RDA tasks?

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Hatcs001

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Aside from my other thread, I'm interested to know what the daily tasks of volunteering with the Riding for the Disabled are. I'm going to volunteer my time each week for 2 hours and I don't know what to expect 😳 any ideas or experience?
 
It's probably worth asking the RDA Group that you are working for. Groups vary so much eg clientele, horses, other volunteers and their skills etc
 
As above, but you are likely to be aske to assist riders to mount from a very large free standing mounting block, lead a pony with directions given by the instructor, you will be advised of the ability of the rider to direct the pony/horse and be expected to lead accordingly. You may well start out as a side walker, with a rider with poor balance, that may include having your arm across the riders leg, while you hold on to the front of the saddle flap, you may be required to assist the rider to keep the reins steady etc, but the instructor will give you pointers.
 
The other thing to remember is you should not be asked to do anything without first being shown how to do it. This may seem obvious but as a poster on other thread said there are set procedures for doing most things and most groups take the training of volunteers very seriously. We frequently have to show AI s etc how to lead their own ponies which has to be done quite ..er tactfully. So do pay attention.. Good leaders are the backbone of RDA and 20 years experience of horse ownership does not necessarily make you a good leader.. far from it in fact. I feel a sermon coming on so will shut up.
 
Following on from that - don't be offended if you are taught something you feel you already know, or told to do something rather than asked - there are times when things have to just be done NOW and there isn't time to find a tactful way to do it. This is possibly more relevant in driving groups where the RDA Whip is in charge of several people at once and things escalate fast. Always try to listen and follow instructions as soon as you are asked, both for efficiency and safety - and think over the day afterwards to see what may have confused you or you would like further guidance on so that you can ask next time.
 
It's important to listen to instructions as every group will vary. Helpers get training in the various tasks they will asked to do and when competent get "signed off" on their green card. You also shouldn't be "let loose" to help until you've undergone some training and your Disclosure / PVG has been completed.

Tacking up may involve extra tack eg special reins, handles, neck straps etc.

Mounting: there should always be an instructor present, if leading focus on the horse and not the rider getting on so as you ensure the horse doesn't move. Everyone has different tasks and it's important each person sticks to theirs for safety reasons.

Side walking: be aware of the rider at all times, if appropriate help the rider carry out tasks the instructor is asking them to do.

Side walking: walk at the rider's leg, don't foget rider needs to engage with the instructor but remain safe at all times. How much you need to do will depend on the nature of the rider's difficulty.

The first couple of sessions may be rather daunting but persevere it's well worth and hugely rewarding>
 
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