Posted: 19th May 2016 | Back to news feed
Wildwoods Riding Centre based in Tadworth, Surrey is helping disabled riders accomplish their goals after the centre recently gained the Accessibility Mark Accreditation.
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.
Set in 20 acres of beautiful countryside at the foot of the Epsom Downs, Wildwoods Riding Centre was established in 1976 by Anthea Chambers BHSII & SM, and is a British Horse Society, Association of British Riding Schools and Pony Club approved centre.
The centre boasts a friendly atmosphere offering lessons from beginners to the more advanced rider, horse listening courses, exam training and Western riding. Clients can also perfect their skills on the centres very own Trojan horse simulator, which can be particularly beneficial in helping disabled riders with their balance and position.
With the centre having a number of disabled and autistic riders already attending for lessons it was felt that Accessibility Mark accreditation was a natural progression to moving the centre forward and continue to grow and cater for all rider needs.
One of their most rewarding successes to date is helping a client with cerebral palsy realise her dream of cantering which she had previously been told wouldn’t be possible. Using the mechanical horse she was able to train her muscles that she herself had no feeling in, sufficiently to be able to help maintain her balance in canter.
Anthea said: “Our local RDA centre had a waiting list of two years so I wanted to get involved with the scheme to benefit the local community and provide more riding opportunities. We work closely with RDA, so they can point riders in our direction who maybe want to advance their skills.
“Accessibility Mark gives our clients confidence that we have gained recognition from a well-respected organisation and we aim to provide a service of the highest standard.
“In the near future we are also looking at providing carriage driving for people with more limiting disabilities to experience the benefits of being involved with horses.”
Wildwoods Riding Centre celebrates its 40th anniversary this year and has several events planned to mark the occasion.
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 30 Accessibility Mark approved centres across the country.
To find your nearest RDA Group visit: www.equestrianindex.com/equestrian-centres/riding-for-the-disabled-groups
For Accessibility Mark centres visit www.rda.org.uk
The Equestrian Index newsfeed is compiled from articles submitted by advertising members and expresses the opinions of those members. Watsons Directories Ltd shall not be held liable for any inaccuracies or mis-statements therein.