NCRDA’s volunteer co-ordinator Janis McIlwain says the fuel increases on top of the high cost of living is placing people under financial pressure which often prevents them from volunteering.
‘‘We currently have 62 incredible volunteers who give so generously for our organisation. They, like our horses, are our super heroes,’’ she says.
However more are now urgently needed, particularly on NCRDA’s rider days, held at its Rangiora grounds on Tuesdays, from 11.30am to about 4.15pm, Thursdays from 11am until 3.45pm and Saturdays from 9am until noon.
On rider days the greatest need is help leading horses, being a side walker or offering additional support for riders with balance issues.
Volunteers are also needed to meet with the riders on their arrival to help organise them for their ride.
Others are needed for horse-care and to share rosters for checking and feeding horses.
People willing to become committee and sub-committee members, and maintenance-team members with DIY skills would also be welcome.
NCRDA's president and treasurer Kerry Debenham says anyone who believes they can help the organisation in some way would be warmly welcomed.
‘‘There is always something for people to do."
One of NCRDA’s young volunteers, Maanasa Dasari, aged 17, a home-schooled pupil from Ashley who has loved horses since she was a small child, couldn’t believe her luck when she was offered the opportunity to volunteer for the organisation two years ago.
She loves being around the ‘‘super chilled horses who all have such lovely natures’’ and also being part of helping the riders to achieve confidence and joy in their riding.
‘‘That is awesome to see,’’ she says.
Maanasa says she has also learnt a lot since she began volunteering for NCRDA and would advise anyone who loves being around horses to give it a try.
‘‘Everyone is very welcoming and the tutors are awesome,’’ she says.
NCRDA provides initial induction training along with additional training during sessions if volunteers are involved with rider days.
‘‘We also complete two-yearly training either via the online learning library or attending a training day within the (North Canterbury) region,’’ Janis says.
‘‘The online library learning has an amazing selection of topics, and the training days provide real hands-on learning with an opportunity to connect with people from other centres and learn what they do. People often think they need to have lots or horse experience to volunteer but that is not the case. We offer training and support to each person's abilities.’’
Looking ahead, there is also a pathway for experienced horse people to go on to become coaches and obtain an equine certification if they can and wish to offer more long-term commitment.
Anyone interested in helping email Janis at: janis.mcilwain@rdagroup.nz .
