Call for new volunteers to support charity’s weekly riding sessions for adults and children with disabilities

GAIN Equine Nutrition, which is owned by Ireland’s leading dairy and grains co-operative Tirlán, has teamed up with a charity offering weekly horse-riding lessons for adults and children with additional needs to attract new volunteers to help run the service

Many of Riding for the Disabled Ireland’s (RDA Ireland’s) 400 volunteers have been giving of their time for decades. The charity is now eager to attract more people who are comfortable around horses and available to support lessons during the day on weekdays.

The plea came as representatives of the almost 400 volunteers working with RDA Ireland gathered to celebrate the positive benefits horses have on the lives of hundreds of adults and children with special and additional needs at dedicated riding centres around Ireland.

At a garden party held in Slane, Co Meath, RDA Ireland recognised three volunteers who have given their time to the organisation for 40 years. Other volunteers were recognised for 30, 20 and 10 years of volunteering on a weekly basis with groups across the country.

Dilys Lindsay, Secretary, RDA Ireland, said the charity is urging companies to release employees weekdays to support their services under their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes, or consider sponsoring a rider under their Sponsor a Rider Scheme. She called on interested members of the public to check out where their nearest centre is on the charity’s website and to register their interest on https://rdaireland.org/become-a-volunteer

Dilys has been a volunteer for 26 years and says she’s gained more from the experience than she could ever have imagined. “I’ve never owned a horse and my only connection with horses was that I took riding lessons when I was in boarding school. I volunteered because I knew another volunteer. Volunteers only need to be comfortable around horses. All other training is given.

“It has been an amazing experience. We have lots of service users who have communication challenges, who live with Autism and other conditions. The impact the horse has on them is remarkable and it’s amazing to see service users’ blossom.

“Several have said their first word on a horse. Sometimes it’s the horse’s name. Other times it’s words like ‘slow’, ‘stop’ or other commands we use during the lessons. Parents, teachers or carers tell us that horse riding boosts their mood, calms them, helps their balance, and helps them to sleep better. I really don’t know what it is – perhaps it’s the magic of the horse,” she said.

Joanne Hurley, Head of Equine, GAIN Equine Nutrition said they’re delighted to continue to support the invaluable work RDA Ireland does all over Ireland. “As a farmer-owned cooperative, Tirlán is deeply rooted in the community.

“We’ve long been associated with horse racing, bloodstock, equestrian sports, and horse welfare. We’re delighted to continue our support for another really valuable part of the equine industry through our partnership with RDA Ireland. It enriches the lives of so many service users, their families, and communities right around the country. We’re proud to support their voluntary efforts.”

RDA Ireland was established in 1969 and has continued to evolve and develop for over half a century, with 30 groups across Ireland and almost 400 volunteers providing weekly riding or carriage driving sessions to more than 380 children and adults living with disabilities.

RDA Ireland provides the opportunity for individuals, with physical or intellectual disabilities, to horse ride or carriage drive and this in turn provides therapy, fitness, development of skills, socialisation, achievement and most importantly fun.

It is not only the riders who benefit. Volunteers gain so much from the Association with ongoing training and development, friendships, and the opportunity to make a difference. The localised sessions provide service users with exercise, development of skills, socialisation, achievement and most importantly, fun, according to Cathy Byrne, RDA Ireland’s National Coordinator.

“The weekly lessons provide therapy, achievement, and enjoyment to people with a range of disabilities to enjoy safe, healthy, stimulating horse-riding activities. Volunteers benefit from ongoing training, friendships, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

“No previous experience required but volunteers need to be confident around horses and work well as part of a team. Training is provided and volunteers are all Garda vetted and supported by their Coaches. The funding we’re receiving from GAIN Equine Nutrition and Tirlán is very much appreciated and helps us train and support our volunteers and run our organisation which has also just launched a Sponsor Riders Scheme.”

To find out more about becoming a volunteer with RDA Ireland click here https://rdaireland.org/information/rda-ireland-near-you