Frequently Asked Questions
- What commitment do the volunteers make?
- I know nothing about horses. Can I still volunteer?
- I would like to volunteer but I don’t have transport.
- What happens when I phone 0845 450 6801 to volunteer?
- What training will I be given?
- What happens if I can’t help one week or if the ride is cancelled?
What commitment do the volunteers make?
Most volunteers agree to help regularly each week with one of our groups. The group sessions last for one hour, and are held at Kilconquhar Estate. Volunteers are asked to be present about ten minutes before the session begins.
Many of the groups do not ride during the school holidays.
I know nothing about horses. Can I still volunteer?
Don’t worry if you know nothing about horses! We need lots of people to walk beside the riders, as well as one person to lead each pony or horse.
All our helpers are given training as soon as possible after joining the group. You will only be asked to do as much as you feel confident to do, and the qualified instructors who lead each session will always help you if you are not sure.
I would like to volunteer but I don’t have transport.
Kilconquhar is in a rural area and public transport is not easy, although there are some buses that pass the estate. Our volunteers come from all over East Fife and so if transport is a problem then we will try to arrange for you to get a lift with another volunteer or rider.
Travel expenses can be reimbursed.
What happens when I phone 0845 450 6801 to volunteer?
When you phone up you can talk to the organiser about which time would be most suitable for you to help. The organiser will send you some information and invite you to come along to see a riding session in action. If you decide that volunteering with the RDA is what you want to do, all you have to do is fill in a simple volunteer application form and provide a reference. All volunteers are now subject to Disclosure Scotland checks.
What training will I be given?
Every volunteer has to complete a Green Card showing the training that they have received. Most of this training is done at the regular riding sessions, and is incorporated into the riding activities, but we also run special Green Card training when required, and occasional extra refresher training for all volunteers.
Regular County and Regional training events are held for volunteers and instructors.
What happens if I can’t help one week or if the ride is cancelled?
Each group has an organiser who keeps in touch with all the volunteers and will let you know if the ride is cancelled for bad weather or any other reason.
Volunteers should let their group organiser know if they are not going to be at the weekly session for any reason. Our helpers are all volunteers and we are very aware that they will have to miss sessions at times. Please let the organiser know as soon as possible if you are going to be away.