Posted: 30th November 2016 | Back to news feed
A Bristol equestrian centre has become the latest riding establishment to gain accreditation to a national scheme backed by RDA and the British Equestrian Federation.
Church Farm Equestrian and Pony Club Centre, based in Keynsham, decided to apply for Accessibility Mark accreditation to develop the long term future of the centre and ensure their services cater for riders of all abilities.
Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), in partnership with Hoof, the British Equestrian Federation’s (BEF) participation programme launched the Accessibility Mark scheme to encourage those who do not already partake in equestrian activities or would not usually have the opportunity to do so, to experience the many benefits that riding can bring.
Owner, Kay Padfield, set up the centre four years ago after teaching freelance all over the country for 25 years.
A small friendly centre, with just two horses and five ponies, Kay initially set up the centre to specialise in children aged between four and twelve after recognising a gap in the market locally.
With a few disabled riders already attending the centre, Accessibility Mark provided an avenue to allow the centre to expand into a new area while taking advantage of Kay’s own previous experience of teaching disabled riders.
The focus for Accessibility Mark will take place during school hours when it hopes to capture interest from specialist schools and day centres, offering creative lesson-planning to provide fun, productive sessions.
As a Pony Club approved centre, Church Farm would like to offer Accessibility Mark clients the opportunity to work with staff on a one-to-one basis towards the Pony Clubs recognised achievement badges.
Kay said: "As a small but busy centre, I try to be inventive in how we can provide our services across the community. Training for the Accessibility Mark scheme allows us to work with children (and adults) whose requirements are benefited by riding and interacting with horses, but who may prefer to visit during our quieter times.
“I've enjoyed teaching RDA in the past and I'm now proud to be able to offer these specialist sessions at Church Farm during school hours."
Accessibility Mark status is awarded to a riding centre that has been approved by RDA following training and assessment. The close link with the RDA means that they offer continuous support to the establishment to ensure they provide you with a first class service and an experience that aims to be hugely beneficial.
There are currently 38 Accessibility Mark approved centres across the country.
To find your nearest RDA Group click here: www.equestrianindex.com/services/equestrian-centres/riding-for-the-disabled-groups
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