
OUR STORY
The Avon Riding Centre was founded by Stella Saywell, one of the first physiotherapists that were involved in therapeutic riding even before the formation of the Riding for the Disabled Association in 1969.
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Therapeutic Riding
For more than forty years, the Avon RDA (Riding for the Disabled Association) Group has provided therapeutic riding for children and adults with a wide range of disabilities and impairments, visible and invisible. We aim to improve lives by focussing on the health and wellbeing benefits of bringing people and horses together.
The Avon RDA Group is one of the larger groups in the UK with a large indoor arena, an outdoor arena, a mechanical horse simulator and almost 100 acres of fields and woods. The RDA Group provides therapeutic riding for almost 100 people every week, who benefit from a carefully structured programme of riding sessions.
We offer riding for people living with disabilities and impairments, including physical and learning disabilities, sensory impairments, long-term health conditions, and neurodiversity. The minimum age for riding is 4 ½; there is no upper age limit. Participants may self-refer or be referred by educational providers, medical professionals or other specialists.
Our riding programme improves mobility, boosts physical health and mental wellbeing, builds confidence and teaches new skills. Simply sitting up straight on a moving horse or pony provides physiotherapy response and core strengthening. Improved core strength means better balance and improved mobility in everyday life.
Horses and ponies are natural therapists, they are non-judgemental with huge empathy. They can give riders
· access to the outdoors and nature across our extensive estate.
· the opportunity to learn a skill and take part in a physical activity
· resilience and confidence.
This is all made possible by our small staff team, dedicated arena volunteers, experienced and qualified coaches, and specially selected and trained horses and ponies in a friendly, understanding and accepting environment.
See more information about our therapeutic riding programme at this link – AVON RDA | The Avon Centre
Commercial Riding
Avon Riding Club provides lessons for riders age 7 and above. We have an indoor and outdoor school, a full set of show jumps and extensive hacking. Group lessons have a maximum of 6 riders. We have a full size simulator to work on specific areas of improvement.
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By riding through Avon Riding Club, you not only gain the benefits of lessons with BHS accredited coaches but you support the Charitable work of the Avon Centre.
We welcome enquiries from anyone who would like to know more about our work.
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Beyond The Gait
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During the Covid pandemic The Avon Centre developed a new, non-ridden, Wellbeing activity working with a small team of rescue Shetland ponies to support people's emotional health. This allows people access not only to equine facilitated learning, but also to the beneficial effects being in nature in over 100 acres of woodlands and pastures.
Meet the Trustees
Amy Connelly
As a qualified solicitor Amy is able to bring her legal knowledge to the board. She has ridden at the Centre as an RDA Rider for many years and is passionate about the Centre and what it does.
Sylvia Vincent
Sylvia Vincent has a wide variety of experience working with charities which is extremely beneficial to the Centre. Sylvia is very familiar with the Centre as her daughter started her Paralympic journey here at the Centre when she was 4 years old.
Clifford Evans
Cliff is a retired teacher and trade unionist. He has expertise in Health and Safety and Employment Law.