Since 1972 the Centre has been heavily involved in providing riding and “hands-on” experience for many groups and individuals of all ages with varying disabilities. For almost 25 years between ten and twelve ponies were actively engaged in the disabled riding group and on their retirement many of those horses and ponies were loaned out to homes for clients with special needs. Some of these are non-riders but derive immense pleasure from having a pony to love and care for.

We have also been actively finding, training and re-homing suitable horses and ponies for other RDA groups. Recently we have successfully re-homed three ponies, one Haflinger and two Highlands, one of which is also an experienced driving pony. One advert generated five enquiries from RDA, ride-and-drive groups as well as private individuals; it seems such ponies are difficult to come by!

When suitable horses or ponies arrive here to be re-homed our policy is to try to place them into such groups or private homes where their precious qualities can be used to the greatest benefit. Sadly so many of the wonderful horses and ponies that have given so much to so many are no longer with us and they are greatly missed.

We also take in horses and ponies that have been returned from RDA groups for various reasons; some due to age, others need a change of scenery or have become unsound. Riding groups are no longer held at the Centre however we continue to train ponies for riders with disabilities otherwise we can also offer a short ride on one of the two annual Open Days, the next being the 16th May.