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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 at 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 these roles. Volunteering can be fun, enjoyable and most importantly, whether in a small or big way, you are helping to make a difference.
join RDA as a VOLUNTEER
Our Centres need volunteers to assist Coaches with providing support for weekly recreational and therapeutic sessions to participants with disabilities, special needs and mental health problems. You can be part of a team that helps to develop their abilities and enrich their lives. You do not need to know anything about horses. Training is provided and there will always be someone willing to show you what to do. If you are over the age of 12 and would like to become a volunteer then please contact you local Centre, to discuss your availability.
There are also plenty of ways to get involved if you wish to use your skills in a more administrative way. We are always seeking capable and willing individuals to assist on either our centre committees or the state board.
As part of our commitment to 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 our State Office for more information and what information to provide.
Centre's run there own induction and basic training programs. Contact RDA South or RDA St Helens to find out when they are running there next new volunteer training sessions.
join RDA as an equestrian COACH
Have you considered becoming an RDA coach? RDAA provides training to its 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.
If you are interested in becoming an accredited RDA Coach please contact RDA South or RDA St Helens or our State Coaching Coordinator. If you have an existing coach qualification, it may be transferrable to the RDA coaching qualification and additional information regarding Recognition of Prior Learning is available from RDA Australia.
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 in our programs. The involvement of speech pathologists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists leads to invaluable insights and even greater gains towards goals for both our volunteers and riders. Please contact the State Office or RDA South or RDA St Helens if you are interested in volunteering your time and expertise.