SNAINTON Riding Centre has joined a national initiative aimed at providing more opportunities for disabled riders to take up the sport.

The centre was inspired to go for Accessibility Mark accreditation after seeing the benefits that horses can bring to people with disabilities when a group of Army veterans, suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, visited the yard.

Michelle Maw, the yard manager, said: "The centre has many clients who are disabled or have special needs, so gaining Accessibility Mark accreditation allowed us to raise the standard of our service plus this gave us recognition from a well-respected association for the good work we had already started.

"Accessibility Mark provides disabled riders with an alternative route to RDA, that is potentially closer to home, and gives more flexibility in riding opportunities.

"Our aim is to encourage riders, regardless of their disabilities to reach the highest standard of riding."

Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), in partnership with Hoof, the British Equestrian Federation's 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.

Snainton Riding Centre has been established for more than 45 years providing lessons for beginners to advanced riders, with qualified instructors passing on the benefit of their many years’ experience.

With the centre already holding horse therapy sessions and group lessons for disabled riders it was felt that Accessibility Mark accreditation was a natural progression to moving the centre forward and continue to grow and cater for all rider needs.

Visit rda.org.uk for more information on the scheme.