More volunteers needed for Riding for the Disabled in Hastings

Riding for the Disabled, Hastings, is constantly short of volunteers and is seeking more to join the team. Photo / Supplied

It's a centre that brings pure delight to many young faces, some of whom have never ridden a horse before.

Riding for the Disabled is nestled off Murdoch Rd in Hastings where several programmes are held for mainly primary school children - but they're seriously short of volunteers.

In fact, they always need more volunteers. Many come and go, but the organisation needs them to stay.

"We have a core of volunteers who have been with us for a very long time, they're wonderful, but the numbers aren't enough to sustain all the work we do," says long-time volunteer Ruth Holmes.

"We get a lot of new people arriving into Hawke's Bay who will often volunteer while they're looking to get a job.

"For volunteer work here, you need to get a police check, and by the time that happens, they've got a job and they're off.

"Volunteering is such a good thing to have on your CV, it becomes a real plus-point to employers."

Holmes says anyone can volunteer, even if they have little knowledge about horses.

"You can come in and watch a session and there's a training process as well. Once you know what you'd like to do, whether it be helping with the children's programmes or working with the horses then we can pick something.

"Some roles require a steady level of fitness so we check that with potential volunteers as well."

Even though there's a police check, that doesn't get in the way of volunteers being trained in the interim.

Holmes says they hold programmes from Tuesday to Friday for children and there are many positives of volunteering.

"It's always interesting to hear what the volunteers get out of it and why they do it in the first place.

"The reason why I became involved is because I've always worked with horses and I know how good they are for you, both physically and mentally.

"A lot of people like to come and work with the horses because they get a lot out of that. Others love to come and work with the children because it's wonderful to see them reaching their goals and sometimes making quite huge changes in their lives."

Holmes says volunteering can even lead to a new career path.

"Volunteers can go through a training process and gain a qualification, it is an option."

The organisation needs at least eight volunteers a day to assist with programmes, looking after the horses, administration, and keeping the grounds.

Call 06 876 9498 or email hastingsrda@nowmail.co.nz