Thank you to everyone who liked and shared this. We have had lots of responses so will be closing the applications for now.
“Horses changed my life and I don’t want anyone to be without that opportunity”
– Winnie W
Do you have some riding experience and knowledge that you could share to improve the lives of Disabled People in and around Bristol?
We are currently recruiting volunteer RDA riding coaches to work with small groups of riders. The Centre has excellent facilities on the outskirts of the city, surrounded by 100 acres of countryside.
This role is enormously rewarding; giving you a chance to develop the riding and horsemanship skills of our riders. Working with horses, whether ridden or unmounted has been shown to:
- improve communication and social skills
- help confidence and self-esteem
- build trust and relationships
- improve balance, mobility and core strength
“I can reduce my medication when I’m riding regularly!”
– Amy C
This is a great opportunity to improve lives and make lifelong friends with our friendly and committed team of RDA Volunteers. Full training will be provided.
About Us
Avon Riding Centre for the Disabled is a registered charity that offers a range of equine experiences for people with additional needs. Our users are all ages, with a wide range of access needs. Our aim is to provide therapy, achievement and fun to all participants through riding, equine learning and therapy and hippotherapy. There is an enormous demand for our services, but the only way we can increase our services is with the support of more volunteer coaches. Most coaching opportunities will be daytime, Tuesday to Friday, and mostly term time.
Our participants range from completely independent, competitive riders (competing in regional and national competitions ranging from Dressage to Show Jumping) to those working at walk supported by volunteer leaders and side helpers.
Our Centre is set in almost 100 acres, near to Cribbs Causeway (opposite Blaise Castle estate). The indoor and outdoor arenas are big enough to hold competitions and we regularly host Regional Competitions.
Covid has been tough on us and we had to reduce our herd size to survive. We currently have 15 riding horses and ponies, but plan to increase our herd as soon as funding allows.
Coach training will be provided through a mixture of in house mentoring with an experienced coach and prescribed training offered locally through the Mid West Region RDA training team. Candidates with BHS qualifications may be exempt from some of the prescribed training.
Read 10 things Coach India has gained from coaching at an RDA Centre.
For more information or to express you interest, please contact Kim Langbridge (rdac@avonridingcentre.org.uk). We look forward to hearing from you.