This week I went to Thornton Rose RDA (Riding for the Disabled Association) in Rosewell. It was my first-time volunteering, and I had already learned many things. And most importantly, I met many lovely, welcoming people.As a horsey person, I love spending my time around these beautiful animals. Picture description (PD): a field in the sunshine I took in Rosewell this Wednesday. In the back of the field there are a line of trees.
Horses are very sensitive and intuitive. They reflect your emotional state to you. This was a comfort zone growing experience for me because I had to go to a place I’d never been before. However, I took a trial trip just to the stables to know which bus I needed to take, but instead of that, I didn’t know what to expect. Also, I didn’t have much experience working with horses. I spent some time around them in my childhood in camps where we had to groom them and mock the stables but these days, not much. PD: On the scanned picture there is a horse and a girl on the saddle and next to them there are another 6 girls, including me who wears sunglasses.
What does RDA provide?
“Thornton Rose provides riding opportunities for people of all ages and disabilities to enjoy a safe, stimulating, therapeutic and recreational sport. The group was formed in 1984 under a previous name and established as Thornton Rose in 2004 when we relocated to Thornton Farm, Rosewell.
The group is a member of the Riding for the Disabled Association, where our vision is to improve the lives of people with disabilities through activities connected with horse riding.”
So, I spend there a few hours and helped where I could. The coaches and volunteers gave me instructions and small tours around the place and duties. However, it was bloody windy I enjoyed spending the day outdoors. I enjoyed every minute and will go again soon.
PD: on the second picture there is 10 reasons in small bubbles why you should volunteer this summer. In the circles the texts are: flexibility your time, your place; develop your skills; meet new people; try something new; enhance your CV; personal achievement; give back to society; gain a whole new perspective; make change happen; it’s fun.
Why is it worth volunteering?
- It is flexible. You work as much as you can or want. They will appreciate every minute you spend there, just be correct and honest.
- Meeting new people and making new connections increase our mental health.
- As a volunteer, you develop your skills. Learning new things is exciting and gives you good feedback that you are much more capable of than you think.
- In addition, you can put volunteering in your CV as a resourceful experience. And companies appreciate those who are willing to volunteer.
- You can try new things, something you’ve never done before. This is an adventure!
- As a volunteer, you achieve things, and your work is appreciated. Remember, it’s not free. You give your precious time, which is your most crucial resource.
- Giving back to our community helps us to join in and be a real part of them.
- Helping others and experiencing their challenges will increase your empathy and understanding and give you a new perspective.
- We all (okay, most of us) want to make the world a better place to live in. Volunteering is a perfect place to start. You can find hundreds of charities that already have visions, programs, and strategies. You can choose any of them. Let’s make change happen.
- You can choose a role you are interested in administration, fundraising, event organising, helping around horses, and participating in sports events—so many options.
- You can find volunteering opportunities in Scotland, some of which are paid on the links below.
https://www.volunteerscotland.net
- It’s fun! Spending time with something you enjoy, helping others, learning new things helps you develop a better mental state, grow your empathy and connect with your emotions.
Eva Moricz Coaching 