undergroundoli
Well-Known Member
I'm going to my local RDA tomorrow. The woman on the phone told me I couldn't have wellies on, but has anyone else got any useful tips?
My first time as an RDA helper. Tips?
- Thread starter undergroundoli
- Start date
cobalobM
Well-Known Member
I started helping at my local RDA when I was 14 and really enjoyed it, learnt a lot and made loads of friends. Don't really have any tips other than get involved, ask questions and have fun!!
Baileybones
Well-Known Member
What was the logic for the no wellies? Basic requirement for not needing to puddle dodge round our way at the moment 
I would say personally don't over think it and go and get the feel of it. Personally I tie my hair up and wear no jewellery (I do this regardless of RDA or not in fairness) as some of the riders will reach out for you. If well run though you should never be made to feel out of your depth - we have one person leading the horse and then another person sidewalking the rider and on occasions if required a member of staff from the RDA party walking the other side as well so main thing is actually not walking on top of each other and remembering if you're leading to warn the others that you're stopping so no pile ups!
Each rider is so different and with different issues so some like to have the constant interaction but then one little boy I work with is noise sensitive and can't stand loud noises so I'm a virtual mute throughout (this is harder than you would think) and I just show him what I need him to do.
Anyway hope this helps you a little and hope you have a great time. I'm ashamed to say I used to be very nervous of dealing with the RDA groups but now they're some of my best sessions. Just have to watch out for the chap who thinks rolling his wheelchair down the ramp and trying to run me over is great fun!
I would say personally don't over think it and go and get the feel of it. Personally I tie my hair up and wear no jewellery (I do this regardless of RDA or not in fairness) as some of the riders will reach out for you. If well run though you should never be made to feel out of your depth - we have one person leading the horse and then another person sidewalking the rider and on occasions if required a member of staff from the RDA party walking the other side as well so main thing is actually not walking on top of each other and remembering if you're leading to warn the others that you're stopping so no pile ups!
Each rider is so different and with different issues so some like to have the constant interaction but then one little boy I work with is noise sensitive and can't stand loud noises so I'm a virtual mute throughout (this is harder than you would think) and I just show him what I need him to do.
Anyway hope this helps you a little and hope you have a great time. I'm ashamed to say I used to be very nervous of dealing with the RDA groups but now they're some of my best sessions. Just have to watch out for the chap who thinks rolling his wheelchair down the ramp and trying to run me over is great fun!
undergroundoli
Well-Known Member
What was the logic for the no wellies? Basic requirement for not needing to puddle dodge round our way at the moment
In case a horse stands on us. I'm gunna go in jodpur boots, but I dont think they'll protect me more than wellies would. I'm pretty good at anticipating what horses will do and removing my feet normally.
I'm excited, but nervous so you and horselessb saying its great is actually just what i'm looking for.
Tiddlypom
Carries on creakily
Great stuff undergroundoli, as horselessb and Baileybones have said helping at RDA is very rewarding and often good fun as well.
The riders come in all shapes and sizes and so do the horses and ponies! Hopefully you'll have a good instructor and experienced helpers who will brief you on the individual requirements of each rider as to how much or how little assistance they need. If not, just ask! You'll soon get to know them all when you attend regularly.
The riders come in all shapes and sizes and so do the horses and ponies! Hopefully you'll have a good instructor and experienced helpers who will brief you on the individual requirements of each rider as to how much or how little assistance they need. If not, just ask! You'll soon get to know them all when you attend regularly.
khalswitz
Well-Known Member
It depends whether you're leading or side walking. Top tip for leading - give your sidewalkers enough space, and make any transitions gradual. And when you stop, stand in front of your horse - helps stop it moving forward before rider is prepared.
For side walking - don't hold on too much to your rider!! Have seen sidewalkers accidentally use riders leg to balance during trot, and slowly pull them to one side.
But most of all listen to your instructor - they will soon tell you what to do.
The yard I used to work at did RDA, and I loved it - aside from being very rewarding, the tea, cake an horsy chat was fab. Have fun!!!
For side walking - don't hold on too much to your rider!! Have seen sidewalkers accidentally use riders leg to balance during trot, and slowly pull them to one side.
But most of all listen to your instructor - they will soon tell you what to do.
The yard I used to work at did RDA, and I loved it - aside from being very rewarding, the tea, cake an horsy chat was fab. Have fun!!!
undergroundoli
Well-Known Member
Thanks for the kind words and the tips Looking forwad to it
Looking forwad to it
Pippity
Well-Known Member
You'll be 'green-carded' - trained - before you're thrown in at the deep end, so don't worry too much!
My first time helping at the RDA, I just had to show that I was fine grooming and tacking up, and then I was talked through the specialist equipment. (Ladder and loop reins, fitting the neckstrap, etc.) I watched the first ride of the evening while my trainer pointed out what the leaders and sidewalkers were doing and why. For the second ride, I led for a rider who could ride independently. Afterwards, I untacked and settled the horses for the night.
If your group is anything like mine, you'll be welcomed with open arms, and your trainers will make sure you're comfortable with everything you're asked to do. Don't be afraid to ask questions, and have fun!
My first time helping at the RDA, I just had to show that I was fine grooming and tacking up, and then I was talked through the specialist equipment. (Ladder and loop reins, fitting the neckstrap, etc.) I watched the first ride of the evening while my trainer pointed out what the leaders and sidewalkers were doing and why. For the second ride, I led for a rider who could ride independently. Afterwards, I untacked and settled the horses for the night.
If your group is anything like mine, you'll be welcomed with open arms, and your trainers will make sure you're comfortable with everything you're asked to do. Don't be afraid to ask questions, and have fun!