Posted: 22nd March 2017 | Back to news feed
The Disabled Access Day event held by Church Farm Equestrian Centre, based in Bristol, introduced horse riding to disabled people who had previously not considered it as an activity available to them. Accessibility Mark joined forces with Disabled Access Day, which aimed at encouraging more disabled people to visit new places and take up new activities such as horse riding.
Hailed as a huge success, the centre welcomed both adults and children to their special event, many of whom attended with their carers.
The event inspired seven new clients to take up future riding lessons and enquiries from others about taster sessions, meaning that some of the centre’s dedicated Accessibility Mark sessions are now full.
Of those attending, most had not previously ridden, proving the day had achieved its aim of introducing horse riding to complete novices. Some people commented that they had always wanted to try horse riding and that the Disabled Access Day event provided the perfect opportunity to give it a go.
Centre owner, Kay Padfield said: “There is high demand for RDA in our area so it feels fabulous to be able to offer the opportunity for more disabled clients to ride with us at Church Farm Equestrian Centre. Seeing the joy on our clients’ faces is very rewarding and we had some great feedback from the day.”
Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), in partnership with the British Equestrian Federation’s (BEF) participation programme launched the revolutionary Accessibility Mark scheme with the aim of getting more disabled people to participate in 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 a first class experience that aims to be hugely beneficial.
For more information about Disabled Access Day please visit www.disabledaccessday.com
To find your nearest RDA Group or Accessibility Mark centre visit www.rda.org.uk.
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