Posted: 15th March 2016 | Back to news feed

A FORWARD thinking nationwide initiative to encourage more disabled people to take up horse riding is going from strength to strength, with the number of riding schools applying for Accessibility Mark accreditation rapidly growing.

Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), in partnership with Hoof, the British Equestrian Federation’s (BEF) participation initiative launched ‘Accessibility Mark’, following a successful pilot of the scheme in 2015.

With 26 riding schools throughout the country approved there are now many opportunities available to cater for riders of all needs, allowing more people than ever before to get involved in sport and activity and also benefit from the mental well-being of working with and being around horses.

Three new riding establishments have joined up since the start of 2016, these are Friars Hill Stables and Snainton Riding Centre both in North Yorkshire and Smarden Therapeutic Stables based in Kent.

All three new centres are already reaping the reward of their accreditation, through the experience provided to staff members during the RDA’s training, to the confidence the centres can then give to their clients.

Yard Manager at Snainton Riding Centre Michelle Maw praised the scheme and the credibility it brings to the experience of the staff: “The centre has many clients who are disabled or have special needs, so gaining Accessibility Mark accreditation has allowed us to raise the standard of our service plus this gave us recognition from a well-respected association for the good work we had already started.

“Accessibility Mark provides disabled riders with an alternative route to RDA, that is potentially closer to home, and gives more flexibility in riding opportunities. Our aim is to encourage riders, regardless of their disabilities to reach the highest standard of riding.”

Equestrian centres willing to partake in the scheme are required to successfully undertake training and complete an assessment before earning accreditation from RDA in the form of ‘Accessibility Mark’ status. The scheme offers ongoing support and training, as well as access to a range of RDA programmes designed to help deliver the best possible experience to riders.

For information on how to become an Accessibility Mark centre contact Jo Hayward at RDA at jhayward@rda.org.uk or call 01926 492915.

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