A Summer in the Saddle for Children with Disabilities

A holiday activity can sometimes inspire a lifelong hobby and with many families choosing a staycation over a trip abroad this year, now could be the ideal time to have a go at something new.

Finding an activity for disabled children and adults can sometimes be more of a challenge, with fewer options available.

Horse riding is a great holiday activity and there are several Accessibility Mark accredited centres close to UK holiday hotspots.

Accessibility Mark status is awarded to a riding centre that has been approved by the RDA following training and assessment. The close link with the RDA means that it can offer continuous support to the establishment to ensure it provides a first-class experience that aims to be hugely beneficial to riders of varying levels of disability.

The south coast has a number of Accessibility Mark centres across Hampshire, Cornwall and Dorset, with centres also in other popular holiday destinations such as Yorkshire and Norfolk, all providing fantastic riding experiences for disabled people.

Louise Buckner, Centre Manager at Island Riding Centre based in the stunning location of the Isle of Wight said:

At Island Riding Centre we have the most wonderful facilities for disabled riders, including one of the Island’s few Changing Places facilities and a range of self-catering holiday accommodation suitable for disabled people with ground floor bedrooms, wet rooms and even adjustable height kitchen worktops.

The site is fully accessible for wheelchair users and has a motorised para-rider hoist to help with mounting, and large indoor and outdoor arenas. Anyone who is visiting the area over the summer months is more than welcome to book a session or even a riding holiday available all year round. It also provides an opportunity for all the family to get involved with one activity together.”

Taking to the saddle has many benefits for people with both physical and mental disabilities, from the sense of freedom felt when on the horse to being able to connect with other people enjoying the same activity.

Wherever you are holidaying this summer there is sure to be an Accessibility Mark approved centre close by, so book your lesson today!

To find your nearest RDA Group or Accessibility Mark centre visit www.rda.org.uk   

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Suzanne Ashton

Suzanne Ashton, Founder of Everything Horse (Est, 2012), has a BA Hons in Marketing Management and a Diploma in Equine Science. Suzanne has ridden and owned horses all her life and has twelve years of experience in marketing, writing, design, SEO, and website creation.