Volunteer
At Abingdon RDA, you can get involved in a variety of meaningful activities that support people with disabilities. Every experience is designed to make a positive impact.
Your journey to help others
Abingdon RDA relies on volunteers to support essential tasks, from caring for horses and ponies, mucking out, grooming, tacking up, to assisting in riding sessions, coaching, and fundraising.
All volunteers must have Enhanced DBS certificate that is less than 3 years old. Under current legislation this has to be organised from within the group, unless the applicant has subscribed to the Update Service.
Special request
We have 2 brilliant volunteers who check and feed our ponies every Sunday. Are you able to add your name to the list in the tack room to offer emergency cover if our regulars are ill or on holiday?
Volunteering: what’s in it for you?
Volunteering offers the chance to make a tangible difference, develop new skills, and connect with a supportive community, all while contributing to a meaningful cause.
Read about the impactLearn new skills
Make a difference
Make new friends
Be part of a team
Enjoy the outdoors
Boost your CV
A volunteer’s account
Curious about what volunteering at Abingdon RDA is really like? Click on the video link to hear firsthand from a volunteer, a parent of a rider, and a coach. Discover the impact you can make, the friendships you'll form, and the rewarding experiences waiting for you at Abingdon RDA.
Gillian's ImpactVolunteer FAQs
The support from volunteers is critical to our success. These are a few questions we have been asked and thought it would be useful to share with you.
What is RDA?
RDA stands for Riding for the Disabled Association, a national federation of Member Groups, which is dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities, through the provision of opportunities for riding, vaulting and/or carriage driving. We hope this site, under the various sections, will help you understand, but if you are looking for more, why not visit the national RDA site at www.rda.org.uk. Abingdon RDA is a separate registered charity, responsible for the day-to-day running & funding of its own activities, relying entirely on volunteer support.
Do I need to know about horses?
Any experience with horses or ponies is great but not essential. To help at a riding session you should feel comfortable around horses, but full training is given.
Are there any requirements?
All volunteers are required to complete a Volunteer Application form and pass the Disclosure & Barring Service (ex CRB) check. However there are no tests for reliability, enthusiasm, dedication & willingness to help!! If you’ve got these in abundance & a big smile too we’d love you to join us. To help with a riding session you need to be able to walk briskly for around 1 hr at a time.
What do I actually do as a volunteer helper?
During a class, you can help as a leader or side walker. Both roles require awareness & empathy to both the rider’s & horse’s mood & ability. The leader is responsible for leading & controlling the horse. The sidewalker walks next to the rider & is there to assure the riders safety & assist as needed – perhaps helping with balance or explaining the teacher’s instructions. At the end of the class the helpers provide feedback on the riders progress. Other jobs on riding days include grooming, tacking-up horses ready for the ride & setting up equipment in the arena.
When & where are the riding lessons held?
Abingdon Riding for the Disabled is located at Lower Lodge Riding Centre, Southmoor, OX13 5HW. To find out which sessions currently require more volunteers, please contact us through our website.
Still have a question?
If you have any further questions or need more information, please feel free to get in touch. As a charity that values volunteers, we offer flexible opportunities and are happy to provide more details about how you can get involved. Contact us below to learn more.
Contact us
Donate
Support RDA Abingdon today and help transform lives through the power of horses. Your donation provides life-changing experiences for individuals with disabilities. Make a difference now.
Impact
Our impact page showcases inspiring testimonials, a gallery of riding highlights, and a moving video featuring voices from a volunteer, a parent, and a coach. See how our sessions build strength, confidence, and connection for people of all ages and abilities.
Start your journey
Our charity wouldn’t exist without the dedication of our volunteers, who regularly give their time and energy to ensure that the Group provides riding therapy year-round.
