GAIN Equine Nutrition has teamed up with Riding for the Disabled Association Ireland (RDAI) in a push to attract new volunteers to help run the service.

Many of the RDAI’s 400 volunteers have been giving of their time for decades and the charity is now eager to attract more people who are comfortable around horses and available to support lessons during the day on weekdays.

News of the new initiative came as the RDAI gathered last week to celebrate the positive benefits horses have on the lives of hundreds of adults and children with special and additional needs at dedicated riding centres around Ireland.

At a garden party held in Slane, Co Meath, RDAI recognised three volunteers who have given their time to the organisation for 40 years. Other volunteers were recognised for 30, 20 and 10 years of volunteering on a weekly basis with groups across the country.

Dilys Lindsay, secretary and deputy liaison person with RDAI, said the charity was urging companies to release employees on weekdays to support their services under their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes, or to consider sponsoring a rider under their Sponsor a Rider Scheme. She called on interested members of the public to check out where their nearest centre is on the charity’s website and to register their interest on rdaireland.org/become-a-volunteer.

Dilys has been a volunteer for 26 years and says she’s gained more from the experience than she could ever have imagined. “I’ve never owned a horse and my only connection with horses was that I took riding lessons when I was in boarding school. I volunteered because I knew another volunteer. Volunteers only need to be comfortable around horses. All other training is given.

“It has been an amazing experience. We have lots of service users who have communication challenges, who live with autism and other conditions. The impact the horse has on them is remarkable and it’s amazing to see service users’ blossom.

“Several have said their first word on a horse. Sometimes it’s the horse’s name. Other times it’s words like ‘slow’, ‘stop’ or other commands we use during the lessons. Parents, teachers or carers tell us that horse riding boosts their mood, calms them, helps their balance, and helps them to sleep better. I really don’t know what it is – perhaps it’s the magic of the horse,” she said.

Joanne Hurley, Head of Equine at GAIN Equine Nutrition, said they were delighted to continue to support the invaluable work RDA Ireland does all over Ireland. “As a farmer-owned cooperative, Tirlán (Gain’s parent company) is deeply rooted in the community.

“We’ve long been associated with horse racing, bloodstock, equestrian sports, and horse welfare. We’re delighted to continue our support for another really valuable part of the equine industry through our partnership with RDA Ireland. It enriches the lives of so many service users, their families, and communities right around the country. We’re proud to support their voluntary efforts.”

RDA Ireland was established in 1969 and has continued to evolve, with 30 groups across Ireland and almost 400 volunteers providing weekly riding or carriage driving sessions to more than 380 children and adults living with disabilities.

It provides the opportunity for individuals, with physical or intellectual disabilities, to horse ride or carriage drive and this in turn provides therapy, fitness, development of skills, socialisation, achievement and, most importantly, fun.

It is not only the riders who benefit. Volunteers gain so much from the Association with ongoing training and development, friendships, and the opportunity to make a difference.

To find out more about becoming a volunteer with RDA Ireland visit rdaireland.org/information/rda-ireland-near-you