Avon Riding Centre is a member group of the RDA (Riding For the Disabled Association) and aims to provide accessible riding for all abilities.

​

RIDING FOR ALL

​

The Avon Centre has excellent facilities, including a large indoor arena and floodlit outdoor all weather surface arena. We offer lessons to riders with additional needs and support requirements (physical, intellectual, communication, sensory, behavioural, etc) from beginners working at walk, to those more capable and independent riders working at all paces and show jumping. We run in-house dressage and show jumping competitions for RDA riders during school holidays. Some of our riders are also able to represent the Group in annual Regional and National Competitions run by the RDA.  There is, however, no pressure to enter competitions for those who simply want to achieve their personal goals. We have extensive land for hacking and a simulator (mechanical horse) which can be used to improve fitness, balance, core strength and to practise aspects of riding.

​

​

RDA Riding

​

Lessons provide therapy, enjoyment and achievement to riders with a wide range of impairments and disabilities. Our RDA Coordinator is happy to discuss the potential benefits to a particular participant or disability before an application is made, if required.

​

See also The Therapeutic Benefits

​

Children must be 4 + and attending Reception at school; there is no upper age limit. Riders must weigh no more than our current weight limit of 12 1/2 stone in full riding clothes, including hat and outdoor clothing in the winter. We consider all applications on an individual basis and there are very few riders we are unable to accommodate. For some riders we may need to request a recommendation from a clinician or have confirmation from a medical professional that your condition does not preclude you from riding (section 2 of the registration form).

 

Once a space becomes available that may be suitable for you, you will be invited in for an assessment with an RDA Coach. Once riding, we regularly review progress and goals and are happy to share these with participants.

 

To apply please fill out this form and send it via post or email to RDAKim@theavoncentre.org.uk. You will be contacted for an assessment session when we have a space that might be appropriate for you. We have a long waiting list, particularly for children.

​

We offer stable management and individual lessons during school holidays subject to availability.

​

Click here for testimonials.

​

AVON RDA GROUPS MISSION IS  ‘THERAPY – ACHIEVEMENT – FUN’

 

RECOGNISING AND REWARDING ACHIEVEMENT

RDA activities offer a great platform for learning and achieving in an environment that is supportive, engaging, rewarding…….and fun! Achievement is recognised and celebrated in many different ways at Avon RDA Group.

 

RDA Proficiency tests

These ‘riding’ and ‘horse care’ tests have been carefully developed by RDA Coaching experts. They form a key part of the wider RDA Education ‘Learning through Horses, Learning for Life’ programme, offering a valuable opportunity to recognise and reward achievement, at all levels of ability.

The RDA Proficiency test programme has been designed to be as accessible as possible, encouraging participants on each step of the way. From Grades 1 to 4, the tests gradually increase in difficulty, providing an attainable challenge within the scope of each individual’s capabilities. They allow a rider to obtain useful, practical knowledge starting at a basic level. Badges and certificates are awarded for each level achieved.

The tests have a pre-determined syllabus.  Syllabus cards, training aids and revision sheets are available from your coach and can be taken home, or back to care or education centres, so that participants can share their knowledge and experiences with family, teachers, friends and carers (who can also help them to practice!) Research shows that participants often achieve more when they are encouraged to work towards a goal.  The tests can be a real motivator and can help to engage and focus participants in their activities each week.

 

RDA Endeavour awards

These awards recognise and reward individual rider’s achievements, regardless of ability type, without the constraint of a set syllabus or the need to take any kind of test. Badges and certificates are awarded by your RDA coach. They can be awarded for anything that shows progression, development or achievement of something special over a period of time.

 

RDA Grass Roots Endurance League

Endurance riding was introduced to the range of RDA disciplines in 2012 to encourage riders to enjoy and benefit from riding outside as well as indoors. Sessions can take place out on a hack, or while warming down at the end of a session. Coaches’ record distances achieved and rosettes are awarded at 5km, 10km and 25km distances achieved during the period 1st April – 31st March each year. Rosettes are awarded by RDA UK on submission of rider’s achievement each term

 

Avon RDA Group Annual rider awards

Annual Avon RDA awards are usually presented at the December ‘Christmas Around the World (including the Nativity)’ event. RDA riders are nominated by RDA Coaches based on their achievements throughout the year. Nominations are voted on by all our RDA Coaches before awards are decided. Annual awards include:

Don White– Most improved adult

Kerry Stoves – Most improved child

Stella Saywell – Most improved (adult/child) with a physical disability

Trophies are engraved with the riders’ details and kept on display at the Centre. Recipients receive a smaller trophy that is theirs to keep.

 

Ridden Competitions

At Avon RDA Group we offer access to a range of competitions (countryside challenge, show jumping and dressage) which are practised and prepared for during weekly lessons. There is an entry cost for these competitions.

In-house competitions are held at the Avon Centre during school holidays (October half term, February half term and Easter school holidays) and include riders from other RDA Groups in our Mid-West Region. Anyone can enter, but we recommend a discussion with your coach to determine the most suitable class. This is an excellent opportunity for riders competing for the first time. All competitors will receive a rosette.

RDA Regional competitions are held annually in May. Avon RDA riders are invited to participate in the usual disciplines (countryside challenge, show jumping and dressage). These competitions are usually held offsite. This is a qualifying competition for the RDA National Championship. Participants are divided into junior, senior or open classes. All riders receive a rosette.

RDA National Championships are held annually at Hartpury College in Gloucester for qualifying riders over a weekend (Friday – Sunday) in July. Competitors are drawn from all RDA Regions across the country. Participants are divided into junior, senior or open classes. All riders receive a rosette.

 

Arts and Crafts - Regional Competition (May) and National Championship (July)

Participants may enter a junior, senior, individual or group class in the following disciplines:

• Picture, painting or drawing

• Collage

• Sculpture

• Photography

There is an entry cost for these competitions. Regional qualifiers can go through to the National Championships. All participants receive a rosette.

 

Creative Writing Competition

An annual competition run by RDA UK where participants can submit a poem, letter or short story. Participants are divided into junior and senior classes. All participants receive a rosette.

 

At RDA therapy is often disguised as an opportunity to have fun

​

​