Volunteering experience

How did my volunteering start?

About 10 years ago I was a student in the UK. I studied sport psychology in Southampton and life was fairly good. The studies were quite interesting (as much as expected) and my fellow students were great. Well one day I saw an advertisement of local RDA (Riding for the disabled Association) – I don’t know why but I decided to give volunteering a chance. I was always interested in horses and I guess that this is what drove me to volunteer with them.

My 1st volunteering impression

When I got there I met some extremely nice people. Some of them were helpers (volunteers like me) and some riding instructors. And the horses and ponies at the yard were mostly very patient and relaxes animals – as expected. Well from there on started a quite amazing volunteering experience for me. I thought that I came for the horses but I discovered some other things about myself and about others.

Volunteering experience with the riders and horses

Well I met some special people that needed help. It is such a rewarding feeling when someone needs your help and you can do it – there and then. This is exceptional!!

As I am a fair rider they let me work with this young girl. The main issues that she got were a light handicap and probably as a result of that – she was very timid and would very rarely speak or answer any questions. It was a bit sad for me to meet this little girl. I had a million questions running in my head – like it is not fair and she is so young.

But… After some time I noticed that she started a special friendship with the pony that she was riding. To start she was a bit afraid but then she got used to him. She liked brushing him and he enjoyed the attention and slowly, slowly she started talking to him. He did not answer but he listed with great patience. In the course of about six month you can see a real difference – she was getting her confidence and happiness back. I can only say that to see it was a special gift for me! And yes I do recommend everyone to volunteer for themselves and others.

Volunteering makes you happier

I think that the most important aspect that I understood was that it is great fun, and very rewarding to volunteer. Why? One of the main reasons is that I did it for myself and others and not for money. This may sound trivial but doing things for money is a must I know – but if there is something that you like and is very meaning full for you beware of trying to make a living out of it. I am saying from my own experience. It can be done I am sure but if you take a hobby and add to it all the strains/stress of making money – you may end up not enjoying your hobby anymore.