Snainton Riding Centre, A North Yorkshire-based riding centre has joined the Accessibility Mark initiative aimed at providing more opportunities for disabled riders to take up the sport.
Snainton Riding Centre, based near Scarborough was inspired to put the centre forward for Accessibility Mark accreditation after seeing the benefits that horses can bring to people with disabilities after a group of Army veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder visited the yard.
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.
Snainton Riding Centre has been established for more than 45 years providing lessons for beginners to advanced riders, with qualified instructors passing on the benefit of their many years’ experience.
With the centre already holding Horse Therapy sessions and group lessons for disabled riders 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.
With steady growth of clients wishing to take part in the Accessibility Mark sessions, the centre is hoping to increase the number of opportunities during the spring and summer and hope to develop their services to include mental well-being through working and being around horses, prompted by the success of the work done with the ex-servicemen.
Yard Manager 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 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.”
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 26 Accessibility Mark approved centres across the country.
To find your nearest RDA Group or Accessibility Mark centre visit the RDA website.
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.