Crowson Park Riding for the Disabled (RDA) are looking for more volunteers in order to continue and expand their work for people with disabilities.
RDA currently has 20 core volunteers, but with a large waiting list for lessons – more volunteers are needed to support the riders.
The group will host a volunteers information and sign on day on February 22.
President Linda Gaffaney said the group provided full training for new volunteers so no horse skills were necessary.
“On the sign on day we want interested parties to come along and see what we do through our demonstrations,” she said.
“The more volunteers we have the more riders we can help.”
Volunteers are able to put in a whole day, or just one hour when they can.
Ms Gaffaney said more volunteers allowed riders to have change.
“It is not just body strength for their disabilities,” she said.
“We run games with them using alphabet, colour and numbers, they have to use cognitive skills and having a different helper allows them another social challenge.
“I think the best thing about volunteering here is seeing the smiles on the riders faces.”
Maddie Eadie has been a volunteer with the group for about five years and said she just loves helping out.
“It is amazing to be able to help and give back to these kids and the community,” she said.
“The gift it gives to the kids is just something else.”
Volunteer Rowan Eadie said once each child arrives, their bad day generally goes away.
“The difference you see in these kids is just phenomenal,” he said.
“They get here and could be having such a bad day, but they get on that horse and the day is brighter.”
Head to 129 Crowson Lane, Greenbank on February 22 from 9am until 12pm to register your volunteering interest.
