The Centre has seen a drop of volunteers on weekdays during term time which could severely impact on the number of day time lessons it provided to disabled children and adults in the area. Many of the riders attend from special schools and day centres, and riding at the Centre has become part of their weekly timetable.

 

Centre Manager Claire Pitt said, “We need at least 12 volunteers for each lesson, one to lead each of the six ponies and one to sidewalk with the rider. In some cases where riders have severe needs, we may need three volunteers per rider. That’s a lot of volunteer manpower.

 

She continued, “Volunteers don’t need to be horsey, but of course, it can help. We can accept people from 14 years and older and will provide the necessary training.”

 

Day time volunteers are often people seeking work experience, the unemployed or retired or parents with school-age children. One such volunteer is Ray who retired from working in the chemical industry on Teesside and now every helps week at the Centre.

 

Ray said, “My doctor recommended I take more exercise to reduce my chances of developing Type 2 Diabetes. Then I heard the local radio station interviewing the Unicorn Centre Manager about helping with the riding lessons. It sounded so interesting that I got in touch.

 

He went on, “Volunteering with the children from Ashtrees School gives me such a buzz. The children can arrive excited, a bit scared or subdued. The ponies work their magic and the children finish the lesson having achieved the unthinkable – perhaps steering through some cones, saying the word “Whoa” or even just sitting on a pony for the first time. That experience for me is unbeatable. It’s helping me to get fit too, which is an added bonus. ”

 

Potential volunteers are invited to attend one of the open days to find out more about the Centre’s state-of-the-art facilities, meet the staff, other volunteers and ponies, and start the application process.

For further information contact Volunteer Co-ordinator Emily Richardson on 01642 576222, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or see our Facebook page.