Student Profile - Emma Harbron, Unicorn Centre, Hemlington, Middlesbrough

I first heard about the Unicorn Riding for the Disabled Centre through CVP.  I’ve always had an interest in horses anyway, and saw an advert looking for volunteers.    I rang them and went along for a chat. After filling in some forms and reference checks I attended their induction evening which included a health & safety brief and that was it!  I was ready to start volunteering.  That was almost a year ago and I’ve been volunteering every week since.

Over the year I’ve tended to volunteer the same time each week, so I’ve managed to build up a really good relationship with some of the kids and adults who attend the Centre.  They have a wide range of physical and mental disabilities and horse riding is just a great way to get them out doing something really stimulating.    The sense of reward and satisfaction when you seem them smiling and enjoying themselves is just fantastic. 

I’m involved in all aspects of the Centre – assisting in lessons, mucking out stables, grooming horses, going away for competitions and shows and helping with fundraising too. 

Because I’ve been there a while now, I’ve even started to teach my own group of adults, and the centre are putting me through my instructors’ qualification.

Working at the Unicorn Centre has been a fantastic experience for me, and I’ll continue to do this even after I’ve finished my degree.  I’ve even got my friend involved who works full time, and she enjoys it as much as me!

It has helped to develop a wide range of skills as you have to communicate with people at all levels. It also gives me a break from studying but at the same time I am doing something that benefits others and it is extremely rewarding.