The days that classes are on, the volunteers and coaches (who are also volunteers!) turn up bright and early.
A large number of our volunteers are teenage girls (on weekends) or Mums that are not working full time (during the week). Some have their own horses, and give up their riding time to help at RDA, others don’t have horses, but wish they did, and enjoy the opportunity to learn more about these wonderful creatures while helping RDA.



The first task is to unlock everything and then having been briefed by the coaches, go and get in the horses required for that day. Once everyone is in, they are groomed and checked over for any problems. If any horses are not fit to ride that day, the coaches do some quick re-planning, re-allocating of horses and riders, plus working out care for the horse, calling the vet if necessary.

Horses are then tacked up by the riders (when possible) and volunteers, the arena set up for class and a gear check is done by one of the coaches before classes start.

The number of classes held on any particular day varies, depending on demand, and the availability of coaches and volunteers. Riders, horses and leaders are carefully matched to get the best working relationship, as they work together as a team. Riders’ needs vary with some riding independently, while others need up to two sidewalkers and a leader.



The class will include a warmup time, some exercises, then some activities to help them improve their abilities and skills. The class usually finishes with a game eg “What’s the time Mr Wolf?” Sometimes, when the trail is dry enough, we head out for a lovely relaxing trail ride. 



Between classes, the horses are tied up with their girths loosened, while everyone grabs a drink, and the coaches chat with parents about the riders achievements, needs etc.
Once the last class is finished, it’s time to deal with other tasks that need doing and any problems that have arisen throughout the day. This may mean a training session for any new or troublesome horses, a consultation with the vet, worming of horses or any number of other jobs. It’s time to untack all the horses, clean and put away all gear, brush, sponge or hose sweat marks from horses, feed horses, and return them to their paddocks. Usually everything is done by about 3pm. 

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That’s just what happens on riding days. All other days someone is rostered on to check and feed the horses, and twice a week our grounds and surrounds crew turn up to do their thing. Add to that all the other jobs in administration, cleaning, fundraising (we get no regular government funding) and training……there’s a lot that goes on behind the scene to keep the centre operating!

 

So why do we do it?
We do it for the smile that splits a child’s face the first time they trot down the trotting lane.
We do it for the tears that run down a mother’s cheek as her child achieves something she never thought they would.
We do it for the unrestrained gleeful squeal of the little girl when you throw the lead rope away and send her off on her own for the first time.
We do it for the strength and balance and freedom a child in a wheelchair gains when riding a horse.
We do it for the child who never used to speak, and now tells us what to do, and what we’re doing wrong!
We do it for the cheers, hugs, smiles, laughter, tears, and shared achievements.

We don’t get paid in money, but in far more valuable things!