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Why Volunteer With Us

Join Our Amazing Team of Volunteers!

Volunteering is a wonderful way to meet new people, make friends, and grow in confidence - all while learning new skills and giving back to your community. Not only will you make a difference in the lives of others, but you’ll also experience the health and well-being benefits that come with being part of our supportive, friendly team.

We welcome volunteers aged 12 and up, with no upper age limit. Whether you’re passionate about horses, want to learn about horses, want to help behind the scenes, or just want to get involved, there’s a role for you here at Woodbridge RDA.

What is involved?

From practical jobs to behind-the-scenes support, there’s a place for every skill and interest.

To give you an idea:

There are horse-related roles…
- Getting ponies ready for sessions
- Leading ponies in sessions, walking with riders, or cycling with carriage drivers
- Helping with games and props in the indoor school
- Coaching - riders, carriage drivers, equine activities, vaulters…

There are yard-related roles…
- Mucking out and poo picking
- Filling haynets, topping up water buckets
- Moving horses and ponies

There’s indoor jobs…
- Tack cleaning
- Sorting out which donations can be offered for sale
- General cleaning / housekeeping / horsey laundry

There’s maintenance work…
- Cutting the grass
- Mending fences
- Bicycle and carriage maintenance
- DIY skills are always in demand!

And non-horsey work…
- Using social media, events management, crafting & baking
- Business type things - writing grant applications; finding sponsors; project managing; writing risk assessments
- IT support - updating our website, helping with the techie-side of the office computers
- Gardening and horticulture

Who can volunteer?

Volunteering at RDA Woodbridge is open to everyone over the age of 12.

Experience with horses isn’t necessary and living with a disability isn’t a barrier; what matters is enthusiasm and a willingness to learn, engage and get stuck in.

We’ll train you to do the things you’re interested in

How often?

We’re flexible. So if you can offer a few hours a week e.g. a morning or an afternoon, that’s great. If you’d like to stay for a whole day or even a couple of days a week, that’s fine too. Equally if you can only spare time on odd occasions throughout the month we can work something out.

When are you open?

Monday - Friday: 9am to about 4pm.
Wednesday evenings until 7.30pm
Saturdays 8.30 - 2.30pm.

Term dates for all sessions apart from adult carriage driving.

Interested in Becoming a Riding or Driving Coach?

We’re always looking for potential volunteers interested in training as coaches. While equestrian experience is helpful, it’s not essential - our in-house training is provided free of charge, and our supportive RDA team will guide you every step of the way.

More coaches mean more sessions and opportunities for our participants. If you’re interested, please contact us via email or call 01473 737087 (leave a message if we’re busy with horses or clients).

Become a Trustee

Our Trustees play a vital role in the management and future planning of our group. We’re looking for individuals with experience in the following areas:

• Horse Care / Stable Management / Running an Equine Business
• Charity Fundraising / PR / Donor & Sponsor Relationship Management
• Finance / Accounting / Bookkeeping
• Human Resources / People Management
• Business Management / Charity Governance

If you’re interested, email us and tell us what draws you to this role and what you can bring to our group. For an informal discussion, we’d be happy to arrange a call or a visit to The Bays at a time that suits you.

Volunteering with us is more than just giving your time - it’s about being part of a community, making a difference, and creating memories. We’d love for you to join us!