Volunteer with Horse Rangers
Working together, across generations, to bring joy through experiences with horses.
Why volunteer?
Whether you are looking to give back, gain experience, stay active, or simply be part of a welcoming community, volunteering with Horse Rangers is a rewarding way to make a difference while enjoying time around horses.
Horse Rangers relies on a community of volunteers to run our programmes and support our members through our weekly activities. We would not be able to offer any of our programmes without our dedicated team of over 118 volunteers.
Meet new people and make friends
Volunteering is a fantastic way to meet like-minded people who share a passion for horses and helping others. It is also a rewarding opportunity to make a difference, develop new skills, and be part of something special.
Improve your wellbeing
Spending time outdoors, being active, and working alongside horses can have a positive impact on both physical and mental wellbeing. Volunteering offers the opportunity to step away from everyday pressures, enjoy fresh air, and be part of a welcoming and supportive environment.
Gain skills and experience
Whether you are looking to build confidence, develop transferable skills, complete a Duke of Edinburgh Award placement, or gain valuable work experience, volunteering at Horse Rangers provides hands-on opportunities to learn, grow, and enhance your future prospects.
Make a difference
Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. By giving your time, you will be supporting local children and young people while helping a much-loved community organisation continue to thrive. Every contribution, big or small, makes a meaningful difference.
Be part of the Horse Rangers family
For over 60 years, volunteers have played a vital role in the success of Horse Rangers. Some have been with us for decades, while others are just beginning their journey. Whatever your age, background, or experience, you will be welcomed into a supportive community where everyone can contribute, learn, and belong.
Volunteer roles
Volunteers support three of our programmes. Each one asks for a different commitment, and training is provided for all three.
Support our RDA sessions
When
- Wednesday evenings, 4.30pm to 7.30pm
- Thursday mornings, 10am to 1pm
- Friday daytime, 11am to 3pm
What you would do
- Lead a horse
- Support a rider
We do ask for a weekly commitment of 1.5 hours during term time, as familiar faces help put our participants at ease. Experience with horses is preferred, training is provided.
Interested in becoming an RDA coach? Visit the RDA website, opens in a new tab
Support our weekend sessions
When
- Saturday and Sunday mornings, 8.00 to 13.00
- Saturday afternoons, 12.00 to 17.00
- Sunday afternoons, 13.00 to 17.00
What you would do
- Lead a lecture or activity
- Lead a horse
We do ask for a commitment of 5 hours (one session) per month. Experience with horses is not a requirement, training and resources are provided.
Support our Stable Minds course
When
- Term time only, 1.5 hours a week for 5 weeks
What you would do
- Lead a horse
- Support the session
We ask for a commitment of 1.5 hours for five weeks. Experience with horses or working with children is required. Training is provided.
What volunteering looks like
We need volunteers all week, not only at weekends. Whichever session you join, two things stay the same.
Care for our horses
Every session starts with our horses: catching, grooming and tacking up before anyone rides.
Support our young people
Become a trusted adult to our Rangers, supporting them to build leadership, organisation and mentoring skills, week after week.
The five values that shape a Ranger’s time here shape a volunteer’s too: safety, connection, compassion, growth and happiness.
Our values on About usThe weekend you would be part of
We welcome over 250 children and young people at our weekend and Riding for the Disabled sessions.
- 229
- children and young people each weekend
- 30
- people at Riding for the Disabled sessions
- 23
- horses and ponies in our care
Volunteering questions
The things people ask before they offer their time, answered by Horse Rangers.
How old do I have to be to volunteer?
Would I need a DBS check?
Is there an induction before my first session?
Do I need any experience with horses?
How much time would I be giving?
Is there training once I have started?
Are expenses covered?
How do I apply, and which roles are open?
Do you take corporate or group volunteering days?
Not answered here? Ask us and we will find out.
What people say about us
Rangers, parents and volunteers, in their own words and in the reviews they have left for us on Google.
As well as feeling you are helping others, as a volunteer with RDA I have found a new purpose and widened my friendship group. I look forward to the sessions and take pride when our riders forge new skills and develop confidence. A little girl whose parents say she is non communicative comes to life when on her horse and will chat away. Seeing a rider with multiple disabilities able to sit straight in the saddle and hold his reins makes me feel my time has been well spent.
, Volunteering at Horse Rangers has provided me with several new opportunities outside of the session, as it has given me the skills I need to work with horses elsewhere.
, Best place, best teachers, best horses, mind blowing Henry VIII stables! Wow!
Yazid, The best part of my week, every week, is when I'm here with these amazing people & horses.
Steph, Amazing center that truly cares for their kids and horses. Would definitely recommend !
Madeleine, It was an incredible experience. I'd barely touched a horse as we could never afford contact with them, but I was totally horse mad. I loved every aspect of my Saturdays -- riding, of course, but also mucking out, grooming, cleaning tack.
Sheila, Daughter been here 20 years...enough said! Really good grounding in horsemanship and teamwork!
Marian, Really lovely helpful staff great and friendly horses. Recommended highly
Ollie, Great atmosphere with lovely friendly people.
Jude, Great learning establishment
Claire, None of my family have ever learned to ride and so this is very new for me. During the week my school doesn't have any grass and so this is wonderful to come to Bushy Park to be in the open in a safe environment.
Participant, Youth Development It was really fun at first I was a little bit nervous but then I was really happy.
Participant, Stable Minds I was not part of the session but I can honestly say it was like a weight had been lifted off her and a switch had been flicked inside her. After the session, the prickly hostility was gone and I felt able to connect with my daughter again.
Parent, The Healing Horse
We would love to hear from you
The contact form reaches the office. Tell us roughly how much time you have and which part of the work appeals to you.
The Stockyard, Bushy Park, Hampton TW12 2EJ. Phone Monday to Friday.
