VOLUNTEERS from The Scots PGC College took to the Warwick Showgrounds arena for training to assist disabled riders.

Tracey Sexton, who is a coach for Riding for the Disabled Association Queensland, follows the organisation's belief that riding develops abilities.

"In the second and third school terms, we have riders come from the Warwick East and West state schools for riding sessions held on Wednesdays," Mrs Sexton said.

"We have 15 volunteers from Scots PGC from Years 7-10, as well as volunteers from Assumption College," she said.

"Both schools have been supporting Riding for the Disabled for a number of years."

RDA volunteers receive essential training so they can assist disabled riders with learning to ride.

"The volunteers must have some training in horse handling and assisting riders in the activities we do in each session," Mrs Sexton said.

"Once the volunteers become comfortable with their skills in the situation they really enjoy it," she said.

"The benefit for the volunteers is watching the rider progress and gain new achievements, like being able to pick up a tennis ball, which is very rewarding."

As a coach, Mrs Sexton said the job can be challenging but is also very rewarding.

"We have a great team who work together to gain the best outcome for the riders," she said.

"We cater to a range of disabilities and we have a number of new riders with this year."

The program helps the riders to build social networks and relationships while bolstering their riding skills and confidence.

"Riders are selected by their schools and they have criteria for selecting who will have the most benefit from riding," Mrs Sexton said.

"The rhythm of the horse walking and moving can have a calming effect on some, and the ability for a rider be able to control or relate to a bigger animal and also interact with the volunteers is important," she said.

"By the end of the riding with the encouragement of the coaches and volunteers they can achieve something, which is always very encouraging and rewarding."