Posted: 22nd August 2019 | Back to news feed
Malvern Riding School based in Worcestershire has been teaching riders with additional needs since 2012. After recently gaining Accessibility Mark accreditation, the centre hopes to welcome more disabled people to take to the saddle.
Accessibility Mark is a nationwide joint scheme between Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) and the British Equestrian Federation to provide more riding opportunities for disabled people.
Owner, Julie Davies-Bennetts, is a British Dressage judge and regularly competes in dressage competitions herself, as well as being a registered care professional for Worcestershire County Council through their Shared Lives programme.
Three adults with learning disability, physical disability, acquired brain injury and partially sighted are supported by Julie and her experience means she has a great understanding of the huge benefits that horse riding or just spending time with horses can have.
Growing up as a horse-mad youngster, Julie gained her BHSAI in 1980 and after years of doing what she calls ‘proper jobs’, Julie realised her dream of owning a riding school at the age of 50.
During her time in ‘proper’ employment she continued her equestrian training and is a Stage Four Senior Coach and holds the British Horse Society Stable Manager's certificate.
Said Julie: “When I was a working pupil back in 1979 I was aware of RDA, as the local group would come along and use the facilities and horses where I worked. I firmly believe that neither age nor disability should be a barrier to achieving your dreams.”
Malvern Riding School is a British Horse Society approved centre which is Highly Commended for instruction and also a holds the Pony Club accreditation, so applying for Accessibility Mark status seemed the right thing to do.
Accessibility Support Officer (ASO), Lizzie Hill, visited the stables to conduct a training day with Julie and her team.
“We all found the training really useful, particularly the mounting and dismounting section, as safety is paramount and this is the time when the rider is most vulnerable.
“Lizzie was so friendly and easy to talk to; she made everyone feel so at ease. It’s also very reassuring to know that she is just at the end of the phone for advice, to ensure any particular needs of individual riders are met.”
“As a small riding school we aim to offer diversity and riding for all, and I am certain the Accessibility Mark accreditation will give our riders confidence, knowing we are properly trained and passionate about the services we offer.” added Julie.
Julie is ambitious for the centre to succeed in training disabled riders and one day hopes to play a role in producing a para rider at the top of the sport.
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.
For more information call Malvern Riding School on 07766 853668 or visit www.malvernridingschool.co
There are currently 53 Accessibility Mark-approved centres across the country.
To find your nearest RDA Group or Accessibility Mark centre visit www.rda.org.uk
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