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?

1. 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.
2. Meeting new people and making new connections increase our mental health.
3. 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.
4. In addition, you can put volunteering in your CV as a resourceful experience. And companies appreciate those who are willing to volunteer.
5. You can try new things, something you’ve never done before. This is an adventure!

1. 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.
2. Giving back to our community helps us to join in and be a real part of them.
3. Helping others and experiencing their challenges will increase your empathy and understanding and give you a new perspective.
4. 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.
5. You can choose a role you are interested in administration, fundraising, event organising, helping around horses, and participating in sports events—so many options.
6. You can find volunteering opportunities in Scotland, some of which are paid on the links below.

https://www.volunteerscotland.net

https://goodmoves.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwlPWgBhDHARIsAH2xdNez7f_DirtStmxgfuJH5S5TEpEEs4c4_wuBUa-_j6PI_2e2BmNaFMsaAucwEALw_wcB

12. 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.