Volunteer spotlight on Catherine, Head of Equine at Howden
This week we’re sharing the story of Catherine, Head of Equine at Howden. Catherine not only plays a key role in Howden’s partnership with RDA as RDA’s expert insurance broker and advisor, but also gives her time weekly as a dedicated volunteer at her local RDA group.
With many years of experience in crafting bespoke insurance solutions for equestrian organisations, Howden understands the intricacies of equestrian activities and the unique needs of both RDA volunteers and participants. Beyond their professional support, the Howden Equine team also actively contributes to RDA in their spare time. Howden offers all employees two volunteering days each year to give back to the community in a way that’s meaningful to them — and the Equine team has embraced this opportunity, often joining corporate volunteering days with RDA. Catherine has taken this a step further, volunteering every week with her local group.
“The initial motivation to start volunteering was being around horses after a period of not having regular equine interaction. I have ridden and owned horses for most of my life, but due to work and children, I had taken a break and found that I really missed just being around horses. Volunteering with RDA offered me the chance to have regular access to horses but also whilst knowing I was helping other people. I was fully aware of the work of RDA after being a volunteer when I was very young. We used to lead RDA ponies at the riding school where I learnt to ride.”
Catherine has now been volunteering with Twinstead and Braintree RDA for the past three years. “I love my volunteering hours! I get a huge amount of satisfaction from those two hours a week. Being around horses is a wonderful privilege and I experience first-hand the effect that it has on our riders. Getting out of the usual routine to do something that I love is so valuable. Being around horses is therapeutic and calming. No matter how stressful work can get or other aspects of life, a couple of hours being sociable, doing something active, and knowing I am making a difference to our riders is extremely fulfilling on many levels.”
The impact of RDA sessions is profound — for both riders and volunteers. “Our riders gain numerous benefits from their sessions. One of my favourite moments is seeing children trotting and squealing with excitement, which is truly heart warming. Older riders also benefit greatly, whether by strengthening weaker areas of their body, getting all-around exercise, or experiencing a sense of achievement when trying something new. Not only do the riders benefit, but the volunteers themselves. We get great personal satisfaction that we are enabling riders to know and experience the joy of horses, but away from the stables we are a tight-knit team and provide support to each other in difficult times. I know this has been invaluable for some of our volunteers and I feel incredibly lucky that I am able to play a small part in such a generous community.”
Catherine’s dedication, passion, and generosity enrich the lives of others and strengthen the RDA community. Thank you to Catherine and all RDA volunteers for everything you do.
Want to donate to support RDA’s life changing work?
