Carthorse - Yes I have done this. I have three back up schools - Last year I even rode a proficiency test at one to qualify to hack. But it didnt seem practical to ask to hack a new horse at a new place at such short notice when I have so much else arranged this week. I needed to slot in that particular ride.
For those who talk about helping, For a long time I helped out at a livery yard and learned a lot. I recommend it.
But be aware any work with children requires clearance. Pony week is equine child minding for Primary age children - under 9. The RS dont use amateurs or volunteers.
Voluntary work is important and well run here in London. But it is important to match volunteers' talents to the work. OH and I do translation work that uses our specialist knowledge.
I decided against the RDA when asked a couple of years ago, as I didnt have the energy. But anything that involves children or vulnerable people involves training and checking. I used to hack in summer with unqualified temporary staff - teenagers who could ride. But I guess health and safety has caught up with that too. And overseas students perhaps cant get permits.
For me and other busy older riders, we have to weigh up the convenience of RS riding -which are many - against the alternatives of owning or sharing. It is something I constantly do. And I posted here because I wondered what happened to other people. It seems I am lucky by comparison.