Posted: 20th May 2016 | Back to news feed
Parkside Stables in Alfreton, Derbyshire is hoping to encourage more disabled people to take up riding as a sport, having recently gained their Accessibility Mark accreditation.
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.
The Stables was established 53 years ago by Suzanne Brookes with one pony on a rented field and she built the business up against the odds. After purchasing her own land and with the support of the community, the stables began to flourish, with Suzanne even building the stables herself.
Suzanne’s aim was to make riding affordable and this success has seen generations of the same families return to learn to ride, a true family business, Suzanne now runs the riding school with her son Simon Stalker and daughter-in-law Amanda Stalker.
Parkside Stables is an Association of British Riding Schools approved centre that thrives on their friendly relaxed atmosphere, regularly holding shows and games evenings.
The Stables has always catered for riders of all abilities including disabled and autistic riders, with some having attended for 20 years.
Accessibility Mark provides clients with the confidence that the Stables have the skills and experience to up-hold the high standards set out by RDA. They now have up to 20 disabled riders participating in activities per week, with some spending the day on the yard, really benefiting from the therapeutic side of spending time with horses.
Amanda praised the scheme for its simple system to gain accreditation: “I had previously explored the possibility of becoming an RDA centre but the process was just so time consuming with the need to set up charitable status. Accessibility Mark is such a simple route to gaining approval as well as access to the wealth of experience the RDA has to offer.
“Our staff were all so enthusiastic and really enjoyed the training. Having met all the criteria and following the specialist training I feel we are better placed to be able to confidently and competently offer riding for people with disabilities.”
Liz Seals, daughter Laura regularly attends lessons at Parkside Stables and has seen the benefit that riding can bring: “Laura has severe learning difficulties and her first experience of riding was a trip to the RDA with school, she loved it so much I booked her a lesson at Parkside Stables and she has never looked back.
“Laura is 22-years-old now and goes to the stables two full days a week. It has given her so much confidence, helping her to mix with other people and I notice how much clearer her speech is when she comes home.”
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 30 Accessibility Mark approved centres across the country.
To find your nearest RDA Group visit: www.equestrianindex.com/equestrian-centres/riding-for-the-disabled-groups
or Accessibility Mark centre visit www.rda.org.uk
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