Nurse Wendy Geering has, for 25 years, volunteered at the equestrian centre at Ravenswood, Norwood’s residential community in Berkshire, driving adults with disabilities in a pony and trap
Why Ravenswood?
It is a fantastic place where residents get the most fantastic opportunities and experiences. As a nurse and a horse lover, it seemed natural to volunteer at the village, which is just down the road from where I live. Every day I visit my horse Rocky, who is kept at the Ravenswood stables, so I am always willing to help out when and where needed.
What do you most enjoy about being a volunteer?
Giving adults who use the equestrian centre the opportunity to ride the horses. The therapeutic effects for adults with disabilities, who also look after the horses, are plain to see.
What is your most memorable volunteering moment?
Four years ago, I entered the Windsor Horse Show fancy dress competition with one of the stables’ most dependable horses. The horse got out of control and I had to move the crowd to safety and sedate the horse, while dressed as the Wizard of Oz in a big green beard, hat and coat! The horse has never again been taken out of the equestrian centre.