No, as full training will be given, but any experience you currently do have will definitely help.

We have online e-learning, via the myRda site at myrda.org.uk which is designed to backup practical learning.

Volunteers bring horses from their fields, then groomed, and tacked up in time for the clients’ arrival.

During the client’s time on the horse a volunteer could be leading the horse, or helping the client’s confidence by walking by the horse’s side.

Horses are untacked and taken back to their fields.

General tidying up, field duties, tack cleaning…… the list is endless…!

You will be carefully guided through individual training steps and not overloaded with too much information in one go! There is always at least one coach available and other volunteers and checks are always made to ensure safety.

And the online e-learning platform is always available at myrda.org.uk

All volunteers over the age of 16 will need to complete a DBS disclosure check. This is paid for by the RDA.

We do ask for a volunteer to commit to one day a week (either an afternoon or evening schedule) of about 4 hours. This enables proper planning for our clients and the horses that might be needed. Some volunteers also opt to be contacted for one-off cover (such as holidays, illness etc.)

Let us know of any impending holidays and we will adjust the rota schedules.

We have an indoor arena, where the horses are initially warmed up and is also used for indoor sessions

We have several outdoor hacking routes which, weather permitting, we will also use.

Inside the arena we have a staff area with chairs, tea and coffee making facilities and toilets nearby.

Sturdy footwear, and clothes that will withstand the work and the environment (we work both inside and outside) so layers and a waterproof is advisable. We don’t cancel lessons unless the weather is extremely bad!

Depending on your schedule, most volunteers bring a packed lunch or snacks. We do have a small area with a kettle with tea making facilities.

Yes, there is a large free car park outside the indoor arena.

Ideally our volunteers will be aged 14 and over, though some groups may consider younger at their discretion.

Yes, all RDA groups have trustee indemnity public liability and volunteers have personal accident insurance. This will be discussed at your initial session.

This link has our opening times

Yes, we run term-time sessions and then have a different timetable of activities during the holidays.