Volunteers needed at Rossington Hall Riding for the Disabled

Michelle Rushton, the senior instructor said: “We offer a service for disabled children and adults.

“Our riders vary from mild learning disabilities to amputees - we cater for many people.

“We also offer grooming sessions for riders who aren’t comfortable getting on the horse, this allows them to have contact with the horses.

“It really helps their confidence and their core strength when they come here.”

The riding centre is located in Rossington and caters for many local people with disabilities.

Ann Jones, Trustee and Treasurer at the RDA added: “It especially helps their communication skills, they have to communicate with the animal.

“Tell the horse to move and stop, this really helps them to flourish.”

The RDA is looking for more volunteers to join up at the centre.

Michelle said: “We can’t function without our volunteers.

“The kids that come here are cracking, they choose to spend their time with us instead of doing normal teenage things.

“It’s especially hard in the winter when the weather turns.”

The centre currently has 59 volunteers but they are seeking more so that they can expand their services to more disabled riders.

There are many benefits to volunteering at the RDA, one of them is the training they provide.

Michelle said: “When they join up they are trained in so many areas from tackling to side walking.

“They start at a low level and build up.”

Katie D’rozario, aged 15, is one of their volunteers, she said: “It’s really beneficial to help people.

“I think why stay at home and do nothing when you could help other people.

“My most rewarding moment was when a little boy asked for a hug after a session.”

It’s also rewarding to see the changed in the riders who visit the centre.

Ann said: “The difference in the riders is amazing.

“Some of them start with us and have no core strength but are able to sit up with the use of harnesses.

“Children with autism can be completely different when they get on the horse, it calms them.

The centre has been open since 1987.

They started off with just one horse and three volunteers which has grown to eight horses and 59 volunteers in 2019.

If you’re interested in volunteering at the centre you can contact them by calling 0744349824 or email [email protected]