You can apply online using the form above. Please state which session you are able to commit to for the season and we will let you know if we have any spaces available. If so, you can download the Assumption of risk form, fill out the form and bring it to your first session.
Sessions require volunteers as follows:
- Saturdays : 8am – 11am
- Sundays : 9am – 11am
- Mondays : 9am – 11am and 4pm – 6pm
- Tuesdays : 9am – 11am and 4pm – 6pm
- Wednesdays : 9am – 11am and 4pm – 6pm
Benefits for you:
- Make a real difference to our riders’ lives
- Enjoy the outdoors, and keep fit with a free activity
- Meet new friends
- Be part of a team of positive people
- Learn new skills
- Boost your CV (Volunteering with EAPD can count towards the Duke of Edinburgh Award programme for young students)
DISCLAIMER
Each rider shall be required, without exception, to provide the EAPD with a written disclaimer before riding. By visiting or participating in the EAPD Programs you agree to the terms and conditions.
Ultimately by attending the premises of Equestrian Association for People of Determination (“EAPD”) and thereby interacting with horses, the surroundings, program facilities and equipment used as part of the program or visit, (“EAPD Programs”) the rider and their guardian acknowledge that such activities are inherently dangerous that may result in damage to their property, bodily injury, and/or death. Each rider by themselves and their guardian knowingly assume all risks (whether known or unknown, foreseeable or unforeseeable, or patent or latent) when participating in the EAPD Programs.
All visitor/riders relinquish, release and discharge all employees, representatives, appointed personnel, guardians, or owners of EAPD (hereafter collectively referred to as the “EAPD Group”) from, any and all rights, claims, and actions that they now have or that they may have in the future against EAPD Group, relating in any way to their participating in EAPD Programs or visiting the EAPD center.
Each visitor/rider agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold EAPD Group harmless from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, costs, expenses (including lawyer’s fees and costs) and other liabilities incurred by EAPD Group relating in any way to their participating in the EAPD Programs or visiting the EAPD Center.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS
All intellectual property in this website together with any materials provided at the EAPD Centre to include all patents, trade, service and other marks, registered designs, copyrights, design rights, trade and business names, database rights, domain names, moral rights and applications for any of the same, inventions, discoveries, improvements, designs, techniques, technical information, specifications, formulae, process methods and information and other protected rights, assets and know-how and any licences and permissions in connection with any of the same and the full right to all intellectual property and legal protection relating to the same, in any part of the world, including the right to sue for past infringements belong absolutely to EAPD unless otherwise indicated. No person shall be allowed to use the intellectual Property without the express written consent of EAPD.
FAQ's for Volunteering
How do I apply?
Do I need to register with Dubai Governement to volunteer?
Yes, please follow the link below, it will take 5 minutes of your time. You will need your resident ID number.
https://www.cda.gov.ae/en/Pages/Registration.aspx
Do I need to have experience with horses?
No. For each child we need one horse-experienced person to lead and control the horse, along with two side walkers per child. The side walker’s role is to support the rider during their lesson, concentrating on the rider, their completion of the tasks at hand, and relaying instructions from the instructor as required.
Do I need training to become a volunteer for EAPD?
We hold two training days for new volunteers at the start of each season in late October. However, we accept new volunteers throughout the season, and will train you during a lesson with the help of our experienced volunteers.
How many lessons do I need to commit to?
We like our volunteers to commit to one session per week. This will involve two lessons, each of 45 minutes, and usually takes a total of two hours of your time. Saturdays are slightly different, as we offer three lessons, you can come to any or all of these.
Once you commit to a session, we will expect to see you at every riding lesson, on the same day each week – please bear in mind that we are unable to give reminders of lesson times after the first time you attend a lesson.
If for any reason the EAPD team cancels a session, we will notify you as soon as possible. If you cannot attend any session then we request that you notify us as early as possible so that we can plan for your absence and/or find a replacement.
Please remember that late notification that you can't attend, or a no-show, may mean that a child comes to EAPD but is not able to ride.
How long is your season?
Our season runs from the end of October through to April. We run lessons for as long as the weather permits.
Do I need to be physically fit?
You do not need to have Olympian fitness! However, our volunteers are required to walk for the whole lesson, in hot weather, sometimes giving support to a disabled child which requires you to reach up to the rider's back or neck for the duration of the lesson. Obviously, we realize that arms can ache, so we will swap the side you are supporting if your arms require a rest.
Will I have to take a child to the bathroom?
Only school staff, parents or guardians of the rider can accompany a child that needs assistance to the bathroom.
Do I have to help the child mount/dismount?
No. The EAPD instructor on duty (along with support from school staff, parents or guardians if required) will assist the child in mounting/dismounting.
What should I wear?
You must wear suitable closed-toed footwear. (Crocs, flip-flops, soft pumps, sandals or ballet shoes are not considered appropriate!) Please ensure that you are wearing comfortable clothing that is appropriate for sustained exposure to the heat, as each lesson lasts an hour.
We would respectfully ask that no sleeveless tops or very short shorts are worn, and please refrain from wearing strong perfumes/aftershaves as this agitates the horses and riders. If you wear a headscarf, please ensure that it is fully secured and does not slip or need readjusting during the lesson.
Do I have to help tack up the horse?
EAPD staff tack up all the horses. For safety reasons, volunteers or children are not permitted entry to the stables.
In the interest of safety, we request that you do not attempt to enter the stable block unless specifically asked to do so by an EAPD staff member.
Can we give the horses treats?
You may bring treats for our horses but only EAPD staff will be able to give the horses them or give permission for visitors to feed the horses. As some of our horses are predisposed to laminitis and Cushing’s disease, both which can be fatal and are exacerbated by unsuitable food treats.
To volunteer here is actually 3-in-1 ! I can enjoy the beautiful, green, calm surroundings, do something for my body and mind, and help others! At the same time, I meet people with the same idea. It's just a wonderful experience every time.
Being involved here at the EAPD is a very rewarding experience. Seeing children blossom and gain confidence and motor skills is amazing. The setting is beautiful and tranquil, allowing the children to have a bit of quiet time as well.
Mujtaba enjoys his sessions at EAPD. His confidence level and self-esteem have built up. His posture has improved, and his communication skills have improved tremendously. Mujtaba’s overall muscle strength has increased. He knows the name of his horse and he waits eagerly every week to go to EAPD.
Yuzra's balance and posture has improved. She is very happy to mingle with people in EAPD. Her communication and social skills also show improvement.
Urpita comes down every Monday morning saying "Horse riding!" (with a big smile). Her balance has improved. Urpita’s trunk muscles are also strengthening with the exercise. She is now able to get down and climb up the steps of the bus independently.