Richmond & Catterick Group Riding for the Disabled has issued an appeal for more volunteers.
Volunteers are either a leader or side-walker who are there for support and to help the confidence of the rider.
A parent whose child regularly rides on a Saturday and takes part in horse care said: “This wonderful group gives my child a chance to ride and learn pony care, and it’s life changing for him.”
The child has formed a bond with the pony, Byron, supplied by Catterick Garrison Saddle Club, where the Richmond & Catterick RDA Group rides, and the volunteer coaches help him to develop his skills in the weekly sessions on Saturday.
Angie Staple, the Saturday lead coach, said: “We have a truly amazing bunch of volunteers for the hour-long session on Saturday afternoon.
“But we always want more volunteers to add to the rota as not everyone can come every week, nor are they expected to do as we know people have other commitments.
“And, as full training is given, it is not necessary to have previous ‘horse knowledge’ – volunteers just need to be over 12 years old.
“We already have school-age volunteers doing their DofE volunteering with us on a Saturday afternoon.”
Current volunteers come from all walks of life – young, working age and retired – and live in various areas, including Barnard Castle, Darlington, Richmond, Northallerton, Leyburn, Bedale, Catterick and more.
If you want to train as a coach visit www.myrda.org.uk.
For more information on becoming a Saturday volunteer, contact Jacquie on jacquie.warner@btinternet.com or 07774 274026
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