Why Training Matters
“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn” — Benjamin Franklin.
Last year, we initiated a regular in-house training program for all volunteers, to support our mandatory NZRDA training requirements. Our days with riders at RDA are busy and I felt it was difficult to truly support volunteers during a rider day, while meeting the needs of the riders. We now use the first week of every term to meet up in a relaxed environment, reconnect with each other and our amazing equines, and introduce new volunteers.
Without a fixed syllabus, we can address any current concerns, and we welcome suggestions of topics to cover.
These days are informal, run by myself (coach) and our Horse Manager Michelle. Philippa our Admin Manager is available to cover health and safety, and any admin required. There is time for a post-holiday catch-up first, (social connection is such an important benefit of being an RDA volunteer), we get to spend time reminding our ponies how to do their job, making sure that everyone is consistent with their methods, and giving the horses a bit of a makeover so they are smart and ready for action when the riders join us.
Without our riders, we can assist our non-horsey volunteers gain new skills like grooming, tacking up and leading, and sometimes experience riding for the first time. It’s great to see the more experienced volunteers mentor the new ones and as their confidence and ability improves, so does the experience we offer the riders.
Essential skills like mounting techniques can be practiced, the value and insight gained by being the “guinea pig rider” being assisted is huge.
When the riders join us in week two, they have had a week to adjust to the school routine and are more likely to be settled. New riders have had a chance to come in for an assessment when the barn is quiet, so are better prepared for their first ride. We have all brushed up on necessary skills, asked any questions and hopefully feel confident in our abilities to offer the best riding experience.
Having met the NZRDA Operational standards for two years running on the inspection day, we now move to a biennial check. Whilst this takes some of the pressure off, it also means we have an obligation to keep on top of things in the period in between. Specifically, this applies to making sure we keep all volunteers up to date with the training requirements which are that all volunteers must complete at least 1 day equivalent of NZRDA approved training every two years thereafter.
Coach Judith
