Volunteering for RDAQ
Riding for the Disabled can provide exciting opportunities and challenges for people interested in volunteering. Over the period from 2001 to 2006 RDAQ experienced a 35% increase in rider numbers and we now have over 1200 riders registered in Queensland.
You do not have to have experience with horses to assist in a RDA centre, training is given and there are areas to collaborate in that are not connected with horses, such as making cups of tea and becoming a committee member.
RDA is always looking for volunteers and we encourage people with an interest in serving their local community to make contact with their nearest RDA Centre and become a much needed volunteer. We offer quality education, training and support to our volunteers and we are looking to see our coach and volunteer numbers increase by 25% in centres operating throughout Queensland. If such an increase were realised, riding programs could expand, thus reducing waiting lists and increase the quality of life for those who are disadvantaged and vulnerable in our communities.
RDA welcomes volunteers between the ages of 12-85 years of age. Volunteers must demonstrate that they are physically capable of performing the duties they are allocated.
Remember RDA Centres in Queensland are predominately run by volunteers and without this supportive base many RDA centres would have to close their doors. If you think you can assist in any way please do not hesitate to contact your nearest RDA centre or the RDAQ state office who can supply you with the details of the centre closet to you.
Some volunteers are looking to take that extra step and train to be a Coach with RDA. Coach training involves many hours of hands-on experience, theory and practical work as well as workshops and assessments. Once fully qualified, coaches are registered with the Australian Sports Commission and require yearly maintenance of their qualifications. If you are interested in becoming a coach with RDA, contact your closest Centre to begin volunteering.
- side walkers – see our Fact Sheet on Sidewalking
- leaders – see our Fact Sheet on Leading
- horse training and care
- coaching
- office support
- fundraising
- events
- presentations
- How to Become a Coach – coming soon. See also our Coach Education Page
Volunteer Information Booklet – available at your centre
Everything you need to know about volunteering at RDA!
- Leading and Side Walking
- Emergency drills
- Safety around horses
- Fitting equipment
- Understanding disabilities
- Workplace Health and Safety
Volunteer Recognition Awards
RDA Queensland depends almost entirely on the efforts of volunteers throughout the state to assist with the delivery of programs, administer centres and care for the horses on who so much depends. Each year RDAQ holds its State Volunteer Recognition and Awards to honour those volunteers without whom the organisation simply could not function.
Become an RDAQ Volunteer TODAY!!
Complete the form below and we will contact you as soon as possible.