Carleen Dallas shared her inspiring Volunteer journey!
“Volunteering with Sugarloaf RDA (Riding for the Disabled Association) has always been a big part of my life. I’ve been doing it for almost 20 years and gone from a leader, side walker, coach, committee member, Group Organiser, Trustee and Chair and have never stopped committing.
“I’ve seen children unable to sit up on a horse without help, grow and develop into independent riders that push their stirrups away and let go of their reins at the same time. The children that come that are shy and lack confidence, that now talk endlessly about their lives and want to trot and canter. The ones that couldn’t care if they fall off the pony, jump up and want to get back on. The ones that feel nervous but want to go faster.
“Every smile, giggle or laugh you get, because the pony blew its nose, passed wind or neighed, encourages me more to do what I do. I may have a bad back, bad knees, ache all over and be over the hill in so many ways but when you work with these disabled children and see what they have to deal with on a daily basis and how riding a pony helps them, my problems are nothing!
“Can you say that give back to your community and be happy that you are doing something so worthwhile and enjoy it at the same time? I may not be paid for it in money, but I’m paid back in the fulfilment of doing something for others less fortunate.”