Volunteers
Our Charity and our work is dependent on our volunteers.
Our volunteers come from all walks of life. You don’t need any experience as we offer full training. As long as you are over 12 years old, we would love to hear from you. Our group is made up of a diverse range of people all of whom bring their uniqueness; their life experience, their love and their care.
All our volunteers require an advanced DBS check (which we undertake for you) and two references.
Our riding sessions run in school term time and on a Tuesday morning 10am to 11:30am (along with tea and cake afterwards). We are lucky to have Old Tiger Stables at North Angle Farm in Soham as our wonderful hosts. They supply the ponies and the area for us to use.
We have lots of jobs you could help out with. Whilst many of our volunteers help out in several areas, some find they prefer particular jobs.
Areas you could help with
Tacking up
There are many jobs for volunteers to help with. Getting the ponies ready is busy time before each session
Preparing for our riders
Within each riding session are activities and games so there is a lot of equipment to put in place ready for the arrival of our riders
When our riders arrive
As our riders arrive we have to fit them with a riding hat. Some need assistance walking to the mounting block where other volunteers have been trained to help them get onto the pony safely.
Riding support
Many of our volunteers help our young riders directly. Three helpers accompany the rider. One on each side to provide support and individual advice. The third person helps the rider control the pony
Riding instructors
Each session is led by a specially trained riding instructor. A session can not go ahead with out one.
At the end of the day…
After each session we have to pack our equipment away and ensure its ready for the next session and the arena is tidy to return back to our wonderful hosts, Old Tiger Stables.
Social time
Whilst helping our riders might be the important work, our volunteers are too. After a busy session there is always time for a cup of tea or coffee and a slice of cake, (often made by one of our volunteers), together with a chat among friends.
Fundraising
Whilst we have wonderful sponsors, we are also often invited to fundraise with a cake stall at local events. Again our many volunteers do us proud with home made cakes and treats.
