Our helpers are a very valuable part of Epsom RDA. We have many volunteers who help with a number of important jobs that help Epsom RDA to run smoothly. Without them we couldn't possibly function. Read some of their comments below:

We would like to say a huge thankyou to all of our helpers!

What it takes to become a helper

We are always looking for volunteers to help us here at Epsom RDA. They play a very important part in making riding for the disabled successful and enjoyable. A helper needs dedication.

We are looking for reliable people with a big smile who are able to offer us as much of their spare time as they can afford. Experience with horses is great but not essential, there is always the opportunity to learn. There are also many things to do that don't involve the ponies such as helping with fund raising events and general maintenance.

In return we offer you the chance to become part of a well established charity, working within our dedicated team to make riding a fun and beneficial experience. Please contact us if you would like to become a helper or want more details.

Management Volunteers needed:

Epsom RDA needs to strengthen its' management team to ease the workload on the present team and to meet the future demands that will be placed upon it. Are you willing to help?

The group is fortunate that we have over 100 volunteers actively involved in helping with the riding sessions and we are grateful to them all for the good work they do. Unfortunately however we are short of volunteers to help with the considerable task of managing the group's affairs, which is getting more onerous and demanding with time. We must therefore strengthen the management team to meet future demands.

The Government anticipate that the numbers of people with learning difficulties will increase over the next 15 years and the charities dealing with physical disabilities believe that although the numbers of physically disabled people will remain constant there is likely to be an increase in the birth of children with multiple and severe disabilities. This together with the increase in the local population resulting from the large housing developments, the increase in legislation affecting charity affairs, Health & Safety and conditions imposed by insurance companies means that we must now strengthen our management team.

The Trustees, which include the Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer, are responsible, under our constitution, for the management of the group. They have been ably supported by the equine manager, property manager, fund raising manager, horse and welfare manager, session leaders, group instructors and physiotherapist some of whom may also be Trustees. We also need to have people managing matters concerning insurance, Health & Safety, quality assurance etc.

If so please contact us for more details. Thankyou for your support.

CAN YOU HELP ?

Would you like to use your equestrian knowledge to help the disabled children and adults who are able to benefit from horse riding activities. If so we would be pleased to hear from you.

Epsom Riding for the Disabled Association (ERDA) provides horse riding facilities at St Ebba's Farm to over 250 disabled children and adults. The total number of rides during the year is in the order of 3500. At present we have a complement of 12 horses that are grass kept on approximately 16 acres of grazing land and we are managed entirely by volunteers.

We are at present seeking to fill the voluntary post of Horse and Pony Manager and also to attract other volunteers, experienced with horses to assist with the riding sessions.

VOLUNTEERS

We always need people experienced with horses to take part in our regular riding sessions. Task they may be required to undertake include leading the horses and walking beside the riders when required, preparing the horses for the riders before the riding session starts and assisting with schooling the horses.

Here is what our volunteers have to say...

Stella, Chairman of Epsom RDA. 'I love working with the children and the volunteer helpers. We have an exciting time, The experience makes me feel like a young girl again.'

Pauline, Local Government Officer and a Trustee of Epsom RDA 'I love the opportunity to work with the horses, riders and all the volunteers who help at Epsom RDA. It is rewarding to be a part of the successful mix of the disabled and the able bodied. I have made many long term friends while working with the Group

Elaine, Scientist and a Trustee of Epsom RDA. 'I have done voluntary work with Epsom RDA since I was 13 years old. I enjoy the exercise it gives me and has done much to enhance my teaching skills. I am always encouraged when I see the riders progress and reach preset goals.'

Amanda, Dispensing Optician. 'I like working with the horses and enjoy the company of the helpers and riders at Epsom RDA. We all think we have problems and it is an uplifting experience to see how our riders deal with theirs.'

Sue, a retired scientist. 'I love the horses and I love seeing the riders progress.'

Laura, Student. 'I enjoy working with the horses and with the disabled children. I benefit from seeing how the riders deal with their disabilities and the riders benefit from the opportunity to ride the horses and mix with all the helpers.'

Lindsay, Physiotherapist. 'I have always loved horses so I started at Epsom RDA as it was a great opportunity to be around them and learn more about them. Through my work there I quickly made friends with the riders and first developed an interest in physiotherapy. I am now the Saturday afternoon session leader and I really enjoy working with my excellent team of helpers and riders.'

Sheila, Housewife. 'I love it at Epsom RDA. I love the horses and I have made many friends. I love the riders and enjoy working with them.'

Jane, Mother of 2 young girls. 'I have gained a large number of friends from both riders and other helpers since joining Epsom RDA. As a non rider when I started I have gained wonderful new skills. Look out Frankie Dettorri!'

Joe, Retired Firefighter. 'I like seeing the children enjoy themselves and progress with their riding. I love the horses and working with all the volunteers who are nice people.'

Hazel, Retired Orthopedic and Paediatric Nurse. 'I joined because I wanted to continue putting my acquired skills to good use. I work with a lovely group of volunteers and we all get great pleasure in seeing our riders develop and progress with their riding.'

Eve, Self Employed Management Trainer. 'When I joined Epsom RDA I knew I would be OK with the horses but I wasn't sure about working with the disabled. I was welcomed with open arms and soon developed great admiration for the enthusiasm of the riders. I now cheer on their achievements as if they were my own. Epsom RDA has provided me with fun and friendships that I value highly, together with the opportunity to help others develop their own skills and have fun.'

Bo, Graphic Designer and a Trustee of Epsom RDA. I joined Epsom RDA as a rider when i was young, and began helping out as soon as i was old enough. Here in Epsom, everyone is really friendly and always helping each other. I have practically grown up being surrounded by all these wonderful people that are like family to me! You could say Epsom RDA is like my second home! lol
i love seeing the horses, seeing everyone and knowing i can help in any way i can. It has and always will be a more than rewarding experience!