Title: RDA Ireland Seeks Volunteers to Support Therapeutic Horse Riding for Individuals with Disabilities

Riding for the Disabled Ireland (RDA Ireland) has been in operation for decades and is now looking towards finding more people who are comfortable around horses and available to support lessons during the day on weekdays.

The charity recently teamed up with GAIN Equine Nutrition, which is owned by Ireland’s leading dairy and grains co-operative Tirlán. Funding from this partnership will help the charity train and support volunteers.

The call has come following a gathering of almost 400 volunteers in Slane, Meath 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 the gathering, 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.

Secretary at RDA Ireland, Dilys Lindsay said the charity is urging companies to allow employees on weekdays to support their services under their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes, or consider sponsoring a rider under the charity’s ‘Sponsor a Rider Scheme’.

Dilys has been a volunteer for 26 years and did not have much experience with horses before joining the charity.

“I volunteered because I knew another volunteer. Volunteers only need to be comfortable around horses. All other training is given,” she said.

“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.

Intending volunteers in Laois are urged to contact Laois RDAI Group which operates out of the Stradbally area.

Head of Equine at GAIN Equine Nutrition, Joanne Hurley said: “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.”

RDA Ireland has 30 groups across the country and almost 400 volunteers providing weekly riding or carriage driving sessions to more than 380 children and adults living with disabilities.