Horse riding: helping disabled people to overcome adversity
Lizzie, 22, from Warwickshire, helps disabled people to ride horses. This is her story:
I began volunteering with the Riding for the Disabled Association a couple of years ago. Although, I knew what RDA was, I had no idea of the scale of the organisation and the fabulous impact that it makes on many people’s lives. As a volunteer, what really has struck me is the bond that develops between the horse and rider. For some, it is not the riding but the sensation of being around the horse and witnessing the horse’s behaviour and character.
I help every weekend, it is certainly very rewarding and definitely worthwhile. It is something that I really look forward to. I feel a huge sense of satisfaction and fulfilment from helping our riders overcome adversity.
Before I started volunteering with RDA, I did have knowledge of horses, but hadn’t had any previous experience of being around disabled people. One of the strengths of RDA, I think, is that it brings together people from all environments, it is a great experience which manages to build on everyone’s skills.
I have no doubt that it is something that I shall continue to do for a long time, I only wish that I could offer more time and commitment to RDA. I thoroughly enjoy the experience and hope to bring many others to the RDA environment.
