Places to actually volunteer where you're needed?!

[Peacelily]

Random question - but I know HHO would point the direction of where to go!
I'd like to find a place to do some volunteer work - where there is a real need to have people with experience/professional input into the project - with an equine angle - obviously!
I've just had a quick search around and it all very quickly leads me to gap year travel or other such very structured programmes, but I'm wanting to get away from that to a bit more nitty gritty work where it's needed - if that makes sense.
I've got both an equine and engineering background which might give a bit of an idea of what I'm looking towards?
So is there a website or organisation or something that post looking for people to give up their time/energy to run & contribute to a real need?

thanks in advance

 

[Pearlsasinger]

RDA groups are almost always in need of voluntary help from people with an equine background, if you're thinking of hands on nitty gritty work. Many of the more severely disabled riders need at least two people on the ground as well as some-one to control the horse, particularly if they have learning diabilities as well as physical ones.

 

[hairycob]

It depends what you want to do & where you are. I'd second RDA but what about horse welfare charities/BHS/local charity show organisers/riding club (always on the look out for committee members!)/Pony Club.
I'm sure from that list you can find something that could be anything from organising shows through teaching or sorting out access problems to hands on horse care with a variety of time commitments.

 

[camilla4]

How about something like Brooke who do lots of work abroad on equine welfare - mainly educational - in poorer areas. I know they have a strong presence in areas of Southern Europe and North Africa where abuse and mis-treatment of horses and donkeys is widespread.

http://www.thebrooke.org/content.asp?id=307&cachefixer=cf737481010466232

 

[Passtheshampoo]

I've helped out at 2 different RDA groups over the years whilst I was in between horses. They really appreciate helpers to get the ponies ready and either lead or walk alongside the riders. It's amazing to see how both children and adult disabled riders thoroughly enjoy their lessons. I remember one young lad who was severely autistic singing away whilst riding the RDA pony, he was usually introvert and wouldn't communicate or show emotion. It certainly gives you the feel good factor being able to offer support to such a wonderful association.

 

[yeeharider]

if you go on to riding diary that has a section where you can volounteer for all types of stuff