For the Love of Volunteers .. and Horses

Voices of Volunteer Leadership

For Barbara Peterson, Volunteer Coordinator at Ambury Park Centre, every day is about connection. As the first point of contact for prospective volunteers, Barbara provides information, welcomes them to the centre, keeps them updated on news, and supports ongoing training. “I usually meet volunteers when they first show interest and then continue to support them as they grow in their roles,” she says.

Barbara’s journey in volunteer leadership was inspired by her mentor, Debra, the former office manager and a long-time volunteer who demonstrated the value of caring for people and recognising their contributions. “I realised I loved telling our Ambury story and sharing it with others,” Barbara recalls. “And I loved seeing the spark of joy in prospective volunteers when they met our wonderful herd and saw the work we do first-hand.”

Her inspiration for joining Ambury Park Centre came from witnessing the transformative impact of riding therapy. “A friend of mine attended sessions as a child, and I remember sitting in the arena with his mum, seeing the magic happen,” she says. When an opportunity arose to join the organisation, Barbara couldn’t resist. “I wanted to be part of the magic, too!”

What Barbara enjoys most about her role is working with a diverse range of volunteers and learning what the experience means to them.

“It’s life-changing work,” she says, “and I honestly think it can be as life-changing for our volunteers as it is for our riders.”

She finds purpose in knowing that her work supports outcomes that improve the quality of life and wellbeing for everyone involved.**

Volunteers at Ambury Park Centre make a profound difference. Barbara highlights the bonds formed between volunteers, riders, and horses. “We try to keep the same volunteers with the same horses and riders so all three form a special bond,” she explains. “Seeing that rapport develop and watching riders progress over time shows how fundamental volunteers are to the success of our programme.”

Volunteers have also taught Barbara about joy, kindness, and the power of giving. “There are so many people willing to do good purely out of a desire to make the world better,” she reflects. Leading volunteers has helped her grow in confidence and reinforced her love for creating rewarding experiences for others.

Challenges naturally come with the role. Volunteer numbers fluctuate, and sometimes a placement isn’t the right match. “It can be hard to say goodbye to long-term volunteers we’ve grown to care about,” Barbara admits. But these experiences have helped her develop resilience and a commitment to continuous learning. She has adapted her approach over time, investing in quality time with volunteers and refining induction processes to support retention.

Barbara also volunteers on rides herself, finding it profoundly rewarding to see the benefits of the programme up close. “Volunteering is a gift—a love language of service to one’s community,” she says. “It enhances perspective and reminds you that small acts, multiplied by many people, truly make the world better.”

Looking ahead, Barbara sees the future of volunteering as a space where human connection remains irreplaceable. “Some roles may be filled with technology, but the healing connection between humans and horses is something that will never be replaced,” she says. Her courageous steps this year include staying positive amidst challenges, encouraging proactive action, and keeping volunteers focused on what can be achieved.

Barbara’s advice to others in volunteer management is simple: “Invest in volunteers—help them feel valued and connected to the organisation they support. Absolutely go for it if you have a heart for people and love connection. You will meet the most amazing people and get to see the best of humanity. It will be life-changing in the most positive way.”

If one sentence sums up why she does what she does, it’s clear:

“For the love!”

Through her leadership, Barbara not only supports Ambury Park Centre but helps volunteers and riders alike experience the joy, growth, and magic that comes from giving and connecting.

Find out more about volunteering at Ambury Park Centre