Volunteering

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jakedykes1989

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Hi all

I would love to learn about looking after horses and training involved. I would love to help out at a yard/stables. Im Interested in all horses but do have a intrest in racing but more the training side of things.
I can't seem to find a way to begin. Im strong and fit and would happily volunteer most weekends if anyone could help me. Im based in Maidstone Kent but will travel within reason.
 
Hi, welcome to the forum. If you have little/no experience of horses volunteering at a city farm, RDA, or other charity is probably your best way to start. Most such organisations are very welcoming and will offer training. I have friends that I met 40 yrs ago through RDA and we still volunteer with that group.
 
jakedykes1989 said:
Hi all

I would love to learn about looking after horses and training involved. I would love to help out at a yard/stables. Im Interested in all horses but do have a intrest in racing but more the training side of things.
I can't seem to find a way to begin. Im strong and fit and would happily volunteer most weekends if anyone could help me. Im based in Maidstone Kent but will travel within reason.
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Hello, Welcome !
😃

RDA would be the first place to ask. If you look here there's a map of local groups. https://rda.org.uk/rda-groups/
 
Hi Jake,

I think RDA is very welcoming and a great organisation, but understand that kind of volunteering is not everyone's cup of tea. If you are fit, strong, willing and have skills such as being able to nail a fence rail on straight, I would approach a trainer and simply ask. I've been lucky twice with approaching private yards like this, and had fabulous training in return for volunteering my time.

The RDA would be very safe, and regimented in some ways, for the safety of everyone. If you go to a private yard instead, be aware to watch out for your own safety and don't be afraid to speak up if you are asked to do something you are not confident you have the skills to stay safe doing.
 
Just to add, depending on the RDA group, there are many different roles available to volunteers, including fund-raising and management committee membership but for someone wanting horse-handling experience, their training system is practical and recognises progression. Some more experienced horse-owners might find RDA methods a bit nit-picking and prefer their own methods but for beginners are well-scaffolded.
 
Red-1 said:
Hi Jake,

I think RDA is very welcoming and a great organisation, but understand that kind of volunteering is not everyone's cup of tea. If you are fit, strong, willing and have skills such as being able to nail a fence rail on straight, I would approach a trainer and simply ask. I've been lucky twice with approaching private yards like this, and had fabulous training in return for volunteering my time.

The RDA would be very safe, and regimented in some ways, for the safety of everyone. If you go to a private yard instead, be aware to watch out for your own safety and don't be afraid to speak up if you are asked to do something you are not confident you have the skills to stay safe doing.
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I have approached a few but not got very far doesn't seem to be many in kent from what I can find.
 
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