Hobbies/Sports/Passtimes/Volunteering

DreamOfNoReturn

DreamOfNoReturn

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1 January 2012
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Edinburgh
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Hey guys :),

So basically as I don't have a horse right now (and can't afford one nor find someone who needs a rider), I am looking for other things to do to fill up my time. I really want to take up a sport, or volunteer somewhere, because there are a few people I know of who are looking for sharers, but I can't afford to commit to giving money at all, and so I can't afford to get a share, and I'm having to deal with being horseless (trust me, it's sucky).

So it would be lovely to hear from all you guys about things you do in your time, and hopefully it will give me some idea of what I can do :).

Much appreciated!
 
Why don't you volunteer with the RDA? :)

As well as horses I do Pilates, have singing lessons and try to keep fit. No time for anything else now I have a horse!
 
You could find your local riding club - check the BHS website, and contact them - they are always looking/greatful for volunteers.

If your interested in competitions, e-mail your local equestrian centres and see if you can do some dressage writing or stewarding.

Good luck and enjoy!
 
Hi. Whereabouts are you? World Horse Welfare centres like volunteers to help out. Or as others said Riding for the Disabled. Keep looking for shares/people that need help - not all of them ask for money.
 
I second the RDA, they are always looking for volunteers to help, especially if you know what you are doing around horses. I volunteered for years, first at my local branch, then again when i was in uni up in scotland. I even got to exercise some of the 'better' horses and help out at the rda shows when they need young able bodied assistance to lead etc.. http://www.rdasouthscotland.org.uk/ i met some really lovely people doing it , and learnt tons.

Or how about volunteering for the Scottish Animal Welfare which are based in Edinburgh, i think they take in horses and donks as well as smaller animals. http://www.scottishanimalwelfare.org.uk/
 
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Look for local competitions if you want it to be horsey, you might come across riders you don't joq who are looking for help. I love Dressage writing. As others have said rda.
 
if you dont need it to be horsey what about being a dogsbody for search and rescue dog training? i would love to do this but have an anxiety problem so wouldnt be able to hide in tiny enclosed spaces! i dont have a horse either so i ride once or twice a week, agility train with my dog and go ballroom dancing
 
Theocat said:
Why don't you volunteer with the RDA? :)

As well as horses I do Pilates, have singing lessons and try to keep fit. No time for anything else now I have a horse!
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I actually used to volunteer with the RDA, but I had to give up due to school. Now the place where I helped has loads of volunteers :). I was looking into volunteering at another RDA, but they aren't looking for helpers on the days that I can do, so for the moment I'm not doing that, but hopefully in summer I will be :3. Trying to keep fit is such an issue for me :L, I honestly can't find anything fun to do, but I'm considering going to pilates :D!
 
doratheexplorer said:
You could find your local riding club - check the BHS website, and contact them - they are always looking/greatful for volunteers.

If your interested in competitions, e-mail your local equestrian centres and see if you can do some dressage writing or stewarding.

Good luck and enjoy!
Click to expand...

Thanks :), I'll try that! I've been helping out with endurance and I love it, but they don't have any more rides scheduled at the minute as far as I'm aware, so I need something to occupy me :).
 
katherine1975 said:
Hi. Whereabouts are you? World Horse Welfare centres like volunteers to help out. Or as others said Riding for the Disabled. Keep looking for shares/people that need help - not all of them ask for money.
Click to expand...

Hi :), I'm in Edinburgh :P. I actually used to volunteer with the RDA, but I had to give up due to school. Now the place where I helped has loads of volunteers :). I was looking into volunteering at another RDA, but they aren't looking for helpers on the days that I can do. I'm keeping my eyes open :P, hopefully something will pop up! Not everyone does, but finding the ones who don't is not the easiest :L.
 
BlairandAzria said:
I second the RDA, they are always looking for volunteers to help, especially if you know what you are doing around horses. I volunteered for years, first at my local branch, then again when i was in uni up in scotland. I even got to exercise some of the 'better' horses and help out at the rda shows when they need young able bodied assistance to lead etc.. http://www.rdasouthscotland.org.uk/ i met some really lovely people doing it , and learnt tons.

Or how about volunteering for the Scottish Animal Welfare which are based in Edinburgh, i think they take in horses and donks as well as smaller animals. http://www.scottishanimalwelfare.org.uk/
Click to expand...

I actually used to volunteer with the RDA, but I had to give up due to school. Now the place where I helped has loads of volunteers. I was looking into volunteering at another, but they aren't looking for helpers on the days that I can do, so for the moment I'm not doing that, but hopefully in summer! Where did you used to help if you don't mind me asking :)?

Ooo that would be interesting! Thanks a lot :3.
 
gemin1eye said:
if you dont need it to be horsey what about being a dogsbody for search and rescue dog training? i would love to do this but have an anxiety problem so wouldnt be able to hide in tiny enclosed spaces! i dont have a horse either so i ride once or twice a week, agility train with my dog and go ballroom dancing
Click to expand...

That never occured to me, but it sounds fantastic and something that could actually be quite fun! I am slightly claustrophobic, but it's more if I am in a large crowd of people :). Small spaces don't really bother me, so I would probably be all right doing that :P.
 
WelshD said:
I show chickens, it's every bit as involved and competative but much cheaper than horses!
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Now that sounds interesting! How did you get into that :)? I've always wanted chickens :P, problem is my garden's quite small and we have a few foxes around here :L. Wouldn't want to give them a free meal ;).
 
Again non horsey, but I volunteer 1 day a week at a National Trust property - it is really rewarding and can be the highlight of my week!

It is actually quite nice to have a 'non horsey' day once a week, but appreciate you may be looking for the opposite.
 
Not horsey, but still gets you out in the countryside and in the fresh air. Join your local running club!! I used to run at school but hadn't run for 25 years, although I've always been active with hill walking and such, so I decided to join the running club in january this year. I didn't have a horse at the time to ride (just a couple of small ponies) so wanted something to do really. Since then, I've gone from finding 3 miles hard to doing a sub 2hr half marathon, several x-country races and I've made loads of new friends. I'm also fitter than I've ever been. Today I did a fab 6 mile x-country race just a couple of miles from home, with great views and even the mud was fun. I now have a new horse but have managed to combine the two very easily, and I've set myself the goal of doing Man v Horse in Wales, both running and riding over consecutive years just to see if I can beat myself!!
 
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