No horsing around

Volunteers from the Supporting Performance Team (SPT), part of the National Delivery Performance team gave up their time to visit the Epsom Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA).

Established in 1969 and managed solely by volunteers, Epsom RDA is a charitable organisation that provides opportunities for disabled people to learn to ride to benefit their health and well-being. Each year, the charity provides more than 3,000 rides for over 300 disabled adults and children.

Supporting performance manager Claire Hempston, said: ‘We arrived in warm clothes and wellies as we had been warned to be prepared for bad weather. We didn’t know exactly what the RDA had lined up for us to do but with 14 horses and 16 acres, there’s always a lot of work for volunteers.

‘After we were given a tour of the association, we were asked to trim back the hedges that line the perimeter edge and a busy cycle path on the Hook Road side of the site.

‘It took us two hours of hard graft to restore the hedgeline and provide easier access for the cyclists who use the route. The weather ended up being kind to us and we all really enjoyed the challenge. It was so satisfying to see the difference we made and meet some of the people who use the cycle route and pedestrian pathway.

‘We really got stuck in. It was a great couple of hours and the work we did was well received by the RDA. When we finished we were given a cup of tea and some lovely cake from some of the other volunteers. We all think we made a difference for the RDA and the local community and we’re already thinking about our next venture!’

There are RDA centres all across the UK who always need more volunteers. There are a range of roles you can do from fundraising, PR, helping on the yard, and leading horses in sessions and coaching.