#TeamLME Volunteering & Riding School Assistants

 To be a volunteer, you must:

Have regular lessons with us.

Be at least 11 years old, able to walk, trot & canter independently and having completed Volunteer Tests from 1 to 5 in a minimum of 2 Stable Management lessons OR Have a pony on loan/livery, be at least 10 years old and able to follow instruction (including tacking up independently) OR Have a minimum of Pony Club D+ Test level certification.

Have the ability to listen, communicate and follow instruction independently and as part of a team and as an individual with initiative always keeping the welfare of our horses and ponies as a priority.

Be able to act as a representation of #TeamLME.

Understand and act accordingly within the environment on the yard.

Be a Pony Club Centre+ Member. Join through pcuk.org/join

Join #TeamLME RSAs (Riding School Assistants) Group 

What you’ll need to know…

Being a Volunteer/RSA is a regular, weekly commitment on your allocated day

Reward Rides and RSA Club Membership (£2.50 per day) is rewarded with the Credit Points

Save up 12 Credit Points and exchange them for a 1hr commercial group lesson

Full Day timing: 8:30am to 5:30pm (may finish slightly earlier or later depending on day)

Half Day timing: Morning 8:30am to 1:30pm Afternoon12:30pm to 5:30pm

Reward Rides run at the end of each weekend day, 5-6pm for all riders Grade 5+. Riders Grade 4 and under will receive their Reward Rides as part of our regular commercial group lessons

All volunteers will enter at ‘Bronze Level’ with the aim of working up to the esteemed Gold accolade whereby the RSA is able to take on the role of a junior staff member. Upgrades can happen at any time, as and when the Volunteer meets all criteria for the higher level. 

Once all tests have been passed, there will be a discussion between the LME Team and responsible adult for the volunteer to allocate a regular day for you on a weekend. All RSAs must confirm their attendance on a weekly basis through our ‘#TeamLME RSA WhatsApp Group’. Irregular attendance may result in the cancellation of your RSA Club Membership.

RSAs have the privilege of being offered ‘Hire Horses’ for those without loan ponies wishing to participate in our shows & clinics. This option is available exclusively to RSAs, as well as Livery Clients. 

Hard work is well rewarded!!

Good horsemanship takes years, and years of practice making more mistakes and bad decisions than good ones throughout your early years! Our aim is to help our volunteers to achieve a broad and well-rounded education around the care and health and welfare of horses and ponies who are in our care. 

As part of our Volunteer Scheme, you will see all aspects of daily routine for the horses and ponies resident at LME including daily care and tasks e.g. brushing, picking out feet, tacking up, etc., feeding, farriery, rehabilitation, saddlery, veterinary rehabilitation, specialist veterinary cases plus much more. Start your journey here with us and learn the right way and set you up for a future including equine friends in any capacity that suits you!

Being a busy yard with over 70 horses and ponies at one time, we see it all on a regular basis! This allows us, and you, to gain experience in all types of situations related to equine care, management and ownership in the future. 

Register your interest To become a #TeamLME Volunteer: 

Send us a message on WhatsApp 07577318467 

Join a Volunteer Training Course Usually available during school holidays once or twice per year.

Book Stable Management Lessons Can be done individually or with friends/family. Anytime, subject to availability. 

 Now you’re going to be joining the (very) large #TeamLME Family, we’d like to extend you a warm welcome!

Here’s some assistance to suggest what is required and appropriate to bring for a day at the yard as well as some helpful rules to guide you along the way!

* All Volunteers must sign in and out on the signing in sheets which are located on the bench, just in front of you as you open the door in the Staff Room. *

* When you arrive and you have signed in, you can take your bag and belongings to the RSA/Volunteer boxes and pop it in there. *

* At break and lunchtimes, the Volunteers have access of the café alongside the staff. Aly can provide lots of great options to keep you warm and refreshed!

What should I wear for the day?

Top -Shoulders must always be covered, long sleeves are advised but definitely no strappy tops. Lots of layers in colder weather!

Bottom -Jodhpurs, riding tights or similar. 

Footwear –Paddock boots, wellies, jodhpur boots, etc. 

What should I bring for the day?

Your riding hat-Your riding boots-Wellies/boots to wear on the yard-Gloves (all year round)-Waterproof coat (weight season dependent)-Spare set of clothes (just in case!)-Energy giving snacks e.g. fruit/fruit bars, etc.-Bottle of water (refills welcome at any time)-Drink(s) for lunch and throughout the day-Substantial lunch of your choice!