IT was only a month ago that Riding for the Disabled (RDA) Swan Hill was in very real danger of permanently having to hang up their tack as they struggled to find enough volunteers to keep the program running.
Now, thanks to an amazing recruitment effort by the existing four volunteers, RDA Swan Hill has now has just over 20 volunteers and the program, which allows people with disabilities to experience the benefits of equestrian activities, is about to recommence for riders in September.
RDA Swan Hill long-time volunteer and coach Verna French was pleasantly surprised at the response to the volunteer drive.
“To have more volunteers really energises us and gives us that extra motivation,” she told The Guardian.
“All the little mundane tasks are just easier and happier to do now.”
New volunteer Patricia Medina was prompted to join RDA Swan Hill after she saw a Facebook post saying they were desperately looking for volunteers to continue running the program.
“Besides my love horses and love animals, I just love to help people,” Ms Medina said.
“Seeing that with COVID the kids have been missing lessons anyway, it was really important to me.”
Having recently moved to Swan Hill from Melbourne, Ms Medina said she was really impressed with the not-for-profit organisation.
“I am inspired by the ladies here,” Ms Medina said.
“When I came here and I saw these women, I feel like they are rocking it!”
Ms French said their main focus now is to get the new volunteers comfortable with the horses and vice versa.
“Our horses need to respect whoever is leading them, and we’ve got to make sure our new volunteers are safe,” she said.
RDA Swan Hill will hold their AGM on August 16 at Murray Downs Golf and Country Club.
Their volunteer induction day on August 30, before the riders are welcomed back to start the spring program on September 13.
“We’ve got a good future,” Ms French said.
It’s not too late to become an RDA volunteer. To find out more, message RDA Swan Hill on Facebook, email rdaswanhill@gmail.com, or call Verna French on 0488 324 068.
