Riding for the Disabled Oaklands is seeking new volunteers to continue its program.
The organisation works with children and adults with varying disabilities helping them gain skills, independence and therapeutic benefits from horse riding.
For 43 years, the team has welcomed and assisted people of all ages with a wide range of support needs including students from Sunbury Macedon Ranges Specialist School.
Session are supervised by nationally qualified coaches and assisted by specially trained volunteers and horses. Delivering the best possible experience in reaching participants goals.
“We have provided them with life-changing opportunities through our structured equestrian programs,” RDA Oakland president Fiona Orr said.
“It’s more than just an experience. Participants develop a mutual trust and shared responsibility with the horse, all while enjoying freedom, movement, sensory feedback and skill development that they may not experience.
“We have a wonderful team of every dedicated passionate, volunteers and we need more.”
Kyneton volunteer Pat Warren, who has been working with the organisation for 14 years, said the experience was rewarding.
“To work with our beautiful special children is so rewarding,” she said.
“To see the smiles on their faces when they are greeted from the bus, the excitement when they are seated on their horses, and most of all the tears flowing down the faces of our volunteers when a non verbal child speak their first word, or a child sitting straight in the saddle without assistance for the first time, this is worth every minute of the time I spend with them.
“Of course we cannot forget our beautiful patient, gentle, forgiving horses and ponies. They know instinctively when they have these children on board. They give and they receive, heaps of tender loving care.”
The ideal volunteer is someone who loves horses, loves people and has some time to spare.
RDA Oaklands operates Monday, Tuesday and Saturday mornings during school terms and is located at 60 St Johns Road Oaklands Junction.
There is a variety of work available and no experience is necessary. The team provides full training and support.
If you think you fit the role, contact RDA Oaklands via social media, or contact Fiona Orr on 0418 594 188.
