Riding for the Disabled - it's fab !

Shysmum

Shysmum

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I started yesterday at a centre in Co Durham, and I absolutely loved every second of it. :D. The ponies are amazing, and the riders just don't stop grinning from the second they get on - it is so rewarding :)

All the centres need volunteers, one to lead the pony, and two people to walk by the side of the rider, to help keep them in place and to play the games (balls in the bucket etc). If anyone's interested, I'd say give it a go - from one hour a week, to a full day a week which is what I'm going to do. Plus volunteers get a riding lesson every week !

A lot of helpers are going back to school this week, so many hands are needed - and it is so much fun. ;)

sm xx
 
Well done you for giving it a go, it really is fab isn't it! I don't know which is more rewarding, the utterly legendary ponies, or the change in the riders from even being around them. A really wonderful organisation!
Hope more people try voluntering for them, they are always needing more people, just a morning or afternoon a week is enough to make a difference!
 
I knew you would enjoy it!

You wait now you will be hooked on it!

So pleased to hear it all went so well, I had my fingers crossed for you after your posts that you were going to try!

Then when the riders get better (as many do) you can stand back and see them achieve loads of stuff that they have been told they would never be able to... You wait - I sense big smiles coming into your life!
 
I started volunteering earlier this year too. I know the idea is that we help the riders but I honestly think it has helped me too.

I really enjoy seeing how the kids progress over time not just with riding but with interpersonal skills too.

It really is a rewarding hour spent each week.
 
tbh, I've wanted to do it for years, but was a bit nervous about it. Then when i found out about this centre, it just seemed worth giving it a go, and I got a lot of support here from peeps already involved. I was worried about my back injury, but they use a hoist to get riders on and off, so that's a big relief for me !
 
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