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become a VOLUNTEER
RDA Tasmania could not exist without its volunteers. We value the time and commitment of all the wonderful individuals who volunteer their time and expertise with RDA. It's not just about helping out on riding days, there are many varied volunteering roles within RDA and you might be just the right person to fill one of them. Volunteering can be rewarding, fun and enjoyable. Most importantly, you are helping to make a difference to the lives of children and adults who participate in our programs.
join RDA as a VOLUNTEER
Volunteering on lesson days...
We are always seeking volunteers to assist our Coaches with providing support for participants during weekly recreational and therapeutic sessions. You do not need to know anything about horses, although some horse knowledge is beneficial. Training is provided to all new volunteers and regular training is provided annually for all ongoing volunteers. Our Coaches and experienced volunteers are always around to provide ongoing assistance for any volunteers who are new to the volunteer program. If you are over the age of 12 and would like to become a volunteer on our lesson days, please contact RDA Tasmania to find out what is involved and when our next training session will be held.
Volunteering outside of the arena ...
There are a vast array of tasks for volunteers that are not necessarily during lessons. For example horse feeding, marketing, fundraising, gardening, general maintenance, etc. It's almost certain that we have a perfect role for you to fill that meets your expertise, skills, interests and availability. Please contact RDA Tasmania to let us know how you would like to help our organisation.
RDA commitment to a safe environment ...
As part of our commitment to providing a safe environment for children and people at risk, all volunteers over the age of 18 are required to complete a successful Registration to Work with Vulnerable People check with NDIS endorsement. Please contact RDA Tasmania for more information.
join RDA as an equestrian COACH
Are you a horse riding Coach or interested in becoming one?
Have you considered becoming an RDA coach?
If you have an existing coach qualification you may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning through RDA Australia.
RDA Australia provides training to RDA coaches through an accredited training system and the RDA Coaching program is nationally accredited by the Australian Sports Commission. Competent volunteers who have been volunteering for 12 months are encouraged to apply. There are three streams to RDA Coaching accreditation:
ASSISTANT COACH
You can apply to become an Assistant Coach from the age of 15 years and must be 16 years of age before completing the qualification. The Assistant coach course is designed for committed volunteers to develop skills and knowledge to support the RDA Centre Coach to deliver group lessons that are safe and free flowing in an enclosed area. It provides an introduction to teaching foundation riding skills, an awareness of adaptive coaching for people with disabilities and best practice horse handling and horse management skills.
CENTRE COACH
A Centre Coach course is designed for candidates with a foundation knowledge of horse riding skills, experience working safely around horses, aptitude for coaching and working with people with disabilities and a demonstrated ability to work within and lead teams. Applicants for Centre Coach must be over 16 years of age and 18 years of age before completing the qualification. They must also be able to demonstrate horse riding skills at Walk, Trot and Canter.
ADVANCED COACHING
Advanced coaching courses are also available through the Coach Development Framework for experienced individuals.
If you are interested in becoming an accredited RDA Coach and would like more information, please contact our State Coaching Coordinator.
join RDA as a THERAPIST
Are you a therapist who would be interested in working with horses to benefit your clients? We could always benefit from the support, advice and assistance of those with allied health qualifications. The involvement of speech pathologists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists leads to invaluable insights for our Coaches and volunteers, and even greater gains towards goals for our participants. Please contact RDA Tasmania if you are interested in volunteering your time and expertise.