Volunteer for Horse Leading, Side-Walking, and Care

About the Role

New Zealand Riding for the Disabled Association (NZRDA) is dedicated to fostering interactions with horses to enhance health and wellbeing for individuals facing disabilities or unique challenges. Our mission is to empower participants to enjoy fulfilling lives and actively engage in meaningful community roles. Our specialised programmes are run by qualified coaches and horse trainers; however, we greatly rely on volunteers to support these efforts.

Primary Duties

Volunteers assist with various horse care tasks such as grooming, helping riders to tack and untack, turning horses out to pasture, feeding hay, and other related duties. Additionally, volunteers support riders during lessons by leading horses or walking alongside them (side-walking). Comprehensive training is provided for all volunteer roles.

Requirements and Commitments

While previous horse experience is helpful, it is not mandatory as training will be offered. Volunteers should have a suitable level of physical fitness due to the walking and occasional trotting involved in sessions. A police background check is mandatory to serve in this position.

Schedule and Availability

• Morning sessions: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays
• Afternoon sessions: 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM on Mondays through Thursdays

Flexible scheduling is possible if full session attendance is not feasible. Volunteers available only on weekends may join the feedout and manure collection roster, but prior horse experience is required for those duties.

How to Apply

If you can regularly dedicate time each week to assist this local community initiative, please express your interest to be connected with the organisation for further information and next steps.