Introducing Helen Hughes
You could probably say my journey to North Shore RDA started way back in my childhood. I grew up on a dairy farm in Ruakaka, just south of Whangarei. And like many young girls I really wanted a horse! So after a lot of pestering, my parents finally gave in and bought Roma, a 14.2 hand bay mare. She lived in the orchard and we spent many happy hours, exploring the farm, country roads and my favourite ride - racing along Uretiti beach
Later in life, back in the days when charities phoning around for donations was a thing, I started to donate annually to NSRDA. That was my introduction to Riding for Disabled and the idea of volunteering there one day took root. So, five years or so ago, I decided it was time and signed up as a volunteer, picking Tuesday as my day. Initially I was apprehensive as I’d had virtually no contact or experience with children with special needs. But I soon found my worries were unfounded as the team at RDA welcomed me in, teaching and supporting me as I learnt how to be a side-walker.
Very quickly I realised just how rewarding working with these special people, helping them experience the magic of our horses, can be. To see our riders progress, even just the smallest of improvements from our more compromised children, just fills my heart. I feel very privileged to be able to share in their lives.
Plus it’s wonderful being back with the horses. I’ve slowly regained my confidence and skills around the horses and more recently, I’ve become a horse leader, rather than side-walker. I miss having as much contact with the kids but am enjoying being more hands on with the horses. And every now and then I even get to have a ride!
I’ve also formed some wonderful friendships with my fellow volunteers. As well as caring for the kids and the horses, I’ve found that RDA vols care very much about each other.
Recently it seemed to me, my next step would be to have a turn on the committee and so I put my hand up to join at the last AGM. Having served on various committees as my children have grown up, from Plunket to School PTA and sports clubs, I feel I have experience to contribute. I’m looking forward to helping organise our 50th anniversary open day later this year.
Outside of RDA, I’m work with my husband in our own accountancy practice in Orewa and have done for the past 30 years. Working with your husband definitely has its pros and cons, one of the pros being I can take time off for RDA. We have 2 adult sons and when I’m not ‘counting beans’ I enjoy spending time with the family, walking my other furry ‘best friend’, planning and taking holidays, cruising in our ’68 Mustang, lots of crafts and my newest hobby, Ancestry.com.
I like to keep busy but will always find time for one of my favourite things, spending Tuesday mornings down at the RDA barn.
Helen Hughes
