Finding Purpose Through Volunteering: Carol’s 13-Year Journey with RDA
At InterMed, we’re proud to highlight the incredible people who make up our team, individuals who bring compassion, dedication, and purpose not only to their work but also to their communities.
We caught up with Carol, our Assistant Accountant, who has been volunteering with the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) for over 13 years. Combining a lifelong love of animals with a passion for helping others, she supports riders with disabilities to build confidence, independence, and joy through therapeutic horse riding.
What began as a love for animals has grown into a deeply rewarding journey, one that continues to inspire Carol and the many riders whose lives she touches every week.
What inspired you to start volunteering with this charity?
I always had a desire to give back to the community but was unsure what I could do as I have no special training. However, I do love animals and fortunately, I learnt about the RDA. I am so happy that I could combine my love for animals and giving back to the community. I am now in my thirteenth-year volunteering, and it is still my Happy Place! The RDA was the first recipient of InterMed’s Giving Back programme.
What does a typical volunteering experience look like for you?
I arrive at the barn around 7am. Feeds are prepared, gear set out, and the ponies are brought in from the paddocks. Ponies get their feed and then the preparation starts to get the ponies ready for the first riding session. They are groomed, given some love 😊, tacked up, and taken for an early morning walk to warm up. When the riders arrive, the sidewalkers meet them in the assigned meeting area where their helmets are fitted. The rider is then assisted to mount the horse, and we are off for the ride. We use the lovely bush track, sensory trail, and covered arena for the activities e.g. games to enhance fine motor skills, balance, co-ordination, and group activities. When the ride is finished, we take the riders down to the barn where they dismount and they go back to school. The horses are taken back to the stall to have some hay before the next ride starts.
How has volunteering impacted your personal or professional life?
Volunteering is very satisfying and fulfilling and has given a sense of purpose and meaning to my life. I have gained confidence and learnt to be more assertive, without being mean.
Have you faced any challenges while volunteering, and how did you overcome them?
We are always faced with challenges when volunteering, whether it is an agitated rider or a difficult horse or the weather. You deal with such a diverse group of people from an array of different backgrounds and nationalities and that includes volunteers, as well as the riders who have very special and specific needs. You also work with horses who are classed as flight animals. In a nutshell, when spooked, they run first and then they turn around to say what was that! As a horse leader, you must be vigilant all the time, and you learn how to read their body language as the rider’s safety and that of the volunteers are top priority during a ride. Mostly you keep a close eye on their ears and if those are flat back, the horse is not happy, and you need to determine why and resolve the situation quickly.
We have regular training days to sharpen our skills, and we learn how to deal with difficult situations. We have a lovely coach who always has our backs and will let us know if a technique could be improved.
What advice would you give to someone considering volunteering for a charitable organisation?
I would strongly encourage them to do so as it adds a dimension to your life that you would otherwise not have. It is very rewarding, you learn new skills, meet new people and make some lovely friends.
Conclusion
Carol’s story is a wonderful reminder that meaningful impact often starts with a simple act of care. Her 13 years with the RDA reflect the compassion, empathy, and community spirit that define who we are at InterMed.
We’re proud to celebrate Carol’s dedication and hope her story inspires others to discover the joy and fulfilment that comes from giving back.