abserd]

I also volunteered on Tuesday for 3 different lessons - side walker twice and leader once. All I can say is that I don't understand why the first lesson was a half hour late getting started when the kids were there and the horses were ready and being walked around the arena. So that lesson got cut short and the next one was late also and that was the pattern for the night.

In addition, none of the saddles for the kids I helped were put on right. Pad slipped way back? Saddle tilted to the side? Oh well, we're running late so we'll cope. omg, I was appalled. How is it helping the child when the saddle is off center and the child keeps falling off one side???????

I know what you mean. SOmetimes i feel quite frustrated when tack isn't clean or needs repairing but can't do anything about it as the horses belong to the RS and not to the RDA (well only one horse belongs to the RDA). We also end up running late, even when we arrive early. One person has one list, one has another, then ponies that are needed are still in fields whilst others that we don't need are tacked up and ready!! Not great, but then again, doesn't happen all the time, it's hard when they have to rely on volunteers all the time and the RI's are so busy.

However, i would be very concerned about rushing the lesson with a child on a badly fitting saddle, it wouldn't be safe for the child, pony or leader would it? Seems like as much as we try to help out, there's always going to be difficulties, lack of money and time seem to be the main problems. All we can do is try, and i still get a buzz from it so i won't stop going....for now :rolleyes:

Thanks for replying to my rant ;)

It's just a shame we seem to have such similar problems with the RDA places!

[laura jeanne]

Yes, everyone is involved because they really want to help. And the people in charge spend a LOT of time working. I found Tues night that our volunteer coordinator just quit that day because it was taking up so much more time than she was getting paid for (paying job). But even with all the help, it seems like a massive job to constantly be figuring out which horse, which tack, which leader and sidewalkers, etc. And it seems to be constantly changing.

We were called Tuesday morning to come that night. And the silly thing is that 2 weeks ago I agreed to go in at 3 pm and when I told the person who called, she said oh, no, we have 3:00 covered! So I would have gone in for nothing and at that time of day it is a 45 minute drive each way.

Of course complaining about it the way I'm doing doesn't help. What would help would be to take charge myself but I am a little too selfish with my time now that I am newly retired and also having to go from Houston to Florida almost every month for a week to take care of my parents.

[Abserd]

*sigh* feeling like i can't be bothered, bad i know. But now i've agreed to just do every other SUnday (and last Sunday was the usual farce with the stable staff ignoring my pleas for help) i got a phonecall last night from the chair saying please can i come next Wednesday morning as A has left and 3 of the regulars can't make it. I said no, i had plans. Part of me felt guilty but on the other hand, they made me feel so welcome (not), told they had enough people, a 'lovely' group of regulars, so i obviously wasn't needed and now they want me? Well i can't drop everything - they should have been more appreciative in the first place. Selfish? possibly, but the Sunday crew, as chaotic as it is, certainly are appreciative. Anyway, that's my update:o

However, what i didn't tell the chair was that i know A had left and why and that she is going to a different RDA. It's further away but i may consider it next year. Only 2 more Sunday sessions this year and one of them is the xmas party so i'll stay till the end and think about it. After reading about how much better organised some of yours are, it may be better if i change. The frustration is really affecting me, not good for me! The RDA that A is going to won't let her begin until her reference has been checked and her CRB check has gone through. I've been at my current RDA since September and no-one cares that my CRB stuff hasn't been checked and i'm not about to just leave all my identification just laying about:rolleyes:

P.S. CRB is the Criminal Records Bureau - checking up that i'm not a bad 'un!!!

Sorry that's not the most positive post guys - feeling bad about work generally so it's hard when your enthusiasm keeps getting knocked. Hopefully better news next time!!