Posted: 22nd March 2017 | Back to news feed
Wrea Green Equitation Centre, based in between Blackpool and Preston, recently held a successful event to mark Disabled Access Day. 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.
The Accessibility Mark accredited centre welcomed 20 potential new clients on the day, who thoroughly enjoyed the activities organised to highlight what can be achieved by disabled riders.
Throughout the afternoon visitors were given a guided tour of the yard, where they were encouraged to pat the ponies, before watching a riding demonstration by the centre’s Accessibility Mark riders.
As all those that attended had no previous experience of horses, yard owner Christine Pollit, gave a short health and safety talk using Solo the pony dressed as a fairy. The inspiration behind the pony in fancy dress was to focus the attention of some of the children who had autism.
To finish, the children were treated to a short ride before feeding the ponies a well-deserved carrot, with the staff assisting to make sure everyone went home with their fingers intact!
Christine said: “Our Disabled Access Day event was really well supported by our local community, with a great turnout of people. We secured future bookings from at least three of those that attended.
“Seeing the reaction of one little girl that instantly calmed when she was stroking one of our ponies makes all the effort so worthwhile and the parents were thrilled with how much the children enjoyed the event.”
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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