THE Riding for the Disabled Association of NSW Richmond Centre is in need of volunteers to help with its riding and saddle club programs.
RDA volunteers are given free training and taught new skills through the programs, and are vital to ensure the services are provided locally.
Volunteers are needed for riding session and saddle club on Monday to Thursday from 9am to 3pm and riding sessions on Saturday from 9am-3pm.
Ground maintenance volunteers are also required to help at the centre.
The primary objective of RDA is to provide most people with a disability with the opportunity to ride and enjoy all the activities connected with horseriding.
Riding for people with a disability is both therapeutic and recreational and RDA is in fact one of the few organisations which offers a multi-diagnostic service, catering for people with a wide range of disabilities.
The objectives of RDA NSW are to encourage, support and assist centres to provide riding therapy, sport, recreation, training and safety programs for people with disabilities.
According to RDA NSW horse riding is a unique form of exercise and rehabilitation.
The complex movement of the horse helps to improve coordination, balance, muscular development and fitness.
They say horse riding and horse related activities assist greatly and often dramatically in the development and restoration of personal confidence, self esteem, communication skills, leadership and trust.
The next volunteer training days for RDA Richmond are Saturday, August 29, Saturday, October 10 and Saturday, November 28.
The training days run from 9am to 2pm and a sausage sizzle lunch is provided.
To express interest or to find out more email richmondrdavolun teers@gmail.com or send a text message to 0451 029 307.