Any ideas please?

[Valadictory]

I'm disabled, too heavy to ride at the moment but was offered carriage driving by the RDA which I was really looking forward to. Unfortunately my condition has worsened again, and I'm not up to it.

I feel like there is an ache in my heart, I'm missing being around horses/ponies. It sounds daft really but all I want to do is spend a bit of time, when I'm able, just on little things like grooming. I can't carry but I'd love to be able to spend just some time with horses, until I've lost enough weight to consider riding again.

The problem is, I've tried advertising for something like this, offering to pay, but I think it's too much hassle for a lot of horse owners, and I can't blame them. I thought about contacting the RDA to see if they could help, but the closest one doesn't fit in with my work and the one that can offer me carriage driving is over an hour's drive away and I can't manage that.

I was wondering if anyone else might have any ideas, or would be able to see something that I had missed

Thanks ever so much for your time

 

[Snowysadude]

Whereabouts in the country are you? Asking as you might find someone on here

 

[Valadictory]

Thanks for the reply Snowysadude, I'm based in Staffordshire

 

[flirtygerty]

It's a pity you are so far away, my horses love having someone leaning on a fence talking to them.
Could you not explain your situation to a RS or rescue centre and just do what you can

 

[nikicb]

As above a shame you are not nearer me. I have sons who enjoy riding, but their ponies would certainly appreciate a little more spoiling! Hopefully someone else will be able to help. Good luck. xx

 

[Valadictory]

Thanks both The RS are quite busy around here, so I'd probably get in the way but will give them a call nevertheless

 

[WestCoast]

There are a number of organisations who organise volunteers to do activities with people with disabilities. I wonder if one of them might be able to find something for you. The local volunteer office might be able to help - or alternatively there might be a local urban farm that needs help with animals. Doit.org is a good website to look for opportunities or find details of local volunteer offices.

 

[WestCoast]

Sorry - that should have been do-it.org.uk

 

[Bertolie]

Its a pity you're not closer to me - you could have come and pampered my boy as much as you wanted!

 

[cheeryplatypus]

What about rescue centres?
http://www.bluecross.org.uk/1714-2616/Rolleston-adoption-centre.html

This one is in Staffordshire

 

[soulfull]

where about in Staffs, If near stafford I may be able to help

 

[Valadictory]

Thank you so much for all of the fab replies

Thank you Paulag, I shall definitely have a look

Bertolie, nickicb and flirtygerty - that's very kind of you, shame I'm a way away

cheeryplatapus - I'd not even thought of that! Thank you

Soulfull - yes very close I'm about 8 miles away from Stafford. Is it OK if I were to PM you?

 

[Shysmum]

The RDA where I worked used to have peeps there just to groom and help out if they couldn't ride - a long way from you though.

I hope you manage to get something sorted - do let us know. x

 

[horsesatemymoney]

I wish you were nearer to me, you could have come and spent as long as you wanted here I'm sure somebody would be interested in the area that you live?

 

[Elsiecat]

Same as everyone else, If you were nearer you'd always be welcome to come and fuss over my mares, I think you'll definitely find someone on here