Tapping into the Therapeutic Benefits of Riding with Accessibility Mark
Barnfields Riding Stables based in Chingford, London is looking forward to welcoming more disabled riders to take to the saddle, thanks to Accessibility Mark.
Located near the popular horse riding locations of High Beach and Epping Forest, Barnfields Stables offer lessons to riders of all abilities but specialise in novice and nervous riders.
Owner Natasha Burke decided to apply for accreditation after finding details of the joint scheme between the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) and the British Equestrian Federation online.
Accessibility Mark aims to provide riding schools with the knowledge to confidently deliver sessions to disabled riders.
The team at Barnfields was inspired to seek out more training to expand their services to disabled riders having seen for themselves the benefits that horse riding and spending time with horses can have, especially on riders with learning disabilities.
Said Natasha: “We have seen first-hand the effect that horses can have on the well-being of people and we are teaching people for whom riding is beneficial both mentally and physically.
All staff members have undergone the compulsory training with an Accessibility Support Officer (ASO), thoroughly enjoying the experience with enthusiasm to take on-board new techniques that they have being putting into practice.
“We feel we are at a point where we have more to offer, we have perfect horses for disabled riders, and the staff are trained and ready to go! It will be rewarding for our staff and our yard.” added Natasha.
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.
There are currently 52 Accessibility Mark-approved centres across the country.
To find your nearest RDA Group or Accessibility Mark centre visit www.rda.org.uk
