Newbury RDA relies on the support of its volunteers, whether it is helping with the riding, fundraising, admin or general maintenance.

Each week we hold two riding sessions, morning and afternoon, Monday to Friday, and a Sunday morning. Saturday is a rest day for the ponies.

For each riding session needs a number of helpers in order to take place. For every rider there is a pony leader (in charge of the pony) and usually one or two side-helpers who walk alongside and assist the rider where necessary. As our riders have a range of physical and/or mental disabilities this may be either relaying instructions from the instructor (eg ‘Hands on head!’) or physical assistance or both. Whatever the case, we all enjoy the experience and the children think it’s great.