Why did you decide to volunteer? While I was lucky enough to take early retirement, I wanted to keep active by doing some voluntary work to help a worthy cause.

What was the appeal of volunteering at CSRC? The Centre was calling for maintenance/gardening volunteers, which was just what I was looking for. Plus volunteering for a charity that helps children and adults through riding etc, seemed a wonderful thing to do. The Centre’s stunning location in the beautiful countryside was a definite draw for me.

What do you enjoy most about volunteering? Meeting and working with new people. I’ve learnt a few new skills, and helping to keep the grounds clean and tidy gives me a real sense of achievement.

How do you personally benefit from volunteering? I enjoy working outdoors in the countryside, being in the fresh air and the exercise (without the gym!).

What’s the ‘sunshine’ moment that you have experienced whilst volunteering? Every time I see the kids arriving and leaving for their riding sessions, brings a smile. You see how much joy and excitement they get from their time with the horses.

What would you say to anyone thinking about volunteering who is undecided? Come and give it a go, you have got nothing to lose! A few hours a week of your time can make a big difference to help all the participants at the Centre.

“The joy of being part of someone’s progressive journey is immeasurable. I feel privileged to have supported children right from their very first riding session through to them leaving school; even to proudly watching them compete at the Para Olympics.

"The RDA too is one big global family, and one that, as an RDA Instructor and holiday organiser, has allowed me to travel to America, and to help run holidays at CSRC for groups visiting from Hong Kong and Russia.

"I am proud to be part of a solution that provides opportunities to those who may not have access to the benefits of sport, the recognition, enjoyment, and acquisition of skills within a highly recognised discipline.

"Volunteering is not just about giving to others; it has enriched my life too.”

“Hi I’m Abbie, and I am a former volunteer. Although well managed, I have chronic health conditions. As a child, I was a Hippotherapy and RDA riding participant. I truly believe these sessions were a huge turning point for me and the progress I have since made.

"I had no idea what I wanted to do as a career. Feeling frustrated, I began volunteering at the Centre. Being a volunteer has given me so much more than I initially imagined it would. I have gained so much confidence in myself and what I am capable of.

"I've become so passionate about helping young people with additional needs that I now know this is what I want to pursue a career in.”

Many companies look to support local charities as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility agenda. The value a team of skilled professionals can bring in just one day can have a huge positive impact on the charity - be that using their professional skills or working as a team to transform an area that will benefit so many.

In just one day, the Maintenance Delivery Team from Uniper Energy transformed our picnic area into a welcoming space for our holiday groups and as a future outdoor classroom.

It’s not only individuals who volunteer their time here at the Centre. Many companies have a Corporate Social Responsibility promise that encourages their employees to give back to the local community and charities by volunteering their time and skills.

CSRC is very grateful to have had support from employees of the locally based Genfit, a Solar PV and Battery installation company, to help out with various projects around the Centre.

Several teams from Genfit have spent a day at CSRC. Together, they have helped to make a real difference, from re-organising our rug room (which was no mean feat!), spending a few hours sorting out much-needed cupboard space to store our Christmas decorations; to weeding the entrance to our holiday accommodation just in time to welcome our first RDA Holiday of the season.

Thank you to the Genfit employees for your continued support!

“I am enjoying reusing the skills I learned almost 20 years ago.”

“Contact with the horses, volunteers and participants, together with the physical and outdoor nature of the role, has done wonders for my well-being.”

“After growing up as a young carer, volunteering at CSRC helped me feel like I wasn't alone in my experiences.”

“Looking back, I realise how rewarding it has been, especially when I have seen riders who have shown remarkable improvements in their riding and life skills.”